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Horse livestock classification

Published (4/27/2012)
By Sue Hegarty
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Horses are considered livestock for agricultural purposes but equine operations may mean something entirely different when it comes to assessing property taxes.

A new law, effective Aug. 1, 2012, clarifies a discrepancy between an agriculture classification and property tax laws for horse breeders.

St. Michael horse breeder David Dayon sought the clarification after he was assessed at a higher property tax rate, rather than a lower agricultural rate.

Rep. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo Township) and Sen. Doug Magnus (R-Slayton) sponsor the law, which states that horse training and breeding farms are considered agricultural operations and that such uses cannot be considered when determining the property’s tax classification. The law was signed April 18 by Gov. Mark Dayton.

There are about 13,000 horse farms in the state, typically consisting of 20 acres, according to an equine extension specialist at the University of Minnesota.

HF539/ SF396*/CH203

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