Hidden Creek Stables in Lexington is using holiday events to help alleviate some of the rising costs of farming.
LEXINGTON, S.C. — Hidden Creek Stables in Lexington held a Christmas market over the weekend to help alleviate some of the rising costs of farming.
In September, the USDA predicted that U.S. net farm income would plummet from $42 billion to $141 billion, resulting in a 23% year-over-year drop in farm income across the country.
These discoveries and their personal experiences motivated the people at Hidden Creek Stables to host a Christmas market. Alexis Bennett, whose family helps run the farm, said events like this help keep the farm’s doors open.
“Horses are very expensive. Hay and grain aren’t cheap. We take all kinds of supplements to keep horses where they need to be,” Bennett said. “Especially in the winter, the price of pasture goes up because horses eat more. It’s hard to maintain horses, so events like this help us pay the bills.”
Farms house horses, goats, turtles, and other animals, increasing the cost of livestock. The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee found that overall agriculture spending is the second highest on record, as is animal feed.
“People come here and see this beautiful barn and think we’ve got it done, but there’s a lot of work to do just to get the mortgage,” Bennett said. “This is not a place where we’re trying to make money. It’s just something we do for fun.”
Several local businesses also helped launch the product, and the Lexington community pitched in as well.
Matt Willmott and his daughter headed to the farm on Sunday to play with the animals and keep their holiday and fun local.
“Keep everything local to the community and let the community thrive,” Wilmost said.
A Christmas horse camp will be held at the farm later this month, starting December 21st. Camping takes place Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $75 per child per day. Anyone wishing to participate must RSVP.