RICHMOND, VA (Virginia Farm Bureau) — A new grant program aims to remedy critical shortages in large animal veterinary care across Virginia.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program is now accepting applications from large animal veterinarians who provide services for livestock, poultry or horses.

The program was recommended by a two-year work group authorized by the Virginia General Assembly last year to help address shortages of large animal veterinarians throughout the commonwealth. Organized by the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, the work group includes Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, VDACS and other livestock and veterinary groups.

“The grant program is not a silver bullet, but it’s something we think will help move the needle for veterinary care across Virginia,” explained Jake Tabor, legislative specialist for VFBF governmental relations.

Earlier this year, the work group solicited feedback from livestock producers statewide on how their operations have been impacted by the perceived shortage of veterinary care. Only 52% of the 1,600-plus producers surveyed felt they were being adequately served to meet their veterinary needs.

“Large animal veterinarians are integral to our farming communities and the security of our food supply chain,” said VFBF President Scott Sink. “The VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant was developed as part of a lengthy study of the shortage of large animal veterinary services in Virginia, and we are pleased to see this grant come into effect. We hope this program provides meaningful support to the large animal veterinarians who need it.”

Virginia is the latest state to tackle widespread large animal veterinarian shortages. Around 27 states offer loan repayment programs to get veterinarians into rural and underserved areas, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

VDACS will provide four recipients with up to $110,000, disbursed over three years to support large animal veterinary services across the commonwealth.

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is working alongside VDACS to further extend large animal veterinarian incentives in Southern and Southwest Virginia. Up to two applicants from the pool will be awarded Tobacco Commission grants up to $150,000 over five years to practice in those areas.

The grants can be used to purchase equipment, pay staff, repay student loans , cover service area travel expenses and other practice needs.

Grant recipients will be chosen by a panel of industry representatives using a standardized scoring rubric. The judging panel will include the State Veterinarian and representatives from VFBF, the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners, Virginia Veterinary Medical Association and the Tobacco Commission.

The deadline for grant applications is Sept. 1. Complete details, contact information and the application form can be found on the VDACS website.