Kentucky Equine Survey Cover Letter - 2012

United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

Kentucky Field Office

Cooperating with Kentucky Department of Agriculture

June 25, 2012

Dear Kentucky Equine Operator:

An accurate assessment of the number of horses in Kentucky and their economic impact are two fundamental pieces of information currently unavailable to those who need it. A University of Kentucky College of Agriculture-led study will accurately quantify that information. UK's Equine Initiative, in conjunction with the University of Louisville's Equine Business Program and the Kentucky field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and in partnership with the Kentucky Horse Council, will conduct a statewide comprehensive survey of all breeds of horses in 2012. The last comprehensive study of this kind was conducted in 1977.

Making good policy for the horse industry requires good facts. This statewide, all-breed survey will gather information, including accurate estimates of the number of horses in Kentucky at the county level, the economic impact of the equine industry, the value of land and buildings, and the state, federal and local taxes paid by equine operations. It will also build a framework for future research and equine health monitoring purposes and allow for follow-up studies roughly every five years to track changes in the industry. Knowing this information will establish a benchmark enabling the industry to adapt to changing market conditions.

Under Title 7 of the U.S. Code and CIPSEA (Public Law 107-347), facts about your operation are kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes in combination with similar reports from other operations. Response is voluntary. According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB number is 0535-0227. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 20 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

Please respond quickly. You may return the questionnaire in the provided envelope. If you are unable to return the questionnaire by July 16^th, one of our enumerators will be contacting you by phone or personal interview. If you have any questions please call 1-800-928-5277. Preliminary results of the study will be available in early December. Kentucky’s equine industry thanks you!

Sincerely,

LELAND E. BROWN

Director

Enclosures – 2

PO Box 1120 · Louisville, Kentucky 40201-1120

(502) 582-5293 · (502) 582-5114 FAX · www.nass.usda.gov/ky

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.