By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a comprehensive new plan to tackle the ongoing shortage of veterinarians in rural America. The Rural Veterinary Shortage Action Plan focuses on boosting the number of food animal veterinarians and supporting rural communities.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that food animal veterinarians make up only five percent of the total veterinarian population, a steep decline from decades past. The new plan aims to reverse this trend with additional funding, research, and recruitment strategies.
USDA will enhance its Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP) by streamlining applications through an online portal and making an additional $15 million available for student debt relief.
These programs have already proven successful in helping veterinarians serve underserved rural areas.
The plan also calls for new research through the USDA’s Economic Research Service to study rural veterinary shortages in detail. The findings, expected in 2026, will guide federal and state policies.
Recruitment and retention are another key focus. USDA is considering special pay rates, tuition reimbursements, and bonuses to attract veterinarians into federal service. These efforts are especially important for positions in rural posts, port inspections, and export certification roles that are difficult to fill compared with higher-paying private sector jobs.
To help graduates start practices in rural areas, USDA will catalog existing federal resources, including loan guarantees and community facility programs. This will make it easier for young veterinarians to access financing for clinics and equipment.
Finally, the plan emphasizes listening to stakeholders, including veterinary schools, farmers, and youth groups. USDA will hold listening sessions through late 2025 to better understand barriers and improve recruitment from rural backgrounds.
By strengthening its veterinary workforce, USDA seeks to protect animal health, public health, and the stability of U.S. agriculture and trade.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy