(6/2021) Beginning in 2014, the Adams County Commissioners and the Adams County Office of Planning and Development (ACOPD) embarked on an effort to determine the economic impact of important Adams County agricultural industries. The first study was completed in 2017. It determined the economic impact of the historic South Mountain Fruit Belt in Adams County contributed $580 million annually to the local economy. Moving forward, in 2019 ACOPD began working to study the next agricultural industry’s economic impact in the county: the equine industry.

This article is taken largely from the report, which is posted on the county web site at www.adamscounty.us/Dept/Planning. While the study should be read in it’s entirely, I’ll skip to the end and let you know that annually the equine industry contributes $49,023,000 to our local economy. While that is dwarfed by our largest industries, tourism and fruit production and processing, it represents a significant portion of our local economy.

The study of the County’s equine industry was chosen for several reasons. The last statewide study of the equine industry was conducted and published by Penn State University in 2003, but there has never been a study focused exclusively on Adams County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, the equine industry’s market value in Adams County currently ranks fourth out of 63 counties in Pennsylvania. This indicates that this industry would likely be an important sector within the local economy, and information that demonstrates this overall impact would prove important information for local government and businesses.

Adams County was not included in the 2017 Impact of the Equine Industry on the Economy of Southeastern Pennsylvania study conducted by Delaware Valley University. Additionally, the 2003 Pennsylvania’s Equine Industry Inventory, Basic Economic and Demographic Characteristics report conducted by Penn State University is outdated and only provided basic information at a regional scale. Recently, there have also been proposed budget cuts by the Governor’s office to the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund potentially threatening the survival of Standardbred racing industry in Pennsylvania. When considering possible budget concerns that may impact an important local industry, it became a high priority to complete a study that could demonstrate this industry’s great importance.

The Economic Impact Assessment of the Equine Industry in Adams County has been completed by ACOPD and The Chesapeake Group. The purpose of this study was to determine the various economic impacts of this specific industry within the county, while considering a full range of equine-related activities. Doing so has demonstrated areas within the industry that would benefit from further growth. Several suggestions directed towards a variety of groups will be offered that will help in maintaining and enhancing the industry, as well as assist in possible expansion of its potential. This information will be provided to policymakers in government, those who work within the equine industry, and the public to demonstrate the importance of the industry to Adams County.

The economic impact is based on the number of equines, spending on upkeep and care of the animals, use of the equine, and recirculation or multiplier of the dollars spent in the local economy attributed to the animals. While the equine industry's measurable economic impact is substantial, so is the non-measurable impact. Adams County's image is typically based on three primary characteristics. These are its preserved historical assets, role in this country's history, and its rural character. This county’s rural character contributes to the quality of life and the desirable nature as a place to live.

Perhaps the most fundamental factor in preserving the character and related quality of life is the equine component of the agricultural activity. While Adams County is best known for its abundant fruit orchards, that segment of agriculture is focused in a specific geographic area of the county that provides the ideal land and soil conditions. Most of the equine industry is densely populated in a few areas, but one will also find smaller concentrations dispersed throughout the county. The only limiting factors for having a horse with pastureland in Adams County seem to be a potential lack of land and inflexible zoning regulations.

In 2010 Adams County was the 10th fastest growing county in Pennsylvania. Since then, the county’s population growth has slowed, and from 2010 through 2019 grew by only 1.58 percent. Although the percent of population increase has dropped, 12,000 acres were proposed for conversion to new development during that time. The conversion of farmland to residential development can lead to land use conflicts. There will be pressure to not allow livestock facilities, including facilities housing horses, as this type of development encroaches on rural activity.

Conflicts could occur because of those who relocate to the county from other areas with different environments. Wind direction and airflow that spread odors related to farming in general and breeding specifically can be viewed as a nuisance by neighboring residential developments. The Pennsylvania Act 43 Agricultural Security Area Law does give some protection for landowners from local ordinances or nuisance lawsuits affecting normal farming practices. County and local jurisdictions should examine the unity of horse farms in and around rural residential settings to ensure that horse ownership is facilitated to maintain the character of Adams County.

Continuous development within South Central Pennsylvania counties east of Adams County provides an opportunity to attract equine activity to this area and expand upon what is already in place. Adams County attracts horse owners because of the rural landscapes surrounding the historic communities. Open space and pastureland are commonly available in the real-estate market. In cooperation with active realtors in the area, Adams County should develop a targeted marketing effort geared toward attracting residents that want to or do own businesses that serve the equine industry. This can be done at minimal out-of-pocket costs by employing social media, among other things.

There is also an opportunity to expand equine-related agritourism activities including events, training, boarding, and others. Adams County should market this activity cooperatively with other historical and agricultural events marketing. Townships should also be encouraged to develop flexibility in their ordinances to allow for these types of activities. This will not only not only allow for an expansion of the industry itself, but on a smaller scale could allow farmers to maintain their land for longer periods of time by having the ability to generate additional revenue.

To see the complete Adams County Equine Study go to the Adams County Planning website at www.adamscounty.us/Dept/Planning/ and check out the publications section.