By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Animal agriculture holds a significant role in Texas, but the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas poses a potential threat to the industry.

With a decline in veterinary graduates choosing rural practices, many long-time rural veterinarians find themselves without successors. This leaves farmers and ranchers in a challenging position, faced with the choice of reaching a veterinarian miles away or handling issues on their own.

To alleviate the financial burden on veterinary students seeking further experiences and education with food animal species, Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) is once again offering the Rural Veterinary Scholarship.

“There is a clear need for rural veterinarians in Texas. This scholarship was created to help support veterinary students who wish to pursue a career focused on the food animal side of veterinary medicine,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said.

The scholarship is open to second- and third-year veterinary students in a Texas DVM professional program at Texas A&M University or Texas Tech University. Applicants must plan to enter a rural and/or food animal practice in Texas upon completion of their degree.

“We’ve seen fewer veterinarians heading to rural areas after graduation. Combine that with an aging population of large animal veterinarians, and farmers and ranchers are facing a growing challenge to raising livestock,” Bush said. “Farm Bureau wants to help change that, because food animal veterinarians play a vital role in our food system. It is essential that farmers and ranchers have access to veterinary care for their livestock.”

Four scholarships valued at $10,000 each will be awarded.

Eligible students must be a Texas Farm Bureau member at the time of application and maintain an active membership throughout the duration of the scholarship. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and two letters of recommendation.

Applications are due online March 1.

For more information and eligibility requirements, a scholarship checklist and the link to apply, visit texasfarmbureau.com/scholarships. Email youthactivities@txfb.org for questions or assistance related to the scholarship application.

Additional scholarships available for high school seniors and enrolled college students are also listed online.