By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Four students pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree were awarded Rural Veterinary Scholarships from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

The scholarships, valued at $20,000 each, were established in 2022 to help ease the financial burden on veterinary students who seek further experiences and education with food animal species.

This year’s recipients include Texas Tech University students Kagen Burkett, Tyler Grahmann, Aubrie Fields and Rhett Payne.

“There is a clear need for veterinarians in rural areas of Texas,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “Texas Farm Bureau created this scholarship to help support veterinary students who wish to pursue a career focused in rural mixed and/or food animal veterinary medicine.”

Four other finalists for the award were Texas A&M University students Ashley Ivy, Park Phillips and Shelby Currie, as well as Texas Tech University student Jenna Roth.

The finalists each earned a $2,500 scholarship.

Animal agriculture is a large part of Texas agriculture, but a shortage of rural veterinarians could put that business at risk.

With fewer veterinary graduates heading to rural areas, many long-time rural veterinarians have no successors. This leaves farmers ranchers in a tough situation to call a veterinarian miles away or solve problems on their own.

“Texas Farm Bureau members across the state depend on veterinary service, especially in emergency situation. This scholarship program helps future veterinarians who wish to fill that need,” Bush said.

The Rural Veterinary Scholarship is open to second- and third-year veterinary students in a Texas DVM professional program. Applicants must plan to enter a rural and/or food animal practice in Texas upon completion of their degree.

To view the full list of 2024 spring scholarship recipients, visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.