Matt Koch of Shawhan Place has been named the Ted Bates Ranch Manager of the Year by the Kentucky Ranch Managers Club of 2022. Koch is a second-generation hardboot that follows in the footsteps of his father, Gus Koch. , who was awarded the title of Farm Manager of the Year in 2004.
They join BG Hughes and Scooter Hughes as the only parent/child to receive this prestigious annual award, given to a farm manager who has demonstrated quality and success in a management role. their; services to the community; participate in KTFMC; and dedication and industry leadership.
Koch is a graduate of the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Kentucky Equestrian School. He paid with the university’s shoe-shine horse. After graduating from college, Koch joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country in Afghanistan and Kosovo, rising to the rank of Captain. After being discharged from the Marines in 2004, he established a Thoroughbred operation at his parents’ Carmel Mountain Ranch, while continuing to work full-time as a curator. distant. In 2006, Teddy Kuster’s neighbor, KTFMC FMOY 1986, proposed a partnership and the duo formed Shawhan Place.
Teddy Kuster, co-owner of Shawhan Place, said: “I am delighted to hear that Matthew has won this prestigious award. “The club means so much to the entire Matt family and to all of us at Shawhan Place. Matt is a wonderful individual who wears many hats. He is a farm manager who worked in the war. He is proud and has contributed to his community by serving on a number of boards. He is the State Representative for District 72 (Bourbon, Nicholas and Fleming County) and is instrumental in the passage of the HHR for He and I started Shawhan Place in 2006 with six mares and he has grown it into a successful business and has grown many graded equity winners including winners G1 Hilda’s Passion and Mucho Gusto The ranch now produces about 100 mares a year. Even more important than raising horses, Matthew raises the next generation of young riders and women. mentors and regularly hosts student interns from both KEMI and the University of Kentucky.”
Longtime customer Marette Farrell added, “We are fortunate in this equine business to have access to a man with a degree from Matt Koch. First, a Marine, now a Marine. successful businessman, he is a great father and family man.He will go to uphold the principles he was upheld, following the pattern of his father Gus Koch.But, Most significantly, in light of the many recent and future changes in the equine business, he has selflessly entered politics to represent his fellow members and our fragile equine world with integrity. direct and foresight. Without him, HHR would not have been able to get through. I am proud to call him a friend and tell him that we are indebted to him for his leadership and approach on the front line. land, just as it is needed at this time. The committee has chosen a very deserving person for this year’s FMOY award.”
While Koch has held numerous leadership positions and served on numerous boards, industry insiders are mostly familiar with his roles on the boards of KEMI, CBA, KTA, and all However, KTFMC where he served as Director, Treasurer, Vice President and President. in 2009. Koch currently lives in Bourbon County with his wife, Kristen, and their three children, Taylor, Jack and Nate. The kids are continuing the family tradition by helping out on the farm on a regular basis.
The Kentucky Thoroughbred Ranchers’ Club will host the Annual Dinner Ball in honor of Matthew Koch at The Carrick House in Lexington on December 2, 2022. A silent auction will be held. organization with all proceeds benefiting the Horse Farm Workers’ Education Support Fund. Tickets and sponsorships for the event will be available for purchase through the club’s website at www.ktfmc.org later this month.
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