Conservation Summit with Horse Farms Forever - November 19, 2020

Horse Farms Forever will hold a Conservation Summit in partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the American Farmland Trust on November 19th at Golden Ocala from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.

Commissioner Adam Putnam, CEO, Ducks Unlimited, will introduce the topic of land conservation and the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural lands for future generations. He served as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and his passion for hunting, angling, and conservation will be an inspiration for community leaders and landowners.

“Conservation and agriculture make a great partnership that benefits not only wildlife, but the people and communities agricultural operations support,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “Farmers and ranchers were the world’s first conservationists, and they understood that if you took care of the land, it would take care of you in return. The same can be said for wildlife conservation – by preserving and protecting the wild places we love, we are constantly giving back through increased habitat, flood mitigation and better water quality downstream.”

Billy Van Pelt II, Director of External Relations, will present the American Farmland Trust’s report Farms Under Threat: The State of the States about the loss of prime agricultural lands across the nation with a focus on the southeast and Marion County.

The purpose of the Summit is to inspire community leaders and landowners to protect the horse farms and agricultural lands that are fundamental to Marion County’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®.

A workshop will be held in 2021 to discuss how other communities have developed long-range plans that balance economic development with protecting agricultural lands and quality of life. The long-term goal is to strengthen the county’s comprehensive plan by developing a Rural Land Management Plan.

The Title Sponsor is Brook Ledge Horse Transportation. Additional sponsors include: Ocala Horse Properties, Tri-Eagle Sales, Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and Newport Hay. The marketing partner is the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Per the CDC guidelines, the Summit will be limited to 120 people and will be held at Golden Ocala from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, with lunch served. Registration is $30. Masks are encouraged. There will be social distancing procedures in place and temperature checks upon entry.

The event will be live-streamed. Virtual attendance is an option. See the registration form to sign up. horsefarmsforever.com/conservation-summit

Horse Farms Forever

From the soil to the springs to the sheltering oaks, Marion County, Florida, is horse country.

A city has risen here, resting on broad backs and propelled by hoofbeats.

Open spaces and beautiful places are the hallmark of greater Ocala.

Horse Farms Forever is dedicated to preserving the character and culture that makes us the Horse Capital of the World®.