The UK Hay Shortage: Why It Matters (and How You Can Help)
Right now, the UK is facing a very real hay shortage. After challenging growing conditions and a difficult season for forage production, many suppliers are reporting reduced availability and record-high prices. Reports in the media, including the BBC, have highlighted how some owners are struggling to afford enough hay to feed their animals.
For animal sanctuaries like ours, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a welfare issue. Hay is a vital part of the diet for many of our residents, especially through winter and during periods when grazing is limited. When hay becomes scarce or expensive, the knock-on impact is immediate.
If you’re new to us, you can learn more about who we are and the work we do here: About Northcote Horses & Animals.
Hay provides essential fibre that supports healthy digestion, steady weight, and natural feeding behaviour. For animals like horses, ponies, goats and other grazing species, forage is a core part of their daily routine.
In addition, many animals need access to forage even when grass growth slows. During colder months, wet spells, or dry periods, hay is often the difference between “making do” and meeting basic nutritional needs properly.
Several factors have combined to put pressure on hay supplies across the UK. These include poor growing conditions in parts of the country, reduced yields, and earlier-than-usual reliance on stored forage. As a result, demand increases while supply tightens — and prices rise.
Unfortunately, this is the type of challenge that hits animal carers twice: there is less hay available to buy, and what is available costs significantly more.
We plan and budget carefully, but hay is one of our biggest ongoing essentials. When prices rise sharply, it affects how far our funds can go. That means every bale has to stretch further, and every penny matters.
We will always put the animals first. However, sudden increases in hay costs can place extra strain on a charity like ours, especially during winter when the need for forage is highest.
If you’re able to help, there are a few simple ways to make a real difference. Even small actions add up, especially during a period like this.
Your support helps us buy hay and keep our animals fed through the toughest months. If you can donate, you can do so here: Support Our Sanctuary.
Visits help fund day-to-day care and also spread awareness of what it takes to keep a sanctuary running. If you’d like to come along, you can plan your visit here: Visit Northcote Horses & Animals.
If you can’t donate right now, sharing this page still helps hugely. The more people who understand the hay shortage and its impact, the more support sanctuaries and animal carers can reach.
We know times are tough for everyone, and we never take support for granted. Whether you donate, visit, or simply share our story, you’re helping to protect the animals who depend on us.
Thank you for standing with our sanctuary during the UK hay shortage. 💚
Hay supplies can drop when growing conditions are poor and yields are reduced. When that happens, demand often rises at the same time — especially if people need to feed earlier than usual — which puts further pressure on price and availability.
Straw is not the same as hay. Hay is a forage feed used for nutrition, while straw is mainly bedding and has far less nutritional value. Many animals need hay (or suitable forage alternatives) as part of a healthy diet.
Donations help us purchase hay and essential feed when prices rise unexpectedly. They also help protect funds that are needed for veterinary care, farrier visits, repairs, and animal welfare needs.
You can support us here: Support Our Sanctuary.
