Plan Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Horse Farms Forever

John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

by Horse Farms Forever | Sep 16, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Lexington, KY – September 13, 2021– Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce that John and Leslie Malone were recognized as the recipients of the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award during the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) 35th National Awards Dinner on September 11th in Lexington, Kentucky.

The award, established in 2014 as a partnership between TOBA and ELCR to help increase awareness of the importance of land conservation to the Thoroughbred industry and to serve as an inspiration to others within the industry, is presented annually at the TOBA National Awards dinner.

John Malone, the largest landowner in the United States, is no stranger to the conservation world. A well-respected philanthropist and supporter of land preservation, John is the founder of the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation and a member of the board of The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest land-conservation nonprofit organizations in the country. Leslie Malone, a horse lover since childhood, is a well-known equestrian and major supporter of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team.

“I have had the pleasure of working for the Malones since the fall of 2013, and since traveled to many of the properties they own,” said Bridlewood farm manager George Isaacs. “There is a common interwoven philosophy that binds them all together. Stewardship, commitment, and perpetuity for the land, animals, and people.”

Among the Malones’ many conservation achievements was the permanent protection of Riveredge Farm, the prestigious thoroughbred horse farm previously known as Sycamore Hall Farm in Maryland, which was on track to become a residential development before the Malones purchased the property and protected it with a 532-acre conservation easement. Riveredge is now maintained as a 600-acre world-class sport horse facility.

According to the Bangor Daily News, in addition to preserving land in Florida and Maryland for thoroughbred operations, John Malone also owns large expanses of land in Maine, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and New Hampshire and has earned a reputation as a conservation-minded buyer who maintains the traditional uses of the properties he buys.

“The Malones’ long-term commitment to land conservation serves as an impressive example for not only the Thoroughbred community but our equine community at large,” said ELCR President Ken Haddad. “We are thrilled to honor them with the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award.”

John Malone is the keynote speaker of Horse Farms Forever’s Conservation Summit, to be held at Ocala Breeder’s Sales on November 23, 2021. This will be a great opportunity to hear one of this nation’s great land conservationists speak directly to the challenges facing Marion County. The Summit can be attended live at OBS or virtually via livestream.

Bridlewood Farm General Manager, George Isaacs, with ELCR Executive Director, Holley Groshek, accepting the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award on behalf of the Malones at the TOBA Awards Dinner in Lexington, Kentucky.

Bridlewood Farm

The Malones purchased the 800-acre historic Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida in August 2013, and spearheaded its revitalization as a working thoroughbred operation. It now covers 2,000 acres. The Malones also demonstrated their commitment to protecting Central Florida’s prestigious horse lands as founding members of Horse Farms Forever. Their Bridlewood farm manager, George Isaacs, serves on the board of Horse Farms Forever, which was also the 2020 recipient of the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award. The Malones’ leadership led to other local farms joining the movement to protect the unique heritage and culture of Central Florida horse farms.

About Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): ELCR builds awareness of the loss of lands available for horse-related activities and facilitates the protection and conservation of those lands, working to ensure America’s equine heritage lives on and the emotional, physical, and economic benefits of the horse-human relationship remains accessible. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse on conserving horse properties, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability, and equine economic impact. For more information about ELCR, visit www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

About the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA): TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to improve the economics, integrity, and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Claiming Crown, Ownership Seminars, Ownerview.com and the Sales Integrity Program. TOBA provides international representation for U.S. owners and breeders on the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee, International Cataloguing Standards Committee, and International Breeders Federation. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc. and is represented as a founding member on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

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We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

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Marion County Should Protect A Unique Resource: Its Horse Farms

by Horse Farms Forever | Apr 26, 2021 | News, Plan

Busy Shires, guest columnist to the Ocala Star Banner

Published 6:30 a.m. ET Apr. 23, 2021

The month of April has been designated as Farmland Preservation Month by the Marion County Commission. There are over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County and the mineral rich soil is the perfect grazing land for horses.

As a result, the county has one of the largest horse populations in the United States with over 80,000 horses. That’s one horse for every four people! With the opening of the World Equestrian Center, the number of horses in Marion County will only continue to grow.

Along with the growth of the horse industry, Marion County was one of only six counties in the nation that had positive job growth during the pandemic. Projects are underway to add 5 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space over the next few years. And where there are jobs, there must be housing to support the growing workforce. Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to reach about 500,000 residents. That’s an increase of 150,000 residents.

Growth is good for a community. The opportunity presented to our county is to grow wisely.

When residential sprawl threatens farmland and open space, we all lose. Higher taxes, lower quality of life and the loss of community character and culture are all at stake. The key is to determine where, when and how to grow.

It’s also important to determine the cost of providing infrastructure, such as roads and schools, for new development. For 30 years, the American Farmland Trust has been researching the cost of providing infrastructure to different land uses with Cost of Community Services studies. The COCS studies show that sprawling urban development costs more to provide services than the property taxes it contributes.

While residential development requires expensive public services and infrastructure, privately owned farms do not require significant public infrastructure. The data also consistently shows that industrial land and farmland gives back while residential consumes more than it contributes in taxes. The median cost to provide services for each one dollar of tax revenue raised: $0.27 for businesses, $0.36 for agriculture, and $1.15 for residential.

To help prevent sprawling development and protect the scenic horse farms, it would be helpful if Marion County conducted a CCS study to help determine how proposed land-use changes are likely to affect the County’s budget.

Good planning means saying ‘no’ when zoning change requests in rural areas require comparatively expensive infrastructure upgrades as compared to more urban locations.

Preserving farms and agricultural lands – through good planning – helps protect our environment, quality of life, and most importantly, our rural economy.

Horse Farms Forever is working with elected officials and staff at the county to encourage good planning as Ocala/Marion County grows. We also monitor for any potential roadway and development threats to the Farmland Preservation Area. We encourage you to join our efforts to protect the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Marion County.

Busy Shires is director of conservation strategies for Horse Farms Forever, Inc. in Ocala.

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

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Farmland Is Good For The Bottom Line

by Horse Farms Forever | Apr 8, 2021 | News, Plan, Resolved

Do you want both lower taxes and a better quality of life? Encourage the County to plan with the cost to provide community services in mind.

For three decades, the American Farmland Trust has been researching the fiscal impact of different land uses within municipalities all over the nation. Each land use generates different amounts of revenue because they are taxed at different rates. They also require different expenditures for municipal services. In summary, this is the picture:

Cost_of_Community_Services_Studies_better_graphic

From the American Farmland Trust’s Farmland Information Center.
Read the full study here.

New Housing Without Sprawl

Marion County is one of only six counties in the nation that had positive job growth during the pandemic. We are a boomtown. Projects are underway to add 5 million square feet of industrial and warehouse space over the next few years. Where there are jobs, there must be housing to support the growing workforce. The Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Florida reports that Marion County is growing by over 2 percent per year. We added 7,700 residents in 2020. That breaks down to 21 people each day.

Growth is good for a community. The opportunity presented to our County is to grow wisely. When residential sprawl threatens farmland and open space, we all lose. Higher taxes, lower quality of life and the loss of community character and culture are all at stake. The good news is that in Marion County, there is still ample room for residential and commercial development within its designated Urban Growth Boundary. There are about 55 square miles (35,000 acres) of permitted lands available for development in the Urban Growth Boundary – roughly the area of the city of Miami.

In this map of the County, you can see the Farmland Preservation Area in red and the Urban Growth Area in turquoise. The green is protected public land. The brown shaded areas are valuable agricultural soils. Learn more about the Farmland Preservation Area here.

Balancing Act

We are working with elected officials and staff at the County and with supportive community leaders to encourage good planning as Ocala/Marion County grows. Good planning involves identifying where, when, and how development will occur. In 2005, the County had the foresight to create the Farmland Preservation Area as an important first step in protecting land for recreation, farms, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. The challenge is keeping it that way as the pressure grows to break up farmland tracts.

Part of the process is also determining where infrastructure investments make the most sense. Land designated as residential is entitled to roads, schools, water, police, fire, playgrounds and all the other infrastructure components that make a community. This is where a Cost of Community Service (COCS) study would help determine how a proposed land-use change is likely to affect the County budget. Good planning means saying ‘no’ when zoning change requests in rural areas require comparatively expensive infrastructure upgrades as compared to more urban locations.

Saving Farmland Saves Money

While residential development requires expensive public services and infrastructure, privately owned farms do not require significant public infrastructure. Preserving farms and agricultural lands – through good planning and conservation doesn’t just protect our environment, economy and quality of life. It is also an important tool for balancing the budget at the county level.

Photos graciously provided by Elma Garcia Cannavino.

Cost of Community Services studies conducted over the last 30 years show working lands generate more public revenues than they receive back in public services. Their impact on community coffers is similar to that of other commercial and industrial land uses. On average, because residential land uses do not cover their costs, they must be subsidized by other community land uses. Converting agricultural land to residential land use should not be seen as a way to balance local budgets.

American Farmland Trust

Tip the Scales

Our Ocala/Marion County leaders are responsive to the wishes and desires of the community. We have an opportunity to tip the scales in the right direction. If you agree that balancing our farmland and open space with residential growth is an important component in a healthy future for our community, join us. We are watching for threats to farmland, educating about conservation and engaging community leaders in smart planning.

Add your hoofbeats to our herd. Every member makes us stronger and better able to speak out for preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County for future generations.

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Learn More:

Cost of Community Services Studies: Making the Case for Conservation

Go to the American Farmland Trust’s Farmland Information Center and search for “Cost of Community Services” to find a long list of local studies.

Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever

by Horse Farms Forever | Jan 4, 2021 | News, Plan

Marion County’s Available Land Within The Urban Growth Boundary is Greater Than the City of Miami.

Marion County is seeking input as they develop their 5-year strategic plan.

Horse Farms Forever was invited to present at Marion County’s Growth and Future Planning Strategic Committee meeting on December 10th. The Committee is seeking input from stakeholders about growth and development as the county develops a five-year strategic plan. It is led by Angel Roussel, Assistant County Administrator of Public Works, and includes staff from Growth Services, Community Services and Utilities. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, who represents the Farmland Preservation Area, is also a member.

“We are focused on a long-term strategy of protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in order to ensure that our global brand as Horse Capital of the World® will remain for future generations. Without our horses, and horse farms, what would Marion County be known for? If we are not proactive in protecting our brand, we will lose the very thing that makes Ocala/Marion county so unique and special.” said Sara Powell Fennessy, Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever.

The Horse Farms Forever team of Sara Powell-Fennessy and Busy Shires Byerly voiced concerns about development pressure on the Farmland Preservation Area. About 2,500 acres of the Farmland Preservation Area has already been lost to urban uses since the FPA was created 15 years ago.

They also shared Horse Farms Forever’s position of support for planned growth within the Urban Growth Boundary and opposition to sprawl, particularly when it threatens to compromise the Farmland Preservation Area.

Marion County has approximately 3,800 farms (including horse farms) on about 322,000 acres. (1) Some view agricultural lands as fallow fields just waiting to be converted to their “highest and best use” as urban development. For the mineral rich soils of Marion County, the “highest and best use” is agriculture, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. The American Farmland Trust’s The State of the States Report also recently confirmed that the soils in the Farmland Preservation Area are PVR soils: Productive, Versatile and Resilient. (2) Agricultural lands also help to balance county budgets because they don’t require expensive public infrastructure and services.

Sources

“Growth is inevitable. Marion County is growing at a rapid rate, the question is not if we will grow, but where, when, and how. There are about 35,000 acres – roughly 55 square miles – of permitted land inside the Urban Growth Boundary. There is more land available within the Urban Growth Boundary than the size of Miami, so why are we putting so much pressure on our precious farmland?”

Sara Powell-Fennessy

Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever

By promoting sustainable growth management policies, we can work together to protect the very thing that makes Marion County so special. The goal is to positively change planning and zoning laws – to help protect our quality of life, economy, and horse farms for future generations.

Busy Shires Byerly

Director of Conservation Strategies, Horse Farms Forever

Horse Farms Forever offered suggestions that will protect the Farmland Preservation Area and help manage growth.

Short Term:

Respect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and Urban Growth Boundary.
Respect the Comprehensive Plan- it should not be subject to change with every developer’s request.
Strengthen the definition of the Farmland Preservation Area in the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code regulations.
Revise the Ag Zoning and Special Use Permit process to be compatible with the FPA.

Long Term:

Horse Farms Forever wants to be a catalyst, along with other community leaders, for the development of a Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP) for Marion County. A RLMP is a plan that outlines compatible land uses for the rural area. It will identify issues, resources, policies and methods for the long-term viability of agriculture, while balancing growth and development.

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Conservation Summit 2020

by Horse Farms Forever | Nov 21, 2020 | Events, News, Plan

HFF Staff (left to right) Michelle Grald, Sara Powell-Fennessy, Busy Shires Byerly, and Board President, Bernard Little. Photos by Dillon Video.

The horse is at the heart of Ocala/Marion County.

Horses and the love for the scenic beauty of Marion County brought a diverse group of large and small landowners, developers, realtors and elected officials – over 100 people – to Horse Farms Forever’s first Conservation Summit on November 19 at Golden Ocala.

The purpose of the Summit was to inspire preservation of the horse farms and agricultural lands that are fundamental to Marion County’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®.

Our speakers discussed practical ways to preserve farmland that benefit landowners and also made several suggestions on how to balance economic development and growth while retaining the sense of place that the iconic horse farms and agricultural lands bring to the area.

Sara Powell-Fennessy, Horse Farms Forever’s Director of Community Affairs, led off the meeting by reminding us all that Ocala/Marion County is growing, and that growth is good, but unchecked sprawl threatens what makes this area so special – its open spaces and beautiful places.

“The county’s Farmland Preservation Area must be respected and protected. With your support, we can have a seat at the table advocating for the protection of horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in order to ensure our global brand as Horse Capital of the World® remains for future generations,” said Powell-Fennessy.

We are thrilled to announce that Sara Powell-Fennessy will assume the role of Executive Director for Horse Farms Forever, starting in January, 2021. Please join us in congratulating her for this well-deserved promotion.

Busy Shires Byerly, our Director of Conservation Strategies, said one of the goals of the Summit was to inspire community leaders and to be the catalyst for developing some new tools in the county’s comprehensive plan to protect the Farmland Preservation Area.

Shires-Byerly pointed out that: “There are about 80,000 horses and over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County… And preserving these farms not only ensures that the character and culture of this special place remains, but it protects a thriving horse industry, which contributes over $2.6 billion to the economy and employs over 20,000 people. So this is also about protecting a way of life and jobs.”

Riley Rowe, Marion County’s first Florida State President of the Future Farmers of America, introduced our Guest Speaker, Adam Putnam, former Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and CEO of Ducks Unlimited.

Commissioner Putnam joined us via Zoom with an inspirational talk from his home office. He described the excellent work that Ducks Unlimited is doing nationwide to preserve land for agriculture and recreation, including a 25,000-acre conservation easement just established in the Everglades headwaters. He also pointed out that there has been a resurgence in outdoor recreation, with hopes that this would logically progress into a national interest in land conservation.

Commissioner Putnam also touched on the tools of conservation for farmers, particularly easements. He encouraged the elected officials in the room to consider how the comprehensive plan can be amended to concentrate growth in the urban areas while preserving the County’s iconic farms. Putnam also encouraged us as citizens of Marion County to continually be brainstorming ways to involve our urban residents in farm life, so that everyone comes to appreciate the character and culture created by horses and horse farms.

Billy Van Pelt of the American Farmland Trust (AFT) was the keynote speaker for the Summit. He presented AFT’s State of the States report for Florida. This ambitious project mapped the soils throughout the United States and identified the most valuable and rare soils in every state. This is a critical tool for each state and the country as a whole to use as they plan for the future of agriculture.

Van Pelt showed the soil maps for Florida, which clearly illuminated Marion County’s challenges. The valuable soils for farming are mostly located in the designated Farmland Preservation Area established in 2005, but sprawl is expanding beyond the urban boundary. Low-density residential sprawl is of special concern, according to Van Pelt. This type of development costs more to Marion County than it pays in taxes. He recommended that the County consider amending the Comprehensive Plan in the Farmland Preservation Area for larger lot sizes, and also warned of the dangers of a comprehensive plan that can be amended with every developer’s request.

Van Pelt is located in Kentucky, and has a long history working with the City of Lexington, which has done an impressive job in preserving their horse culture and farmland through community planning and conservation easements. He freely shared examples, ideas and advice from that experience. He acknowledged that Ocala is indeed the Horse Capital of the World®, and as such, we have an advantage in obtaining broad community support for farmland preservation.

“Your farmland is your ‘ocean.’ It is the thing that makes Ocala a unique destination. It is also your factory floor, where a quarter of your economic activity takes place,” Van Pelt observed.

Following the keynote speech, a lively question and answer session ensued. The panel answered questions about the nuts and bolts of conservation easements, how to involve the County in rural management planning, how to inspire the next generation, and Horse Farms Forever’s next steps.

Some of Horse Farms Forever’s next steps include:

A conservation easement outreach project with our land trust partner – Alachua Conservation Trust;
A Quality of Life survey on a countywide basis with local partners;
A follow up workshop in the spring of 2021 about Conservation Easements, just for landowners.
Meeting with elected officials to discuss how to add some new tools in the county’s comprehensive plan to protect the Farmland Preservation Area.
Setting a goal for permanent farmland conservation in the Farmland Preservation Area, as Van Pelt suggested.

The Summit concluded with Ms. Fennessy thanking our sponsors for making this inspiring event possible. “By being here, you are the Forever in Horse Farms Forever,” she said.

The groundswell of support from the audience members to help protect horse farms and farmland in Marion County was encouraging!

We look forward to continuing the conversation with community leaders and keeping our members up to date on the progress of the next steps.

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Growing up in Marion county, you hear a lot about the equine industry and how important it is. The older I got, the more I realized this is true. The horse industry in Marion County accounts for 2.6 billion dollars, not to mention the thousands of acres of land dedicated to caring for these animals. I am so proud to have grown up in a community that takes rural land preservation seriously and knows the value of agriculture.

Riley Rowe

Florida President, Future Farmers of America

Pledge in Honor of Cathy D. Perry

Horse Farms Forever announced a generous pledge of $100,000 made by Brandon and Diannah Perry in honor of Brandon’s mother, Cathy D. Perry.

The community should establish a goal for permanent farmland conservation. It can’t be a win-lose for the community and for business. It’s a win-win, and it’s a balance – conserving enough farmland to retain your horse industry, your global brand, and your quality of life. That goal should be embedded in your comprehensive plan.

Billy Van Pelt II

Sr. Director of External Relations, American Farmland Trust

Presentation of the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

Ken Haddad of the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, presented the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award to Horse Farms Forever President, Bernard Little.

The Award will be proudly displayed in the trophy museum at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) headquarters in Ocala.

Farmers are generally land rich and cash poor, which makes the tax benefits of conservation easements particularly appealing. In terms of estate planning, easements have been the salvation of many a family farm.

Adam Putnam

CEO, Ducks Unlimited

Commissioner Putnam spoke live on Zoom.

Doug Cone of Cone Distributing, David Tillman of Tillman and Associates, and Bernie Little.

Bernie Little, Doug Cone, Gary and Pauline Hartogh, and Mary Jane Hunt.

Newly elected County Commissioner Craig Curry talking with Paula Scoiners, HFF member and account manager of The JOY FM 88.1 / 90.9. Commissioner Michelle Stone also attended.

Over 100 attended the Summit live, and another 40 virtually.

George Isaacs from Bridlewood Farm, with Billy Van Pelt and Bartow McDonald.

Ken Daley and Tripp Transou.

Conservation Summit Live and Virtual Attendance Details

by Horse Farms Forever | Nov 5, 2020 | Events, News, Plan

Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit from Kaplan Media Inc on Vimeo.

This is a challenging time to introduce a live event! Nevertheless, the equestrian and land conservation community has enthusiastically expressed an interest in coming together on the important topic of conserving our land in Marion County. Live attendance for the Conservation Summit at Golden Ocala on November 19 is nearly full. We can still take a few more, so if you’re interested, don’t hesitate. The deadline is November 9. Virtual attendance is also open and will remain open until November 16. You are also welcome to switch from live to virtual, but please do so by November 10. More on that below.

We want all who have registered or are considering registration to know that we are planning carefully with your safety and comfort in mind. We hope that this further information is helpful as you decide whether to attend live or virtually.

Safety Measures: We are working carefully with Golden Ocala to maximize fresh air and social distancing. Lunch will be served outdoors on a covered patio and the Summit will be held indoors in a large, well-ventilated space with chairs set 6 feet apart. Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided. Golden Ocala staff will be wearing masks. There will be a temperature check at the entrance.

Arriving Early: In order to allow for ample time for lunch, we will start serving at 11:30 AM. The program will start promptly at 12:30 PM upstairs in the Ballroom.

Directions and Parking: The entrance is at 8300 NW 31^st Lane Road, Ocala, FL 34482. After you come through the gate, drive straight to the Club House and turn right to park in the lower parking lot. Follow the Event Parking signs.

Location of Lunch: Lunch will be served outside on the Knickers’ Bar & Grill Patio. After parking, follow the signs to the Knickers Patio, which is accessed directly from the lower parking lot.

After lunch, join us upstairs in the Gathering Room for coffee, lemonade, and brownies!

Virtual Attendance: Should you decide that you’d prefer to attend the Summit virtually, please email Sara Fennessy by November 10 and she will change your registration. All virtual attendees will be sent a link via email 24 hours before the Summit. You will also receive a digital copy of the Event Program and some guidance about system requirements for the live stream on YouTube. Simply click the link and you will be able to view the Summit from your computer. The Summit will be recorded, and all registrants will receive a link to the recording in the days following the meeting.

The Horse Farms Forever staff and Board of Directors are looking forward to welcoming you on November 19. Don’t miss this chance to get in on the ground floor of the movement to thoughtfully preserve and protect our open spaces and beautiful places.