The Annual Big Barn Deep Clean Winter Bedding Blowout!

The heavy and consistent rains of the 2025 Spring season persist, but the hard-working volunteers and staff took to their skid-steers and pitchforks to clear organic clutter from the residents’ pens. Throughout the weekend of June 6th-8th, we used both rented machinery and human power to remove older straw, hay, and waste that found its way into every nook and cranny of the pens during the winter months. TGCS will spread the straw and manure bedding across the 14-acre south hay pasture after new seed is plugged into the soil. The newly seeded and fertilized hay pasture will rest (not be cut or consumed) until it is baled in late Spring 2026, providing the residents a backstock of nutrient rich hay.

Why do we let the bedding build up over the winter?
Using this “deep litter” method in cold climates provides insulation in the winter months. Instead of removing soiled bedding, fresh bedding like straw or shavings is added on top. The bottom layers decompose and generate heat, while the top layer stays dry and clean. The temperature inside the barn is about the same as outside, though the barn walls and roof provide protection from rain, snow, and wind.

A big shout out to the flexible, friendly staff of Southside Rental and the rental services that they provide. (Southside boasts a huge selection of equipment, from hedge trimmers to excavators, everything you need for your next project.)

The biggest BIG shout out goes to YOU! If you have donated money, volunteered, or found another way to contribute to the well-being of the residents of The Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary, we want you to know that "The Annual Big Barn Deep Clean Winter Bedding Blowout!" would not have been possible without your support. We've used donated funds to procure rental machinery, PPE for volunteers and staff, and to hire outside community members with large equipment for pasture maintenance. Your contributions directly ensure a high standard of lifetime care for the Sanctuary's residents. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Ben Walker
Sanctuary Operations Manager

The weekend was a big success and we are so grateful for your contributions and participation to make our spring barn clean happen! We look forward to continuing to work with our community on other big projects to keep making this special place a sanctuary for our residents.

If you’re wondering, "Where can I volunteer to help the animals and spend a day outdoors?” Visit the Civic Champs website to submit an application to join the Goat Conspiracy Sanctuary volunteer team. Seriously, the residents really want to meet you:)