Straw is used as insulation inside dog houses and on the trail. It's hollow in nature so does a great job of helping the dogs stay warm. We buy our straw locally from farmers in Delta Junction. Straw is purchased in one big bulk order in the fall and then stored/used throughout the winter. We go through 30-40 bales per winter depending on the temperatures, and donating here helps offset those costs. The checkout process asks for your address - this is just a default of the website platform. Thank you!