Pennsylvania livestock and horse racing industry stakeholders expressed their appreciation for Governor Josh Shapiro, who presented his new administration’s first proposed budget to the legislature. last week. The proposed budget, unlike the budget presented by the previous administration, does not propose any additional transfers from the Racehorse Development Trust Fund (RHDTF), which serves as the primary source of funding for the encourage breeding and racing wallets in the Commonwealth.
“Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal signals his recognition of the importance of the racing and livestock industries to the statewide economy and we thank him for his support.” Russell Williams, president of the Standard Breeders Association of Pennsylvania (SBAP). “The equine industry is the second largest segment of Pennsylvania’s overall agricultural industry, and we believe we are in a great position to continue to grow. We look forward to working with Governor Shapiro and the legislature on initiatives that strengthen Pennsylvania’s livestock and horse racing industries and, in the process, benefit agriculture as a whole.”
Brian Sanfratello, executive secretary of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association, which represents the state’s thoroughbred horse breeders, said: “The support of the governor and the legislature is vital to the with the success of the livestock and horse racing industries in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s breeding and racing industry is comprised of many diverse small businesses that contribute to the creation of jobs and the preservation of hundreds of thousands of acres of vacant land. Equestrian breeders, owners, and trainers. It is also an important driver for other sectors of the agricultural industry, including hay, straw, grain, and mushroom farmers; feed mills and packers; and veterinarians. A strong, viable livestock and horse racing industry is an important part of ensuring the overall stability of the broader agricultural industry in Pennsylvania.”
In addition to his role as president of SBAP, Williams is also president of Hanover Shoe Farms, the largest Standardbred horse farm in the world. Located on 3,000 acres in Adams and York Counties, the 97-year-old rancher’s operation highlights the important contributions horse breeders across Pennsylvania make to the statewide economy. At its peak, more than 1,000 horses resided on the farm, cared for by about 80 employees, including 40 families living on the farm. Each year, Hanover alone is responsible for purchasing 1,500 tons of hay and 1,500 tons of straw, much of which comes from local farmers. The farm contributes millions of dollars each year to the state’s economy through the purchase of feed, farm machinery, fence boards, supplies and equipment, as well as numerous contractors.
Collectively, the livestock and racing sectors support hundreds of small businesses and 23,000 family-sustaining jobs, delivering a $1.6 billion economic impact, generating $69 million in tax revenue. every year and protect hundreds of thousands of acres of bare land. The impact of the field of horse racing and breeding goes far beyond those who work at the racecourse or breed horses. The money earned from a horse allows the owner to buy hay and straw from farmers, feed from local feed mills, as well as pay riders, trainers, blacksmiths , groom, veterinarian and equine dentist. In addition, countless small businesses in the manufacturing, retail, and construction industries consider horsemen and herdsmen as their main customers for trailers and wagons, feeding equipment, riding studs and other supplies, building or repairing barns and fences, etc.
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