$3.6 BILLION!
Meanwhile, the value of a dead horse is $0. Wonder what part of that equation sunk into the heads of the Governor and the legislators when they voted to open the slaughterhouses? ~ Jerry

From: Sapulpa Daily Herald

The Oklahoma Equine Alliance recently released a comprehensive study showing the economic impact generated by the Oklahoma Equine Industry reached $3.6 billion in 2012, yielding roughly 35,070 full time equivalent jobs. The study was completed in 2013 and commissioned by members of the Oklahoma Equine Alliance.

“At Farmer’s Feed Store we go through 250-300 tons of horse feed a month,” said Curt Johnston of Sapulpa. That figure is in addition to sales of tack, medicine, fencing, trailers, clothing and other supplies.

Local horse ranches and companies not only show and compete, but also they breed, board and train horses. The industry also impacts truck sales and service, the travel industry, veterinary medicine and other agriculture businesses.

Members of the Oklahoma Equine Alliance include the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, Remington Park, Will Rogers Downs, Fair Meadows, Oklahoma Horse Council, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. These members as well as state legislators and top executives from breed organizations and private entities gathered to recognize Oklahoma’s thriving equine industry. The study provides thorough economic data and highlights the cooperative efforts of private and public partnerships that have driven the growth of Oklahoma’s equine business.

Oklahoma is known worldwide for its top caliber horses as well as its top tier facilities. Oklahoma is recognized as the “horse show capital” of the world, is home to over a thousand rodeo events and hosts the top race meets for Quarter Horses in the United States. The Oklahoma State Fair Park and Tulsa Expo Square have completed improvements to their facilities totaling over $250 million since 2005. The world class facilities are a significant component in the ability to host national and international equine events year round.

“The Arabian Show made an impact on our business,” said Joan Deckard of Farmer’s Feed. “Our customers show and compete around the country. They are also involved in international events.”

“There is no doubt that the equine industry is a significant economic driver within our Oklahoma economy”, said Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese. “With a total impact of $3.6 billion and generation of over $100 million in state and local taxes it is evident that the equine industry is important to all areas of our state. We want to continue to support our equine events and participants as they create opportunity here in Oklahoma.”

The horse industry in Oklahoma connects not only horse lovers and the products they need, but also people with nature.

“Horses are part of an intimate relationship with nature,” said Donna and Stefano Lolato. They are raising 13 horses in Sapulpa. Stefano has worked with horses for over 50 years on two continents.

“Horses made this country,” he said.

Editor’s Note: Farmer’s Feed Store in Sapulpa has been family-owned and operated since 1972. They participated in the Small Business Saturday.

Read Original Article