PA: Equine industry has $670 million economic impact

Residents and tourists driving around Southeastern Pennsylvania are frequently impressed with the beauty of the area’s pastures and horses, but many do not realize the full contribution of the equine industry on the region’s economy. The equine industry spends $546 million on goods, services, wages, and salaries in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The impact of this spending generates $670 million to regional GDP, supports more than 6,550 jobs and generates $58 million in tax revenue. The sector also provides almost $160 million in annual payroll and plays a vital role in maintaining open spaces and agricultural production.  John Urbanchuk, chair of agribusiness at DelVal, directed the study. Dr. Sarah Young, chair of the DelVal animal science department; Cory Kieschnick, chair of the DelVal equine science and management department; and Christine Seel; co-chair of the DelVal business and information management department worked with Urbanchuk on the study. The study was commissioned by the Chester-Delaware County Farm Bureau. The region in the study consists of: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Schuylkill and York counties. Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to two leading equine counties in Pennsylvania, Lancaster, and Chester.