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Message Exclusive insights for farm owners who value efficiency.Amy Casal
Copyright © 2025 by Farmhouse Publishing All rights reserved.No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that neither theauthor nor the publisher is engaged in rendering legal, investment, accounting or other professional services. While the publisher and author have used their best efforts inpreparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim anyimplied warranties of merchantability for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice andstrategies contained herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional when appropriate. Neither the publisher nor the author shall beliable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, personal, or other damages. All buyers mustcomplete their own due diligence prior to purchasing any real estate.
-4 -CONTENTS13245KNOW YOUR LAND, KNOW YOUR WORTHHORSE POWERPALM BEACH MARKET, DOUBLE EDGEDSWORDPALM BEACH COUNTY- THE EQUESTRIANPARADISEPALM BEACH COUNTY- THE EQUESTRIANPARADISEEQUINE LAWEQUINE LAW6THE NETWORKTHE NETWORK
1-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E RKNOW YOUR LAND,KNOW YOUR WORTH
DIRT ORDIAMONDS?Your piece of Palm Beach County isn't just dirt; it's a treasure,a blank slate, and something special you'll pass on. Thinkabout it – every bit of it has its own story. Is the soil rich anddark, the kind that brings a large harvest? Does it soak upwater easily? These aren't just things to consider; they'reclues to how much your land is truly worth.The Good Earth: What kind of soil do you have? Is it the kindof soil that yields happy crops? Or maybe rocky, and coulduse some extra love? Or are you practically fighting back aswamp? Knowing your soil is the first step. If you've hadrecent soil tests (within the last year or two), that informationcan be really valuable for buyers wanting to understand theland's potential. Plus, if you have records of past efforts toimprove the soil, that's a great story to share.Water: The lifeblood of your farm. Got a reliable watersource? Maybe a stream that always flows, a well that neverruns dry, or even a pond that the cattle just love to hang outby on a hot day? Water is gold for a farm. If you have anypermits related to your water usage, make sure you have thatinformation handy.The Farm's Bones: Your structures. Take a good look at yourbarns. Are they solid? How about the fences – strong andsecure? Are the other buildings in good shape? A farm that'sbeen well-cared for is a farm that buyers will value.Location Matters, Big Time. Are you out in the sticks, or areyou close to major markets, roads, or other conveniences?Being near things can really boost your property's appeal.
PAST TO TELL..Let’s take a look at your farm's history. Does your land havesome interesting stories? Maybe it was part of somethinghistoric, a place where pioneers lived? A bit of history canactually add to its value.Pasture Power (For Horse and Livestock Farms): If youhave pastures, think about their quality. What kind of grassesare growing? Have you managed weeds- or Brazilian PepperTrees- effectively? Are the fences good for grazing? Are thepaddocks irrigated? Do you practice rotational grazing?These details matter to buyers looking for land for theiranimals.Environmental Considerations: If you have anyenvironmental permits related to wetlands or protectedspecies, be prepared to share those details. On the flip side, ifyour property has a conservation easement that offers taxbenefits or protects the land from development, make sure tohighlight this unique advantageBelow the Surface: Mineral Rights. It's worth a quick thought– do you own the mineral rights to your property? Sometimesthese are separate and can be a question for certain buyers.Knowing Your Boundaries: The Survey. If you have a recentsurvey of your property, that can give buyers peace of mindabout the exact boundaries and prevent futuredisagreements.
WHAT ARE YOUWORTH?So, you know your land inside and out. Now, what's it allworth?Checking the Neighbors: What Else Has Sold? Look around atwhat similar farms in your area have sold for recently. That'llgive you a good starting point.The Money It Makes: Income Potential. If your farm is alreadybringing in money, that's a huge plus for buyers. Think aboutwhat it could earn in the future when you set your price.What Could Be? Development Possibilities. If your land couldbe rezoned for houses or other development, that's a majorfactor. Chat with a real estate agent or a land use lawyer tosee what the possibilities are.“It’s one of a kind”: I hear this a lot. And that’s actually whatmake my job so fun. There’s something called a “costvaluation approach”. Think about it this way: how much didyou spend on improvement since you purchased theproperty? Let’s say vacant land in your area is selling for$250k/ per acre. But you have a professional arena- add$200k. A state-of-the art center aisle, new construction barn-add another $300k. You also installed the finest paddockfencing made with imported wood from an endangered treesourced from the Amazon Rainforest, preserved in pre-historic amber: add on that cost too. (Though, “over”improvements may not always be beneficial!) But you getmy gist.. Regardless, it’s great to list out any improvementsyou have made and share for a professional opinion. Bonuspoints if you can provide receipts!
2-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E RPALM BEACH MARKETA DOUBLE EDGEDSWORD
Palm Beach County has a lively marketplace. The lifestyle,sunshine and lack of state income tax are signifcant drivingforce for the “Great Migration”. In recent years, Palm Beachhas become the #1 destination nationwide! The BusinessDevelopment Board here has pointed out some key areasthat are growing, like:Aerospace and Aviation: This sector benefits from theregion's proximity to major airports and aerospacecompanies. A wealth migration is pushing demand forincrease air routes, private jets and experienced pilots. Information Technology: The county has a growing ITsector, driven by a skilled workforce and strong infrastructure. Remote work movement has positioned this as a leadingindustry.Financial Services: Palm Beach County is a hub for financialservices, with many banks, investment firms, and insurancecompanies. Over 500 firms have relocated headquarters toPalm Beach County. Healthcare and Life Sciences: With the wealth migrationcrowd, along comes their favorite doctors. Thus the region isattracting world-class healthcare facilities and researchinstitutions- like Cleveland Clinic which is coming soon toDowntown West Palm!PRIORITIZEDINDUSTRYFUN FACTFUN FACT
And of course- agribusiness is on the Business DevelopmentBoard’s list of prioritized industries in the county.Palm Beach County's fertile land and favorable climate makeit an ideal location for agriculture. The county is home to avariety of agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables,and livestock. Especially west of Turnpike- the demand for“clean eating” has risen hand-in-hand with healthcare. TheGreen Market in West Palm, is the largest farmer’s marketand has proudly defended its title as the #1 Farmer’s Marketin the nation.Agribusiness in Palm Beach County: A closer lookThe industry supports a wide range of businesses, including:Farming and Ranching: The county produces avariety of crops, including citrus, vegetables, andtropical fruits. Palm Beach County is the nation’s number oneexporter of radishes!Equine Industry: The county's equestrian industry isa major economic driver, with many horse farms,training facilities, and equestrian events.Agricultural Technology: The county is a hub foragricultural technology, with companies developinginnovative solutions for farming and ranching.UNDERSTANDING T HE AG EXEMPTIONUNDERSTANDING T HE AG EXEMPTION
LOCAL RULESWhile Palm Beach County is great for farming, you need toknow about the local rules and restrictions. These can changequite a bit depending on the specific town or area. Like notallowing chickens on your property (bummmerrrr...)Wellington: Where Horses Reign, and Rules are StrictWellington is known for its beautiful equestrian community,and they have specific rules to keep it that way and protectthe environment. These often involve:Dealing with Manure: There are strict rules about how tostore, handle, and get rid of manure so it doesn't smell orpollute.What Kind of Fences: They might have rules about thetype of fencing you can have, especially in residentialareas.Keeping it Quiet: There might be noise limits, especially atnight, so everyone can have some peace.
KEY CONTACTSOther towns and areas in Palm Beach County might havesimilar rules or specific ones for farming. It's really importantto look into the local rules and zoning laws to make sureyou're following them.Besides town rules, here are some common things buyerswill ask:How far do buildings need to be from property lines?Can I put a roof over the riding arena?Is there already an agricultural tax exemption on theproperty?Are there any protected plants growing on this farm?How big can I build the barn?What are the homeowner association rules for building?Being informed will help you avoid potential legal headaches.Talk to local government folks, like the zoning board andbuilding department. They can give you the specifics onzoning, permits, and other important stuff.Here are some helpful numbers:Palm Beach County Building Department: 561-233-5000Wellington Building Dept: 561-753-2430Loxahatchee Groves Building Office: 561-807-6675Jupiter Building Dept: 561-741-2286Palm Beach Gardens Building Dept: 561-799-4210
3-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E RHORSE POWER
Believe it or not, the horse industry worldwide generates amassive amount of money – over $300 billion! And it supportsabout 1.6 million full-time jobs. Here's a quick look at wherethe money is:Europe: $133 BillionUnited States: $102 Billion (Florida, you're a big part ofthis!)Canada: $16 Billion (Our neighbors to the north are ridingstrong too)This money isn't just about winning prizes and fancyequipment. It includes things like:Boarding and Training HorsesLessons and ClinicsBreeding and Selling HorsesCompetitions and EventsHorse Shows and RodeosTrail Riding and Just Riding for FunNot all riders have the same needs, so it’s important tounderstand which discipline your farm is able to accomodate.ECONOMY
WHO IS YOURFARM MADE FORHunter/Jumper: This is arguably the most dominantdiscipline in Florida, particularly in Wellington and Ocala.Hunter classes focus on the horse's form and manners overfences, while jumper classes emphasize speed and clearingobstacles without fault.Dressage: This discipline, often likened to "horse ballet,"showcases the horse's athleticism, obedience, and harmonywith the rider through a series of precise movements. Theconcentration of top trainers, riders, and internationalcompetitions makes Florida an global epicenter for dressage,especially in Wellington, home to the Adequan GlobalDressage Festival (AGDF).Barrel Racing: A highly popular Western speed event, barrelracing has a strong following throughout Florida. Eventsorganized by associations like the Florida Barrel RacingAssociation are common, and large rodeos across the statefrequently feature this fast-paced competition where horseand rider navigate a cloverleaf pattern around barrels fortime. The World Equestrian Center in Ocala also hostssignificant barrel racing events.Reining: This Western discipline, focusing on precisemaneuvers of a ranch horse. Reining competitions involveperforming a set pattern of circles, spins, and sliding stops.Facilities like the World Equestrian Center in Ocala hostmajor reining events, attracting both professional andamateur riders.Polo: While more niche than the other disciplines, polo has asignificant and high-profile presence in Florida, particularly inWellington. The Palm Beach International Polo Season drawsworld-class players and teams, making it a prominent part ofFlorida's equestrian scene. This team sport played onhorseback requires exceptional riding skills and strategicteamwork. Polo ponies travel in packs, so having an ambleamount of stables are of high importance.
PROS VS. JOESTo sell your horse property well, you need to understand boththe professional and amateur horse markets. This will helpyou target the right buyers.In the horse world, there are basically two types of owners:professionals and amateurs. Knowing the difference is key tomarketing your farm effectively.Professionals:Make money from their horse activities, like teaching,training, or breeding.Often travel a lot for shows and competitions (thinkWellington to Ocala)Might need specific facilities like training rings orbreeding barns.Amateurs:Ride and work with horses for fun, not for profit.Might compete but aren't considered professionals by thehorse associations.Often focus on a specific type of riding, like dressage orjumping.Might be interested in boarding their horses or just havingtrails to ride on.
Connecting with the Professional Market:If your farm is geared towards professionals, make sure tohighlight things like top-quality training facilities, easy accessto show venues, and different ways they could make moneyfrom the property.Got an arena? Make sure there isn't a single puddle! And tellbuyers about the footing (sand, rubber mix, etc.) and howwell it drains. A good arena surface is a big plus. What kindsof riding can it handle?Barn Appeal: When describing your barns, don't just say"barn." Talk about the number and size of stalls, theventilation, the lighting, if you have wash racks, a secure tackroom, and good feed storage. Any special features will catch abuyer's eye.Understanding the Amateur Market:For amateurs, focus on the lifestyle your farm offers. Thinkabout boarding options, trails for fun riding, and a welcomingplace for families who love horses.These riders may be more “lax” , so if you have any feedsuppliers, local vets, or contractors that you have successfulrelations with, please share and pass on the business to thenext owner!JUST SO YOU KN O W...JUST SO YOU KN O W...
4-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E RPALM BEACH COUNTYEQUESTRIANPARADISE
SHOW ME THESPOTPalm Beach County is a real haven for anyone who loveshorses, with some truly world-class equestrian facilities. Let'stake a look at some of the big names:Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC):PBIEC is the star of the show when it comes to horse venues.Those iconic white fences are known around the world fortop-level competition. The Winter Equestrian Festival, one ofthe most important horse events globally, happens hereevery year. It brings in top riders like McLain Ward, KentFarrington, and Scott Brash, and you'll see all sorts of riding,from hunter-jumper to dressage.Equestrian Village:Right next to PBIEC, Equestrian Village is a bit more intimatefor horse activities. They host all kinds of events, includinghunter-jumper shows, polo matches, and dressagecompetitions.Jim Brandon Equestrian Center: This place has a lot to offer,including show rings, a polo field, and a cross-country course.They have local and national horse events, as well ascommunity events and fairs.The Polo Club and IDA:Palm Beach County is famous for its polo scene. The PoloClub and IDA (International Polo Club Palm Beach) haveworld-class polo matches and a really luxurious lifestylearound them. Top polo players from all over, like NachoFigueras and Adolfo Cambiaso, play here.
White Fences:Located in Loxahatchee, White Fences is a top-notch spotknown for its high-quality dressage shows. Top riders likeSteffen Peters and Charlotte Dujardin have competed here,making it a must-see for dressage fans.Being Part of Something Special: Are you apart of an Equestrian Community that holds smallevents? Like the 32 acre resident only horse park in theCaloosa neighborhood, or the horse tribe that gets togetherin Jonathan Dickinson State Park? Highlight that, your buyerwants to feel welcomed!
If your property or the surrounding area offers access toequestrian trails or nice places to ride, be sure to highlightthat for buyers who enjoy recreational riding.Not sure if your neighborhood has any bridle paths? Scan theQR code below to access an interactive map of public accesstrails. Is your farm out of range on the map? Shoot me a message,chances are there’s a trail by you.HIT THE TRAILS
A TIME TO BEALIVEFrom November through April, this region transforms into aglobal hub for everything equestrian. During these months,the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at PBIEC draws inthousands of competitors and spectators. This world-classevent attracts over 500,000 people annually, providing asignificant boost to the local economy.Beyond just the WEF, the entire equestrian season generatessubstantial revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other localbusinesses. The influx of visitors, particularly the high-endclientele involved in the horse industry, truly invigorates thelocal economy and firmly establishes Palm Beach County as apremier equestrian destination.With Wellington's reputation as the "International WinterEquestrian Capital" on the line, Wellington Lifestyle Partnersis actively expanding its presence. They're adding moreequestrian amenities like show grounds, hotels, and stablingto stay ahead of competitors like Ocala. More constructionprojects are already underway!Trying to time the market? Think about it- would you move your horses in the snow?The winter season in FL is when the tourism picks up,potential buyers scope out the area and refine their searchcriteria. The serious buyers come out after tax season, oncethe snow begins to melt. Spring/ summer are primetime forfarm sales, this allows the buyer to move their animalscomfortably and sets them up for success by the timecompetitions roll out in the winter. This is a stark contrastfrom other property types, like waterfront homes, whichtypically sell during the winter months.
5-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E REQUINE LAW
OOPS... If you own a horse farm, it's really important to understandthe legal responsibilities that come with it. Equine law can betricky and can have a big impact on your farm.Key Areas Where You Could Be Liable:Property Issues:Keeping Visitors Safe: You need to make sure your farm issafe for anyone who visits, whether they're clients,employees, or just the general public. This means keepingthings in good repair, warning people about potentialdangers, and doing what you can to prevent accidents.What You Sell: If you sell horses or horse-related products,you could be held responsible if there are any problems orif you misrepresent them.Boarding Agreements: Make sure your boarding contractsclearly spell out who's responsible for what when it comesto horse care, liability, and ending the agreement.Leasing: If you lease out horses or parts of your property,make sure your lease agreements are legally sound andprotect your interests.Negligence (Not Being Careful Enough):Taking Care of Horses: You have to provide proper care forany horses on your property, including feeding, watering,and getting them veterinary help when needed.Keeping Things Safe: Make sure your fences, barns, andriding areas are safe and secure.Supervising Others: If you offer riding lessons or training,you need to provide proper supervision to preventaccidents.
Veterinary Care:Getting Permission: Always get clear consent from clientsbefore giving any medications or treatments to theirhorses.Problems with Vets: While vets are usually responsible fortheir own mistakes, farm owners could be held liable ifthey interfere with or prevent proper veterinary care.Make sure your staff is well-trained in handling horses, safetyprocedures, and what to do in an emergency. It's a good idea to review your current insurance coverage asyou prepare to sell. Understand what your policy coversduring the sales process and whether you need to maintain ituntil the deal closes.Disclosure is Key. It's crucial to honestly disclose any knownissues with the property, past incidents, or potential hazardsto potential buyers. Trying to hide things can lead to legaltrouble later on.Selling "As-Is": If you're considering selling your farm "as-is,"make sure you understand what that means. While it canoffer some protection, you're usually still required to discloseany known defects.Bottom line- get legal advice. It's strongly recommended thatyou talk to your own attorney who specializes in real estate orequine law. They can help you navigate the legal aspects ofthe sale and ensure you're fully protected.
Things to Think About When Selling Your Horse Farm:Waivers and Releases:Before letting potential buyers walk around your property,think about having them sign a waiver that releases you fromliability if they get hurt.Clear Signage:Put up clear signs around your property to warn visitors ofany potential dangers. This includes signs that say:No Trespassing: Clearly mark your property lines.Beware of Horses: Let people know there are horsesaround and to be careful.Slippery When Wet: Warn people about areas that mightbe slick, especially near water or mud.Electric Fence: Clearly mark any electric fences.When you're selling your farm, it's really important to use theprotections offered by Equine Law. For the safety of youranimals, make sure a professional guides buyers through theentire tour. It's also a good idea to ask people not to touch thelivestock to avoid any issues with your boarders or tenants.Whether your farm is on the market or not, this kind of signshould be clearly visible at all entrances to limit your liability:IT’S A SIGN!
6-5-C H A P T E RC H A P T E RTHE NETWORK
NETWORK =NETWORTHIn the real estate world, it's not just what you know, but whoyou know. The equestrian world is highly underserved and it’stime to change that.If you're serious about selling your horse property, thinkabout talking to an Equestrian Property Specialist (EPS).These are experts who really understand the unique needsand wants of people in the horse world. Your Job:When it's time for showings and open houses, make sureyour farm looks its best. A clean and well-maintainedproperty will make a great impression. For equestrian farms,having your horses looking well-groomed can also add to theappeal. If you have tenants, ensure that there is clearcommunication with the sale and your intent on continuingboarding obligations. EPS’s job: AKA Everything Else-Market Your Property the Right Way: EPS agents know howto reach the right buyers for your property. Craft the perfectbuyer avatar- where are they moving from? What kind ofperson does you farm serve? They hone your demographic, use targeted marketing, and tap into their network ofprofessionals. Don't underestimate the power of social mediato reach a targeted audience within the AG community.Price It Right: There must be a clear understanding on whatmakes farm properties valuable, like the quality of thefacilities, the location, any special upgrades, and the currentmarket.
EPSShow me the money: Getting financing for a regular housecan be tough enough, but for a farm? Forget about it! A farmborders residential and commercial real estate. It’s a categoryall on its own. EPS agents can help you navigate the financialside of things by making sure the right banks and lenderswith experience in agriculture and horses are involved.Handle the Complexities, Limiting Liability: Selling a farm canbe complicated. You need to know the jargon, have the rightconnections, equipment security (yea, my tenant’s saddle is6k and there are a dozen of them in my unlocked tackroom...) and also look out for the safety of your animals (andyour tenants' animals!), on top of your own legalresponsibilities as a farmowner. Let’s throw proper real estatecompliance and contracts into that mix- and you got yourselfsome spicy jambalaya. You need a team- and an EPS can bring you the resources tomake your move smooth. There are very few EPS certified agents in the state of Florida.Unfortunately, farms just don’t get that same specialattention that those big waterfront properties do. Lucky foryou, you have an EPS agent right in your own backyard. Atrue Wellington local- let's chat about your options and figureout what works best for your unique situation.Equestrian Property SpecialistAmy CasalSERHANT.561-377-4656amy@myparadisepro.comVisit www.myparadisepro.com to learn more
is a true Palm Beach insider, raised in Wellington,with deep roots spanning West Palm Beach to Jupiter. Herintimate understanding of the region's diverse neighborhoods,coupled with her equestrian property certification, makes heruniquely qualified to serve the discerning Palm Beach clientele.From her early passion for holistic wellness, leading to studies inAlternative Medicine in Boca Raton to her entrepreneurialventure with a specialized bakery, she's consistently innovated.Her experience as a TV producer for “Advancements TV withTed Danson" on CNBC and Bloomberg further sharpened her is a true Palm Beach insider, raised in Wellington,with deep roots spanning West Palm Beach to Jupiter. Herintimate understanding of the region's diverse neighborhoods,coupled with her equestrian property certification, makes heruniquely qualified to serve the discerning Palm Beach clientele.From her early passion for holistic wellness, leading to studies inAlternative Medicine in Boca Raton to her entrepreneurialventure with a specialized bakery, she's consistently innovated.Her experience as a TV producer for “Advancements TV withTed Danson" on CNBC and Bloomberg further sharpened her communication and strategic skills. As an award-winning Realtor, recognized on the “2024 PalmBeach Power List”, she excels in serving high-net-worth and private clients. Now a seasoned real estateprofessional with SERHANT., she blends marketmastery with empathetic guidance, honed frommanaging a team of 40 agents. Her commitment? Tocraft unforgettable Palm Beach stories, ensuringevery client discovers and lives everyday in paradise. communication and strategic skills. As an award-winning Realtor, recognized on the “2024 PalmBeach Power List”, she excels in serving high-net-worth and private clients. Now a seasoned real estateprofessional with SERHANT., she blends marketmastery with empathetic guidance, honed frommanaging a team of 40 agents. Her commitment? Tocraft unforgettable Palm Beach stories, ensuringevery client discovers and lives everyday in paradise. US $19.99CAN $24 .99