Texas A&M to Utilize New Equine Business Studies Center to Analyze Horse Slaughter Issue

Texas A&M Offers New Economic Center
Press Release appearing in The Horse

"Texas A&M University will create a Center for Equine Business Studies to provide equine industry statistics and data to the government and public to help the horse industry make better decisions and build business. The university has retained Latigo Associates to assist in development of the center.

...Davis said the ability to consistently provide information to government, media, and the public regarding the impact of the horse industry, environmental concerns, and tax issues is critical, and he points to the topic of equine slaughter as an example.

'There are two clear sides to this issue but, unfortunately, there has been little done to determine the true economic impact of caring for fifty to sixty thousand horses annually for the remainder of their lifespan, and equally as important, the impact of closing the plants that process those animals,' he said. 'This is just one example of how our center could help answer those questions.'

...Furthermore, such a center would provide economic analysis of the potential impacts of programs and proposed legislation on the U.S. and international horse industries.

Slated to be operational by June 2006, the center will receive valuable input from a Strategic Development Council that will meet at Texas A&M in February. The council is comprised of industry leaders who will provide insight into the programs and services to be offered. A second Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel will be formed once the center is operational to continue providing feedback, as well as be involved in the development of industry summits and programs.

Funding for the Center will come from the horse industry through membership fees established at varying fee and service levels. Among the benefits of membership are the development of annual reports, access to economic data generated by the center, a monthly EquiNomics newsletter, and registration to an annual EquiNomics Summit.

'Members of the center will be able to call upon our internationally recognized staff at any time to perform studies on their behalf,' Davis said. 'Our staff knows and understands agriculture and the horse livestock industry, so the ability to produce solid data is one assurance we can make to our members.'

To receive an information packet about the center and membership, contact Davis at eed@tamu.edu, or call 979/845-1705. or mail him at 2124 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2124. Bryant can be contacted at julie@golatigo.com or 817/443-0686."