NEW JERSEY HORSE OWNERS GET READY FOR STATE EQUINE SURVEY

          On or about July 17, New Jersey horse owners and horse farm owners and managers will receive the “New Jersey Equine Survey” from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, a unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

          The Rutgers Equine Science Center, the New Jersey Equine Advisory Board, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association, the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, the New Jersey Sire Stakes, officers of all the major breed groups and disciplines and many individuals throughout the horse industry are supporting and endorsing this survey and urge anyone who receives the questionnaire to answer it completely and promptly.

          Individual responses to the survey questionnaire will be compiled with all other responses so that complete anonymity will be maintained. Data will be analyzed by a reliable, respected, experienced third party and will be kept in the strictest confidence.

          The survey is part of a larger study designed to measure the impact of horses in New Jersey. Rather than just a horse census, the study will determine the economic benefits horses bring to New Jersey; how supplier businesses and others (such as hay, straw and grain farmers and other types of traditional agriculture) benefit from horses in New Jersey; how many acres of open space are devoted to keeping horses in New Jersey; what factors could negatively affect the horse industry; and similar information that will give a true picture of New Jersey’s “horse power.”

          The results will be used to inform and educate stakeholders and to provide an accurate picture of the scope and breadth of the horse industry.  A report will be made available to groups and individuals looking to increase their voice with legislators, governing bodies, regulators and various audiences.

          Those responding to the survey should be New Jersey residents and 18 years of age or older. If a horse owner or equine farm operator has not received a questionnaire by July 21, he/she may contact the National Agricultural Statistics Service at 800-328-0179.