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New York Farm Viability Institute

A Strong Future for New York Agriculture

Project Profiles

Saratoga County Initiative is First Equine Project Funded by NYFVI


The New York Farm Viability Institute, Inc. (NYFVI)-funded CCE Equine initiative was barely out of the starting gate for Saratoga County before six other counties expressed interest in how they might benefit. An $80,000 NYFVI grant to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Saratoga County is facilitating business planning assistance and analysis for horse-related enterprise owners and operators in Saratoga County, where the equine industry is estimated at $317 million.

“This project embodies an unprecedented opportunity for Saratoga County horse businesses and owners,” says CCE of Saratoga County Executive Director William Schwerd.

“We see Saratoga County as one of the hubs of New York State’s horse industry. The New York Farm Viability Institute grant is allowing us to identify exactly what equine operations - large and small - need to thrive in Saratoga County and beyond.”

CCE Equine Project Coordinator Jennifer Conte says the goal is to help most farms develop and implement business plans that will bring at least a five percent increase in profitability. New and less established businesses will plan to grow 10 percent or more. Cornell University’s NY FarmNet program is providing business plan development assistance to this project.

Anne McMahon of McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, LLC, a family-owned horse breeding and training business for more than 35 years, says, “This is a much needed program since the knowledge of horses, their health issues, and facilities is quite specific to the industry. Those who seek help will find it, thereby keeping their equine-related agricultural endeavors profitable.”

Chris and Bill Neilson of Neilson’s Windy Acres say the CCE Equine project’s new online information clearinghouse at www.cceequine.com will increase consumer visibility of their horse boarding facility in Stillwater, and of the region’s other horse businesses.

The CCE Equine project is supported by the Saratoga County Farm Bureau, the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, and the Agricultural Economic Development Program for Washington and Saratoga Counties. It is the first equine initiative funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute. This enterprising pilot project has the potential to evolve into a statewide and national resource for the horse industry.

For More Info:
William Schwerd, Jennifer Conte
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga
County, 518-885-8995
www.cceequine.com