Protecting Farmland with Horse Power

Massachusetts is losing farmland fast—about 83% of what existed a century ago has vanished. But one program quietly helping to fight that loss has been the Race Horse Development Fund. Started 15 years ago as part of the state's casino law, this fund gives a small slice of casino revenue to breeding farms. That money has helped farms grow again after years of decline. Strangely, this program barely got a mention in a big report about saving farmland that came out six months ago. The report was 63 pages long, but didn’t highlight places like Elm Hill Farm in Brookfield. That farm started before the American Revolution and put Massachusetts on the map as a horse-breeding leader. Now some lawmakers want to cut the fund to save money. The fund costs less than 1% of the state’s $61 billion budget—basically pocket change. Yet horse breeders say it’s working. Last year, they reported 45 foals born on their farms—a huge jump from just five in 2022. More farms are staying open and even hiring local workers.Take Amy Riley at Forge Field Farm in Raynham. She bought the place in 2017 with a simple rule: no development allowed. Then she built a new barn and spends thousands each month on feed, tools and vet care. She’s not alone. Many new breeders are younger, including Nogah Bust, who runs Johnny B Farm in Plainville with her husband. They raise horses, cattle and chickens to make ends meet. Still, Bust says, “It is hard work. ” But the extra income helps secure their future. The state already knows how important rural areas are. Governor Healey even created an office just to focus on rural issues. Still, some leaders keep trying to cut the horse fund. But if the goal is saving farmland and keeping small businesses alive, this might be one of the most effective tools around. Farming isn’t glamorous—it’s mucking stalls and nights in the barn. Yet that’s exactly what keeps these lands alive.