Often we have joked that it would be nice if we could pull the plug and deflate the goats and sheep then put them on a shelf when the weather is cold or the wind is blowing. Unfortunately - that isn't possible and in fact the little beasties want to eat every day. With the super inflated hay and grain prices we are currently experiencing (alfalfa hay has gone from $165/ton in 2018, $206/ton in 2019 to $400/ton in November, 2022) - the cost of keeping stock over the winter months when training/trialing sessions generally decline has become a critical concern to RTN's bottom line. Even scratch grains have doubled in the past year - and that's not chicken feed. Everyone enjoys consistent, reliable stock to work and this program is designed to help continue offering the quality and variety our membership has come to expect. This program is completely voluntary, but your generosity is greatly appreciated.