Something wonderful just happened at Freedom Farms. Thanks to your donations — and the skilled work of Fencing 101 — a new fence now surrounds the cows’ pasture! It may look simple, but this fence differs greatly from a fence you’d find on a ranch. See what makes it special!

The Sanctuary Difference

Most commercial farm fences are designed for utility and budget. Ours is designed with cow safety and well-being first. To ensure our residents are protected to the highest degree, we followed the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) ruminant standards. Here is how our new enclosure goes above and beyond: 

• No Barbs, No Hazards: You won’t find a single strand of barbed or razor wire here. While common on regular farms, these pose a major injury risk. In a sanctuary environment, "safe" means smooth, high-tensile materials that protect delicate skin.
• Safety Caps: Every metal T-post is topped with a specialized safety cap. It’s a small detail that prevents accidental impalement or scrapes if a cow gets frisky or startled near the perimeter.
• Strength in Stability: To withstand the pressure of a 1,000lb+ cow leaning in for a scratch, our posts are firmly fixed in the ground with specific 10-foot spacing, ensuring the fence never sags or detaches under the weight of sanctuary life.
  
  

The "Heavy Duty" Entry: Cow Insights from Fencing 101

A fence is only as secure as its weakest point: the gate. Our builder integrated a few cool features that make this pasture exceptionally functional for both animals and caregivers:

"This gate is heavy-duty and built to last. It opens over 90 degrees, so if we need to get emergency vehicles or equipment in and out, the gate is never in the way. We’ve also installed a gravity-fed 'Cowboy Latch.' It’s on the outside where the animals can't fiddle with it — because as anyone who knows cows can tell you, they are surprisingly good at opening gates!" 

— Fencing 101

By using a latch that relies on gravity and is positioned out of reach, we ensure that even our most intellectual residents stay exactly where they belong.

The Freedom Farms cows can now graze, explore, and rest knowing they are protected inside a secure pasture.

And that happened because people like you stepped up to help.

A Critical Step for the Sanctuary

Freedom Farms was created to give rescued animals a second chance at life. Building a sanctuary requires not just compassion, but the infrastructure to keep animals safe.

For our cows, fencing was one of the most urgent needs.

Without it, curious cows could wander into unsafe areas or face outside dangers. Now, with a secure enclosure in place, they can roam freely while caregivers keep them protected.

Peaceful Moments in the Pasture

Look out across the pasture now, and you’ll see something beautiful:

Cows are grazing quietly in the grass.
Friends are resting side by side in the sun.
The herd is moving peacefully through the field.

They may seem like small moments, but for animals who were once at risk, they mean everything. And every peaceful moment inside that pasture exists because compassion built this fence.

Their Care Continues

Completing the fence is a huge milestone — but caring for rescued animals never stops.

Every day, the sanctuary provides:

• Nutritious food
• Veterinary care
• Habitat maintenance
• Shelter and enrichment

As the sanctuary grows, so does the need for continued support.

Today, the cows are safer because of this new fence. But their future still depends on people who believe animals deserve a second chance.

If you can, please consider making a gift to support Freedom Farms today. Your donation helps provide food, medical care, habitat improvements, and a permanent refuge where rescued animals can live in peace.

Every gift — large or small — helps strengthen this sanctuary.

Learn more about the animals and the efforts we're making at our Creston-based sanctuary. 

Please consider donating to support educational tours, a cow shelter, and other special projects to grow the animal rights movement on California’s Central Coast.