New farm business development in Jefferson County has slowed with regard to the recent pandemic, and a limited amount of support, created by an uncertain socio-economic-political environment. However, the development of Equine Therapy farms has continued to grow, serving the increased needs of Jefferson County, with the greatest number of farms being located in Eastern Jefferson County.  Equine Therapy has created a need for safe and healthy indoor, and outdoor environments, for clients and horses.

 The Ag agent has been contacted several times for assurance that safe environments and ecosystems exist. Pasture evaluations, including soil samples, are usually the first of a sequence of steps, with strong encouragement for farm owners and managers to “walk pastures” with the agent.  The identification of various plants, harmful to horses, is usually accompanied with UK Extension publications, and other resources for forage management.  Other potential pasture hazards, as sink holes, fallen trees within the pasture areas, and a safe placement for gates and water tanks are discussed and identified within various Extension publications. 

The Ag agent encourages others, involved in the farm development/operation, to become involved in discussions regarding potential hazards in the barn/pasture areas. 

Farm owners and managers, (and other farm staff), have become aware of toxic plants that occur in pastures, as well as the determination of good quality hay, being fed to horses.  Using UK’s soil and feed testing lab, plant pathology lab, and the use of insect identification specialists, all, have helped tremendously, giving Jefferson County farms a level of safety, and comfort, knowing that the Extension Service is current, reliable, and available.