Minnesota Horse Council

Racinos in Minnesota

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:54:52 EST

RACINO legislation will grow the equine industry through the creation of the Equine Development Fund. (EDF) The racetracks will equally contribute to this fund through statutory payments from a portion of video lottery terminal revenue. The Minnesota Racing Commission will be charged with distributing this fund in a manner that maximizes the economic impact of Minnesota's racing and non-racing equine industries.

Purse Enhancement Program will be used to augment purses for live races at the tracks. This plan would make Minnesota's Standardbred and Quarter Horse racing programs among the top 10 in the country and the Thoroughbred program among the top 15 in the country measured by average purse per race.
Minnesota Breeders' Fund Program will supplement the current Breeders' Fund for all breeds racing at a Class A facility. Money in this fund will be used to encourage breeding in the state through purse supplements, county fair grants and more.
Non-racing Equine Program will be a grant program for all non-racing horse groups. Approximately $1.7 Million per year will be available to fund projects such as, but not limited to, equine shows, education, therapeutic riding, construction of facilities and trail improvements.

Racinos will improve Greater Minnesota's economy. Fourteen states already have Racinos, and the results are impressive.

A substantial increase in equine agricultural industry employment and economic activity has occurred. Indiana authorized Racinos a mere three years ago, and the industry now generates $2.6 billion in economic impact , more than double the amount prior to the Racino. They also created 20,000 new jobs. Pennsylvania experienced even greater employment with 64,000 new jobs and $4.6 billion in economic impact. This was an increase of 318 percent when compared to the pre-Racino value of the industry. These are permanent jobs that drive the agricultural economic engine. More horses require more veterinarians, trainers, farriers, and new horse horse farms. They will in turn require more hay, grain, and horse transportation. In 2004, Minnesota's equine industry was estimated at $930 million. According to Professor Brian Buhr of the University of Minnesota, increased racing purses and investing in horse shows for non-racing breeds are the best ways to increase this value in Minnesota.

Racinos create a stable revenue source for infrastructure, economic development, education or other critical state needs. Based on the fiscal note prepared by the MMB, in FY 2015 $120 million will be deposited in the Minnesota First Fund, with another $13 million transferred to the State's General Fund. This provides enough revenue to repay up to one percentage point of the school shift each year, as well as fund the public share of a Vikings stadium.

Go here to review the full proposal:

http://racinonow.com/proposal

Help the cause by writing a letter to MN State Governor Mark Dayton by going here:

http://racinonow.com/sign-up-now

Horse Processing News

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:16:31 EST

The AAEP (American Association of Equine Practicioners) has prepared a summary of the status of horse processing in the U.S.

Congress Passes USDA Appropriations Bill - USDA Inspection of Horse Processing Allowed to Resume

A provision that had prohibited USDA funds being used for personnel inspecting the slaughter process at horse processing facilities was not included in the Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science, and Transportation/Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bills signed into law by President Obama on Nov. 18. The appropriations bill passed the House on a vote of 298-121, while the Senate voted 70-30 in favor of the bill. The bill funds a variety of federal programs and agencies and is not solely a bill addressing horse processing.

What does the passing of this bill mean for horse processing?

It means that USDA can now pay inspectors to inspect horses and meat that may be processed for human consumption at U.S. plants.

This bill does not, however, appropriate any new money to pay for these inspections. The USDA would have to find the money in the funds appropriated in the FY' 12 bill.

Is there a federal law that has been reversed?

No. There has been no law passed or changed dealing with processing itself. There is no current prohibition on the processing of horses in the U.S. The federal bills introduced in Congress to prohibit this are still before Congress. The only change is that for the past five years the USDA was not allowed to fund the inspection of horses at the plants - even though no plants were open - and now they are should a plant begin operating.

Will horse processing plants open?

While a plant could open and start processing horses, it should be understood that this appropriations bill is only good until September 30, 2012. In addition, as mentioned above, there are two bills currently in Congress proposing to ban horse processing in the U.S.: H.R. 2966 and S. 1176.

Due to state laws passed in Texas and Illinois, the home of the last plants to process horses in the U.S. in 2007, the processing of horses for human consumption in those states, even with USDA inspections allowed, will not be possible. Horse processing also is banned in California.

Does AAEP support the reopening of processing plants in the U.S?

With challenging economic times continuing to impact the United States, the large number of horses in our country that are considered unwanted and without viable care options remains a tremendous concern. Because of the increased potential for abuse, neglect and abandonment faced by this population of horses combined with the lack of financial resources for their long-term care, the AAEP does not oppose the reopening of processing facilities in the United States provided the facilities meet the following provisions:

1. Strict oversight of operations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Commercial Transport of Horses to Slaughter Act and the regulations there under, including the presence of and inspections by USDA veterinarians at the facilities.

2. Horses are euthanized by trained personnel in a humane manner in accordance with the requirements of federal law and guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

3. Transportation to the production facility is conducted according to the law and guidelines established by the USDA.

When other humane options do not exist, the AAEP supports processing as an acceptable form of euthanasia under these controlled conditions.

Additional Resources:

History of USDA inspection funding

Since 2007, no federal money has been allowed to be used to inspect horse slaughter facilities in the U.S., as stipulated in the Agricultural Appropriations bill over the past five years. Without U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections, horse processing facilities could not process horses for human consumption because the meat could not be shipped internationally or interstate and a majority of the market for horse meat is overseas. Although this clause had support due to the undesirable idea of horse meat for human consumption in the U.S., many, including the AAEP, believe the ban had "unintended consequences" and this was again emphasized in a June 22, 2011 report issued by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) titled - "Horse Welfare: Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter."

AAEP Position on Horse Processing and Current Bills in Congress

GAO Report - Summary & Full Report (June 22, 2011)

AAEP Statement Regarding GAO Report on Horse Welfare (June 27, 2011)

Farm Information Line

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:05:14 EST

Farm Information Line

The University of Minnesota Extension service offers a free statewide call-in service answering livestock operation questions, including horse-related issues.

Find the phone number and more about the Farm Information Line.

Farm Information Line

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:01:46 EST

Farm Information Line

The University of Minnesota Extension service offers a free statewide call-in service answering livestock operation questions, including horse-related issues.

Find the phone number and more about the Farm Information Line.

Humane Options for Unwanted Horses

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:41:25 EST

Humane Options for Unwanted Horses

This University of Minnesota Extension article by Krishona Martinson and Julie Wilson provides useful information for horse owners including rescues and end-of-life options.

Humane Options for Unwanted Horses (.pdf file)

Minnesota Horse Council Grants MN State Fair $100,000

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:45:24 EDT

$100,000 donation (2011)

In support of the Minnesota State Fair's new horse arena, the Minnesota Horse Council has donated $100,000.

For details, click here: Fair's thankyou note.

Arkansas Hay Shortage

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:45:00 EDT

August 3, 2011
Arkansas Horse Council Equine Foundation, Inc. needs your help. They have been rescuing horses, ponies, mules, dogs and cats, etc. all Spring during the flooding but now everything is drying up. They have had this repressive heat wave for so long that the crops are drying up, the springs are almost out of water, but now they have grassfires. Folks down there have to drive 50 miles to or more to find hay even if they have to go to a neighboring state to get it. Farmers have to go to the nearest towns in order to fill up tanks with water to water their stock. Would you help the Equine Foundation out with a donation please? I have and they sure do appreciate it. They’ve been feeding their animals beet pulp. Please make a check out to Arkansas Equine Foundation, inc. and send to (it is tax deductible):
Arkansas Equine Foundation, Inc.
c/o Betty Jones, Pres of Arkansas Horse Council
P.O. Box 251
Kingston, Arkansas 72742
Thank you very much!
Marian Robinson/director of MHC Disaster Response Team

Council Offers Grants, Scholarships, Direct Funding

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:50:27 EDT

PRESS RELEASE

For Distribution after

August 1, 2011

"Minnesota Horse Council Offers Scholarships, Grants, Funding & Awards”

The Minnesota Horse Council announces several funding programs available this year. These are made possible by the success of the Minnesota Horse Expo.

Scholarships:the twenty-fifth annual MHC/Tony Gasser Memorial Scholarships are offered for both high school seniors & undergrads, and for grad students (considered separately), to be used toward education that would further the applicant's career in and contributions to the horse industry in Minnesota. Applications are due by November 1^st. At least ten $2000 scholarships will be presented at the MHC annual meeting next January. For more info, contact Trina Joyce at 612-729-7798 or TrinaJoyce@earthlink.net for questions.

Grants: of a maximum of $7,000 are given to Minnesota charitable/non-profit equine-related organizations as 'seed money' to inspire new projects or capital improvements, or for expansions of existing projects or services. Applications are due by October 1^st. Grants are presented at the MHC annual meeting next January. Funds will be paid out as your project progresses. Contact Tim Bonham at 612-721-1007 or T-Bonham@scc.net for info.

Direct Funding:The Minnesota Horse Council offers direct funding assistance (up to $500) to any non-profit horse related organization that develops or organizes any public clinic, program activity, or publication that advances the goals of the Minnesota Horse Council. Applications accepted at any time during the year, responses generally within 30 days. Contact: Mark Ward, MarkWard@windyridgeanch.com, 651-436-6557.

Other Awards Available (different time schedules):

HorsePerson Award:Each year, MHC honors someone as the "Minnesota Horse Person of the Year", and places his or her photo in the Horseman's Hall of Fame at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The Council is seeking nominations of people for this award. This person should be an outstanding person in the horse industry -- someone who stands above the rest for long-term contributions to many areas of equine activity. Nominations are accepted all year, but must be received by November 1^st to be considered this year. The person selected will be announced at the MHC annual meeting next January. Contact: Dawn Moore, dmoore834@comcast.net, 952-949-6659 with any questions.

Pioneer Award:This award is given to a deceased person who was a Minnesota horse pioneer – someone who led others to horses. Nominations are due by March 1^st each year. Contact: Dawn Moore, dmoore834@comcast.net, 952-949-6659.

Further info about any of these programs, including application info, is available from:

- the Minnesota Horse Council web page at www.MnHorseCouncil.org/.

- by writing to Mn Horse Council, P.O. Box 223, Plato, MN 55370-0223.

Note: Please let us know if we are sending this press release to the wrong person or address.
Call 763-755-7729, email mn.horsecouncil@comcast.net. Thanks.
Note to publications: A downloadable version of this Press Release is available for your use at www.MnHorseCouncil.org/.

U of M Horse Forage Field Day

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:59:30 EDT

The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a horse forage field day on Wednesday, August 17 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center.

The field day will begin with brief research updates on the following projects; round-bale feeder design affects hay waste and economics during horse feeding,equine grazing preferences and persistence of cool-season grasses,yield and quality of cool-season grasses under horse grazing, and the effect of soaking hay on carbohydrate removal. Following the research updates, participants will walk to the near-by horse grazing research area for hands-on grass identification and to view the recently grazed plots for a discussion on horse grazing preference and pasture management.

The cost to attend the field day is $10 per person which includes a program proceeding and light refreshments. Online registration is available at www.regonline.com/HorseForage and the registration deadline is Monday, August 15. The field day is recommended for ages 13 and up, but is open to everyone. Additional information can be found at www.extension.umn.edu/horse. Contact Krishona Martinson (krishona@umn.edu) with additional questions.

Racino and Non-Racing Breed Support

markward@windyridgeranch.com (Mark Ward) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:21:24 EDT

Racino Legislation’s Impact on Minnesota’s Non-Racing Equine Industry

As you may well be aware, Minnesota’s legislative leaders are currently trying to find a solution to the current budget deficit, Vikings Stadium, etc. For many years, Minnesota’s racing community has been in favor of Racino legislation. We are hopeful that this is the year for this legislation to become a reality given the current political landscape.

Racino legislation would help increase purses by installing video lottery terminals at Minnesota’s racetracks. As the legislation is currently written, a significant amount of money would be made available for Minnesota’s non-racing breeds.

The legislation would set aside money to be distributed through the Minnesota Racing Commission. The Commission would then create an 11 person advisory board including non-racing breed representatives. All non-racing breeds would then be able to apply for grants that could be used for futurity prizes, fair purses, horse rescue and rehabilitation, educational projects, facility upgrades, etc.

Based on the most recent projections from the Minnesota State Lottery, the amount of money Racino legislation would provide to non-racing breeds would total nearly $1.3 million per year when the facilities are in full scale operation. If legislation were to be passed this year, it is most likely that facilities could be open by January 1, 2012 and full scale operation could begin as soon as January 1, 2013.

Therefore, if this legislation were to pass this year, Minnesota’s non-racing equine breeds would be eligible to receive approximately $250,000 during the first fiscal year of operation, $1 million in the second fiscal year and $1.3 million every year thereafter.

We appreciate any support you can offer on this effort. This legislation would have a significant positive impact on Minnesota’s entire equine industry.