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| Shelbyville News Op-Ed Letter September 4, 2004 Industry in Need of Help By Bob Jackman Last week, the Agriculture and Small Business Interim Study Committee met for the second time at the Statehouse. The Legislative Council charged this committee with studying a variety of topics. It is my duty as the chairman to make sure these topics are covered in depth and that each member serving on this committee can walk away with a deeper understanding of the issues. Our second meeting was devoted to studying equine issues within Indiana’s agricultural industry. The term equine refers to horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. The equine industry in Indiana has many roles, including racing, showing, recreation or even working. The committee found that the industry is huge and that many feed and building suppliers depend upon the equine industry for sales. I have talked to many constituents, those who work in the equine industry and those who rely on the development of the equine industry for their livelihood. I knew that this industry was in serious trouble, but after hearing it firsthand from those farmers, breeders and trainers, I know now more than ever that these people need help. The equine industry in Indiana generates more than 9,000 jobs and contributes more than $207 million in economic impact to the state. There are about 34,000 equine operations within the state of Indiana, with LaGrange County leading the way with the highest horse population, at 11,200. According to Dr. Jerry Walker, who is the Chairman of the Indiana Horse Racing and Breeding Coalition, horse racing accounts for only six percent of the entire equine industry but is its most visible part. Even though racing represents only a fraction of the industry, it still makes up 25 percent of the economic impact and 25 percent of direct jobs produced. In 2001, horse racing generated $479 million of direct economic impact to the state of Indiana. This was a return of $17 for every dollar that was invested by the 65 cents from the riverboat admissions tax. Horse racing in Indiana has many other advantages. When you see a horse on the track, you are seeing just a reflection of the hard work and dedication that goes into the training, feeding, breeding and the overall horsemen’s dedication to the industry. Purse amounts drive the entire racing industry. With purse levels decreasing more every year, horse breeders and trainers are having difficulty staying afloat. Horse breeders are receiving a smaller percentage because the wining purse amounts are smaller. They aren’t earning as much money; they are having a horrible time paying their farm costs, veterinary bills, livestock feed and so on. During the committee hearing, many horse breeders and owners said they might be forced to relocate to another state if no one can offer any help. I don’t want to see Indiana lose these farms and these jobs. Jackman represents the 42nd District, including Shelby County, in the Indiana Senate.  |
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