A Thoroughbred Farm, A Realtor, and A Sport Horse Breeder…
This is the first of a series where we hear directly from the farms, non-profits and businesses who are standing in support of farmland preservation in the midst of our growing economy. As we anticipate the Conservations About Conservation- Summit 2021 next month, we’re sparking the exchange of thoughts and ideas. What do your neighbors think about preserving our farmland? What do you think?
We had conversations about conservation with George Isaacs of Bridlewood Farm, Valerie Dailey of Showcase Properties, and Linda Bammann of Laughing Horse Farm. Here’s what they had to say.
Why is it important for Marion County to have conversations about conservation?
Isaacs:
When I moved to Ocala over 25 years ago to begin my management career here at Bridlewood Farm, it was a sleepy little town with vast open cattle and horse farms in every direction. In what seems like a blink of an eye, much of the land has been developed, paved, and lost forever.
Dailey:
Talking about and developing ideas for conservation supports educated smart growth and sustainability. When the intent of land use planning is to ensure the efficient use of space and resources, farmland is better protected and allows room for communities to grow and thrive.
Bammann:
We believe horse farms and the horse industry are the basic fabric of Ocala. Clearly, the growth patterns over the last year or so are indicating that growth will only increase. We had a cattle ranch on the coast of California. We saw the beauty be completely disrupted through inappropriate growth. Given the growth of Ocala, we would hate to see that happen again here.
What do we stand to gain through farmland preservation?
Dailey:
Farmland preservation programs and many private land trusts work to ensure that we don’t destroy resources which protect our green spaces and environment: Fertile soils, drinkable water, and clean air. Natural assets should be viewed as capital assets; like tractors or office buildings, they have tangible, real-world economic value. And unlike other capital assets, they’re renewable and self-sustaining. When managed properly, their value doesn’t depreciate over time.
Bammann:
We hold on to the character of the people who built our community in a way that we can be proud of. We retain the culture of working hard and having beautiful properties that produce livestock and crops.
Isaacs:
It is vitally important that we come together as a community, and manage this intense population growth successfully and preserve the natural aesthetic essence of Ocala which is our horse farms, pastureland, old live oaks, and the natural springs. These make Marion County a very special place to live, work, and call home.
What do we stand to lose if we don’t raise the subject now?
Bammann:
We lose everything that makes Ocala unique. The equestrian environment and farmlands built Ocala. If we don’t respect that it will be lost forever.
Isaacs:
Quickly, we are becoming a large town with sprawl and losing our rural charm that we will never reclaim.
Dailey:
If we don’t take care of our environment and protect our green spaces, we’re only contributing to our own spiral, narrowing our world and limiting our choices. Bad decisions can affect sustainability for generations to come; it may not happen in our lifetimes, but it might in our children’s and grandchildren’s. That’s not the legacy I want to leave behind. So it’s important that we talk about ways we can protect and create green spaces, and actively support structured growth.
How would you describe Marion County’s unique identity?
Dailey:
Equestrian culture is so deeply woven into the collective DNA of the area. It’s a collegial, collaborative and inclusive community that is very invested in efficient land use and sustainability. Marion County is known for being a place of incredible natural beauty, with plenty of parks and recreational areas to hike and ride and explore. It’s a wonderful place to live and work.
Isaacs:
Now I’m from Kentucky, and I’ve lived in Ocala a long time now, and I’m going to say that Ocala is definitely the Horse Capital of the World®.
Bammann:
It is the equestrian and agricultural community. Beautiful live oak trees, rolling hills, horses and cattle in the fields. Oak trees don’t come back overnight. Neither do the springs that feed us and a lot of Florida. Quality of life – once you lose it, you lose it forever. There would be no Central Park if not for the foresight of its preservers. Do it now or it will be lost forever.
A Florida-licensed REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida since 2005 and the current Owner and Broker, Valerie specializes in the listing and selling of equine properties, as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. Being a part of the sales of the three highest selling properties in Marion County’s recent years, Valerie’s expertise in real estate and leadership of her agents continues to inspire and bring Showcase to the forefront of the local real estate industry.
Showcase Properties of Central Florida is a Charter Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit.
General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1989. Isaacs is forever a fan of the cultivation of top quality equine athletes and Marion County as the ideal place for a thriving horse industry. Bridlewood Farm encompasses more than 2,200 acres. Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and owned today by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm has represented excellence for 43 years.
Bridlewood Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Isaacs serves on the Board of Directors.
Linda Bammann was drawn to Ocala by the equine industry. She is an avid equestrian and with her husband, Paul Terzani, owns Laughing Horse Farm. After an extensive career in banking and finance, Linda chose to transition to Florida to pursue her life passion. Laughing Horse Farm is situated on 30 acres. Along with partner, Marcus Gruenthal, Bammann trains and sells show jumpers.
Laughing Horse Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Bammann serves on the Board of Directors.
A Bright Future For Marion County
Do you believe that horse farms and the horse industry make Ocala/Marion County a unique place to live and work? Tell us about it in the comments below. Do you want our unique character and culture to live on for future generations? Add your hoofprints to the herd by becoming a member.