By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

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

The scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, were created 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 Jadeyn Arthur, Bennett Folsom and Dylan Bostick and Texas A&M University student DeeAnna Berry.

“There is a clear need for veterinarians in rural areas of the state. 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,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

Animal agriculture is a large part of Texas agriculture, but a shortage of rural veterinarians affects farmers and ranchers raising livestock.

Many long-time rural veterinarians have no successors because fewer veterinary graduates are heading to rural areas. That leaves farmers and ranchers two options—call a veterinarian who could be hundreds of miles away or solve problems on their own.

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

The 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 2023 spring scholarship recipients, visit texasfarmbureau.org/scholarships.