After being hit with a commodity market crash in 2008 and a global recession in 2009, Kentucky’s farm economy showed marked improvement in 2010. Agricultural economists with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture estimate Kentucky farm cash receipts to be $4.4 to $4.7 billion this year, up at least $100-300 million over 2009 and well above the 10-year average of $4 billion.

Peter Timoney, MVB, PhD, FRCVS, Frederick Van Lennep Chair in Equine Veterinary Science at the University of Kentucky’s Gluck Equine Research Center, was named the acting chair of the international Prevention of Equine Infectious Disease Guidelines Group (PrEquID) in September.

The Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA), a newly formed equine networking and educational group for equine professionals involved in pleasure and performance horse breeds, held its second meeting Nov. 16 in Lexington, Ky.

Global insurance market Lloyd’s of London recently presented a $45,000 check to the University of Kentucky, continuing almost three decades of support for the university’s Equine Disease Quarterly publication.

Horses are an integral part of Kentucky’s culture. They possess qualities of balance, coordination, speed, reflex, strength, endurance, and stamina. Outside the traditional setting of a racetrack or an open field, though, horses can also be healers.

The Kentucky Equine Networking Association (KENA), open to both equine professionals and horse owners, will launch at a dinner and educational meeting on Sept. 16 at Spindletop Hall in Lexington, Ky.