Goodman Honored With Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

As a co-founder of Fayette Alliance in 2006 and host of one of that land-use advocacy group's biggest annual fundraisers, Greg Goodman and his Mt. Brilliant Farm have displayed their commitment to preserving Kentucky Thoroughbred farmland. 

Goodman was honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award Sept. 9 at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association National Awards Dinner. On Sept. 11 Equine Land Conservation Resource issued a press release announcing the award. The award was established in 2014 as a partnership between TOBA and ELCR to help increase awareness of the importance of land conservation to the Thoroughbred industry and to serve as an inspiration to others within the industry.

Fayette Alliance is dedicated to smart, sustainable, and equitable growth in Lexington-Fayette County through land-use advocacy, education, and research. It aims to build ties between Lexington and the Bluegrass farm community through advocacy at City Hall and with local decision makers and community education. 

Goodman has helped guide those efforts. He currently is the co-chair of Fayette Alliance with Don Robinson of Winter Quarter Farm and has been actively involved in the organization's efforts since its founding.

"His leadership, support, fierce passion, and steadfast dedication to smart, responsible growth and protecting and promoting the farmland that supports Fayette County's economy and identity has been absolutely critical in Fayette Alliance's success over the last 17 years," the alliance said in a statement. "The Lexington-Fayette County community, and our team at Fayette Alliance, is incredibly fortunate to have Greg and his family. They have committed both time and treasure to seeing our community thrive."

Goodman said his initial involvement sprouted from opposition to a development project all those years ago when he recalls a pro-development city leader telling him the farms only showed up at City Hall when they had a specific issue of interest.

"I remember telling him be careful what you wish for," Goodman said, as Fayette Alliance would then be formed to provide that consistent representation. "I've always loved the land. My first love is the horses but the land is second. There's a finite number of these farms, of these soils. And once they're gone, they're gone forever."

Goodman said the Alliance has helped educate lawmakers on how important horse farms, and agriculture in general, is to the Lexington area in terms of the economy, tax revenue, jobs, and tourism. He said it often makes more sense, strictly from an economic standpoint, to retain farms over development.

Each year Goodman and Mt. Brilliant host the Bluegrass International Cup, a fundraiser for the Alliance where guests enjoy a night of polo, exquisite food, live music, and dancing on the beautiful Mt. Brilliant Farm grounds. Mt. Brilliant features 1,400 acres of carefully manicured grasses and landscaping that features several new polo fields and barns. Lexington landmark Russell Cave is located on the property.