History
One of the finest equine/livestock facilities in the country, the UMass Equine and Livestock Research and Education Farm in Hadley (The Hadley Farm) is a 130-acre animal science complex for the University’s College of Natural Sciences. The farm’s legacy dates back to the mid-1980s, with the development of the Young Meadow Farm. Intended to serve as a premier horse and racing facility, financial constraints and lack of sewer access resulted in the sale of the property to the University of Massachusetts Foundation in 1992. Since acquisition, the faculty and staff of Hadley Farm have striven to educate students in equine and livestock best practices.
Current
UMass Equine and Livestock Research and Education Farm houses approximately 20 horses, 60 small ruminants (sheep/goats), and is also home to the UMass Mounted Police and a branch of the Massachusetts State Police's Mounted Unit. Additionally, the farm serves as a host for a number of equestrian shows and farm related events – most notably the Bay State Livestock Classic held by the University every spring since 1935. The UMass Equine and Livestock Research and Education Farm offers students the ability to acquire true hands-on animal management experience – a benefit not found at many other universities in the region.
Education
Class in Animal Management classes are offered through the UMass Veterinary & Animal Sciences Department.