The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched the Rural Veterinary Action Plan, which aims to address the nationwide shortage of food animal veterinarians and strengthen protections for animal health, ranchers, and the U.S. food supply. The plan includes five key actions. First, the USDA will expand funding and streamline applications for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) and the Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP). Second, the agency will study rural veterinary shortages, with a report expected in 2026. Third, USDA will pursue new incentives—such as special pay rates, tuition reimbursement, and recruitment bonuses—to attract veterinarians into federal service. Fourth, USDA will catalog existing federal programs to help veterinarians finance rural practices. Finally, USDA will host listening sessions with schools and stakeholders to identify barriers and improve recruitment, particularly from rural backgrounds. These measures reflect USDA’s commitment to safeguarding animal health, public health, and U.S. trade through a stronger veterinary workforce. In a statement released by the department, Secretary Brooke L. Rollins says: “Rural veterinarians are vital for the agricultural economy in the United States. Our farmers and ranchers rely on these critical services to prevent the transmission of animal disease, protect our food supply, and support America’s rural economy. As the number of rural food animal veterinarians continues to decline, USDA is putting Farmers First to ensure we build back our first line of defense in our animal food production system – the rural veterinarian. With these new investments in scholarships and pay incentives, USDA is not only strengthening our animal food production system but also listening to producers and veterinarians across the country to ensure our programs meet real-world needs. Together, we will keep America’s food supply strong, safe, and secure.” For more information on the USDA’s expanded efforts to address veterinary shortage and bolster America’s food supply, visit the USDA website.
