Rural communities across Virginia are about to see a boost in veterinary availability for their livestock, poultry and horses. Seven veterinarians have been awarded grants totaling $890,000 to expand critical services that keep farms running and rural economies thriving.

Addressing a Critical Shortage

The shortage of large animal veterinarians isn’t just a Virginia problem—it’s a nationwide crisis affecting animal health, farm operations, food safety and agricultural economies from coast to coast, and Virginia is taking decisive action.

Through a newly launched partnership between the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC), the commonwealth is making a strategic investment in the veterinary professionals who serve its agricultural backbone.

The Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program, which opened on July 1, 2025, attracted 43 applications from veterinarians across the state—clear evidence of both the demand for support and the commitment of practitioners to serve rural areas.

Making a Real Difference

VDACS awarded four grants of up to $110,000 each, while TRRC provided three grants of $150,000 to veterinarians serving Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funds will support everything from opening standalone clinics and haul-in facilities to purchasing equipment, hiring technicians and even paying down student loans.

“We are committed in the commonwealth to helping large animal veterinarians succeed, so they can continue providing such vital services to our farmers and rural communities,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, VDACS State Veterinarian.

The 2025 Grant Recipients

VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant Recipients:

• Dr. Nathaniel Burke, Luray
• Dr. James Cassell, Galax
• Dr. Keagan Clevenger, Rockbridge Baths
• Dr. Sherri Gard, Suffolk

TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program Recipients:

• Dr. Travis Gilmer, Scott County
• Dr. Mary Tomlinson, Galax
• Dr. Suzanne Newcombe, Gretna

Why This Matters

For farmers who depend on healthy livestock for their livelihoods, access to veterinary care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When animals get sick or injured, quick access to skilled veterinary care can mean the difference between a minor setback and a devastating loss.

TRRC Chairman Delegate Will Morefield emphasized the economic importance of this initiative: “Livestock, especially cattle, are the primary drivers of the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia. This is a prime example of the Commission listening to our producers and the communities we serve and utilizing our unique flexibility to generate solutions that will make a real difference.”

A Collaborative Effort

The program reflects a truly collaborative approach to solving agricultural challenges. Recipients were selected by a diverse panel including representatives from TRRC, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink noted the organization’s role in bringing the program to life: “Farmers have long struggled with a shortage of large animal vets—and we’ve been working hard to change that. Partnering with Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, we helped create a grant program to support these vital professionals.”

Looking Ahead

The grants will be distributed over multiple years, ensuring veterinarians can build sustainable practices and remain committed to their communities for the long term. This strategic approach recognizes that solving the rural veterinary shortage requires more than one-time funding—it requires creating conditions where practices can thrive.

As Virginia continues to support its agricultural sector, this investment in large animal veterinary services represents a crucial step toward ensuring farmers have the resources they need to keep their operations healthy and productive for generations to come.