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Protecting Farms is More Important than Ever

Protecting Farms is More Important than Ever

In this special to the Ocala Star Banner, Busy Shires Byerly, Horse Farms Forever’s Director of Conservation Strategies, makes the case for access to fresh food and the value of agricultural land.

In today’s trying times, our local farmers need our support. Byerly points the way to programs that provide tangible short-term relief to our farmers. She also discusses the land-saving ethic and longer-term goals that will ensure productive farmland for future generations.

“Now, more than ever, the future of many farms, businesses and families across America is uncertain. But one thing remains absolute – we must eat to live.”
Billy Van Pelt II, senior director of external relations for the American Farmland Trust.

Horse Farms Forever is organizing a Conservation Summit this fall in partnership with the American Farmland Trust. This summit will bring community leaders together in a productive conversation about how to best protect the valuable soils, water and agricultural lands of Marion County.

 

Ocala Stud – Learn About the Oldest Active Thoroughbred Operation in Florida

Ocala Stud – Learn About the Oldest Active Thoroughbred Operation in Florida

Perhaps you’ve seen the Ocala Stud painted sign? Maybe you’ve posed for a picture next to it?

Learn all about the oldest active Thoroughbred operation in Florida in the latest issue of Ocala Style Magazine.

The O’Farrell family have run Ocala Stud since March of 1956. Mike O’Farrell, Jr., became head of operations at the age of 22,  after his father’s heart attack. He was one month shy of finishing college.

Ocala Stud has been FTBOA Breeder of the Year most recently in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2018.

We thank the O’Farrells for their charter membership in Horse Farms Forever and what it says about their commitment to the Farmland Preservation Area.

 

Levy County Votes to Reject Toll Roads

Levy County Votes to Reject Toll Roads

This article from the Florida Phoenix lays out the latest in the toll road debate.

Highlights:

Two of the roads are supposed to cut through rural Levy County, near Ocala. But Levy commissioners voted 3-2 on Tuesday to say they do not want them — primarily because of the development they would bring.

“I don’t want to see Levy County become another Tampa Bay, and that’s what’s going to happen if we don’t stand up and say no,” said Levy commissioner Lilly Rooks, who brought up the resolution.

“There’s really no strong appetite for these roads,” said Charles Lee of Audubon Florida, who sits on one of the advisory groups appointed to study the toll roads.

Yet…

To Galvano, the economic disaster caused by the pandemic is an argument for building the roads anyway — just to provide badly needed jobs for Floridians thrown out of work by the pandemic.

“As Florida moves forward from the coronavirus, economic development opportunities like M-CORES, and the jobs created both during and after construction, will be critical to our recovery,” the Republican senator said. 

 

Horse Farms Forever Featured in Ocala Style March 2020

Horse Farms Forever Featured in Ocala Style March 2020

Horse Farms Forever is proud to have been featured in the March 2020 edition of Ocala Style Magazine

In the Ocala Style article, you will see members of the Horse Farm community discuss the importance of our mission to preserve our lands, culture and vital equestrian economy for years to come.

Horse Farms Forever was started as a group in opposition to the proposed extension of the Coastal Connector. The pollution, noise, and development would have been a massive detriment to the lush horse farms in the proposed area. The community would have seen extreme economic and environmental damages from this proposed highway. We came together as a community and resisted, and we won!

As is stated in the Ocala Style article “Thanks in part of the efforts of HFF and Marion County horse lovers, the alarming scenario of the toll road through our farmlands has been quieted.”

With this massive victory under our belt, we are now more determined than ever to preserve the equine legacy that is rich within Marion County.

Want to join us in our mission? You can get involved and help protect our open spaces and beautiful places by contributing to the cause with a tax-deductible gift to Horse Farms Forever.

 

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Corporate Members

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Corporate Members

Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing businesses who have chosen to stand with us.

Casse Racing

Owned and founded by one of the most decorated Thoroughbred trainers in the world, Mark Casse. While Mark has found international success, for over 50 years he has called Ocala home. He and his wife Tina own a 135-acre training center in the Ocala Horse Complex and have won nearly every major horse race in three countries including the 2019 Preakness and Belmont. Mark is deeply passionate about preserving the character and culture of Marion County for future generations and hopes to pass his legacy down to his children.

Ag-Pro

The largest privately-owned John Deere dealership in North America with over 90 locations nationwide. Proudly serves the agriculture, turf, and construction communities. Ag-Pro understands the enormous impact that Ocala’s equine industry has on their business, we thank them for their tremendous support. 

FTBOA

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is a not-for-profit association which represents more than 1,300 Thoroughbred breeders and owners who breed, raise, train and race horses born in the state of Florida. Ocala’s Thoroughbred industry is world-renowned, and draws horsemen with the year-round moderate climate, mineral-rich water and soil, outstanding facilities and strong support industries. More than 75% of Florida’s horse farms are in Ocala/Marion County and the surrounding area.

Cone Distributing

Cone Distributing is a beverage distributor presently operating in 22 counties in north central Florida, with offices in Ocala and

Tallahassee. Founded in 1985 by Douglas Cone, the company was founded on healthy and mutually profitable relationships by providing the right product, at the right time. Team Cone is committed to seeking the highest standards at every level.

 

Imagine Thoroughbreds

Imagine Thoroughbreds handles the training of young Thoroughbred race prospects, as well as fitting weanlings and yearlings for upcoming sales. Layups and broodmare care are also available. 

City of Ocala

The City of Ocala provides fiscally responsible services consistent with the community’s current and future expectations. Thank you to City of Ocala Municipal Government and Mayor Guinn for supporting Horse Farms Forever! 

Newport Hay

Newport Hay is dedicated to providing the highest quality hay and feed products. They strive to offer excellent customer services and competitive prices in order to earn your business.

Western Ivy

Western Ivy is your one-stop-shop for all of your farm or business’s promotional needs.  Located in the Golden Hills Center, Western Ivy is a staple in Northwest Marion County.  We thank Western Ivy for their continued support of Horse Farms Forever.

NetSource Technologies

Netsource Technologies is a full service integrated digital marketing agency with headquarters in Ocala, Florida. With over 25 years of marketing business behind them, they have built successful, awardwinning websites for service, retail, real estate, construction, non-profit businesses, and more from every corner of the country.

Tri-Eagle Sales

Tri-Eagle Sales has been the leading beverage wholesaler in the North and North Central Florida area since 1996. Servicing over 2,000 retail customers in our 14-county territory from two facilities in Tallahassee and Ocala, Tri-Eagle proudly proudly markets, sells, and distributes Anheuser-Busch InBev brands such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island, and Stella Artois.

Seminole Feed

Over 75 years ago, Seminole Feed® established its position as a trusted company with a stellar reputation. To this day, we work hard to maintain that respect and honor. Seminole Feed®, a family-owned company, strives to provide the “World’s Best Equine Feed”. Seminole feeds are milled in the all-natural, non-medicated Seminole Feed® mill in downtown Ocala, right in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World.

 

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To find out more information or to join please contact our Director of Community Affairs, Sara Fennessy at sara.fennessy@horsefarmsforever.com .