livestock

Virginia Invests $890K in Rural Large Animal Veterinary Services

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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.

Cattle Pulse: Cattle Counts and Market Moves

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CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.

In this month’s episode of CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles sits down with Dr. Josh Maples from Mississippi State University to unpack the July Cattle Inventory report and explore what it means for producers. With feeder cattle futures hitting all-time highs, Elijah and Dr. Maples discuss actionable strategies cow-calf producers can consider to manage price risk.

Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Listen to the latest episode

Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria – CattlePulse

This month on CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle market developments, including the first signs of herd rebuilding in years, USDA's plan to reopen the Mexican border to feeder cattle imports, and what declining beef prices could mean for demand. Plus, Elijah talks with Dr. Alan Young of Medgene about the Asian longhorned tick and a new vaccine designed to combat Theileria orientalis Ikeda.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures softened in July, with the August contract at $353/cwt. and September at $348/cwt., down 2% and 3% month-over-month, respectivelyThe July Cattle Inventory Report showed total U.S. cattle inventory at 94.2 million head, up 200,000 head from last year and marking the first July inventory increase since 2018Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973Beef replacement heifers increased 3% year-over-year to 3.8 million head, providing the first meaningful evidence of heifer retention and potential herd rebuilding in nearly a decadeDespite signs of expansion, the 2026 calf crop was estimated at just 32.5 million head, down 2% from last year and the smallest calf crop on recordUSDA announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports beginning August 24 at Douglas, Arizona, following more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm concernsA new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication effortsBoxed beef prices have declined roughly 10% since July 4th, raising questions about whether beef demand is beginning to soften beyond the typical post-holiday seasonal slowdownDr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle healthTheileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infectionsMedgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis IkedaThe vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategyVaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protectionProducers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescriptionMedgene Disclaimer: Potency and efficacy of prescription platform product biologics have not been established. This product is prepared for use only by a veterinarian prescription. Medgene’s prescription platform system ensures that all the ingredients that go into our vaccines are animal origin free.Resources mentioned:USDA July Cattle Inventory ReportUSDA APHIS New World Screwworm UpdatesMedgene LabsVirginia weather and markets:Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-freeSevere drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme droughtNOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperaturesVirginia's six-market average for 500-pound feeder steers was $427.92/cwt. in July, down 6% from June but still 16% above year-ago levelsPersonal note:There will be no September episode of CattlePulse as Elijah takes paternity leave to welcome his first child. The show will return in October.Have a question or topic suggestion?CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
  1. Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria
  2. Road Trip to Beef Cattle U
  3. The Screwworm Is Back
  4. Enjoy It While It Lasts
  5. Fertilizer Prices and Product of the USA

Cattle Pulse: Virginia Verified Beef Goes Live

/ VFB Governmental Relations / Leave a comment

CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles unpacks the factors fueling the feeder cattle futures rally. He also shares positive developments in the battle against the New World Screwworm fly. Plus, Franklin County cattle producer and meat processor Chase Scott shares his motivation to use the new Virginia Verified Beef label.

Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Listen to the latest episode

Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria – CattlePulse

This month on CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle market developments, including the first signs of herd rebuilding in years, USDA's plan to reopen the Mexican border to feeder cattle imports, and what declining beef prices could mean for demand. Plus, Elijah talks with Dr. Alan Young of Medgene about the Asian longhorned tick and a new vaccine designed to combat Theileria orientalis Ikeda.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures softened in July, with the August contract at $353/cwt. and September at $348/cwt., down 2% and 3% month-over-month, respectivelyThe July Cattle Inventory Report showed total U.S. cattle inventory at 94.2 million head, up 200,000 head from last year and marking the first July inventory increase since 2018Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973Beef replacement heifers increased 3% year-over-year to 3.8 million head, providing the first meaningful evidence of heifer retention and potential herd rebuilding in nearly a decadeDespite signs of expansion, the 2026 calf crop was estimated at just 32.5 million head, down 2% from last year and the smallest calf crop on recordUSDA announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports beginning August 24 at Douglas, Arizona, following more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm concernsA new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication effortsBoxed beef prices have declined roughly 10% since July 4th, raising questions about whether beef demand is beginning to soften beyond the typical post-holiday seasonal slowdownDr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle healthTheileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infectionsMedgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis IkedaThe vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategyVaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protectionProducers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescriptionMedgene Disclaimer: Potency and efficacy of prescription platform product biologics have not been established. This product is prepared for use only by a veterinarian prescription. Medgene’s prescription platform system ensures that all the ingredients that go into our vaccines are animal origin free.Resources mentioned:USDA July Cattle Inventory ReportUSDA APHIS New World Screwworm UpdatesMedgene LabsVirginia weather and markets:Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-freeSevere drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme droughtNOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperaturesVirginia's six-market average for 500-pound feeder steers was $427.92/cwt. in July, down 6% from June but still 16% above year-ago levelsPersonal note:There will be no September episode of CattlePulse as Elijah takes paternity leave to welcome his first child. The show will return in October.Have a question or topic suggestion?CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
  1. Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria
  2. Road Trip to Beef Cattle U
  3. The Screwworm Is Back
  4. Enjoy It While It Lasts
  5. Fertilizer Prices and Product of the USA

Cattle Pulse: Smart Herds and High Rewards

/ VFB Governmental Relations / Leave a comment

CattlePulse is a monthly update from Virginia Farm Bureau on the Virginia feeder cattle markets, the national trends that affect them and stories of cattle producers across the commonwealth.

In this month’s episode, host Elijah Griles breaks down the record-setting feeder cattle prices driven by tight national inventories and strong seasonal demand. He also discusses the impact of the New World screwworm fly on U.S. cattle imports and what it could mean for Virginia producers. Plus, Halifax County cow-calf producer Adam Davis shares how he’s using genetic data to improve herd performance.

Want to get in touch? Contact Elijah at 804-290-1713 or elijah.griles@vafb.com.

Listen to the latest episode

Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria – CattlePulse

This month on CattlePulse, host Elijah Griles breaks down the latest cattle market developments, including the first signs of herd rebuilding in years, USDA's plan to reopen the Mexican border to feeder cattle imports, and what declining beef prices could mean for demand. Plus, Elijah talks with Dr. Alan Young of Medgene about the Asian longhorned tick and a new vaccine designed to combat Theileria orientalis Ikeda.In this episode:Feeder cattle futures softened in July, with the August contract at $353/cwt. and September at $348/cwt., down 2% and 3% month-over-month, respectivelyThe July Cattle Inventory Report showed total U.S. cattle inventory at 94.2 million head, up 200,000 head from last year and marking the first July inventory increase since 2018Beef cow numbers were estimated at 28.5 million head, the lowest July total since the report began in 1973Beef replacement heifers increased 3% year-over-year to 3.8 million head, providing the first meaningful evidence of heifer retention and potential herd rebuilding in nearly a decadeDespite signs of expansion, the 2026 calf crop was estimated at just 32.5 million head, down 2% from last year and the smallest calf crop on recordUSDA announced a phased reopening of the U.S.-Mexico border to feeder cattle imports beginning August 24 at Douglas, Arizona, following more than a year of closure due to New World Screwworm concernsA new sterile male screwworm fly production facility in Mexico is expected to strengthen long-term eradication effortsBoxed beef prices have declined roughly 10% since July 4th, raising questions about whether beef demand is beginning to soften beyond the typical post-holiday seasonal slowdownDr. Alan Young explains how the invasive Asian longhorned tick spreads Theileria orientalis Ikeda and why the parasite poses a growing threat to cattle healthTheileria infection can suppress the immune system, cause anemia, reduce fertility, lower performance, and increase susceptibility to secondary infectionsMedgene recently introduced the first U.S. vaccine targeting Theileria orientalis IkedaThe vaccine is designed primarily for naïve calves and is most effective as part of a whole-herd health strategyVaccination currently requires a two-dose series administered three to four weeks apart, with future boosters likely needed to maintain protectionProducers interested in the vaccine should consult their veterinarian, as it is available by prescriptionMedgene Disclaimer: Potency and efficacy of prescription platform product biologics have not been established. This product is prepared for use only by a veterinarian prescription. Medgene’s prescription platform system ensures that all the ingredients that go into our vaccines are animal origin free.Resources mentioned:USDA July Cattle Inventory ReportUSDA APHIS New World Screwworm UpdatesMedgene LabsVirginia weather and markets:Drought conditions improved modestly across parts of Virginia, with 11% of the state now drought-freeSevere drought remains across portions of the Blue Ridge, Northern Virginia, and Southside, while 4% of the state remains in extreme droughtNOAA's August outlook calls for near-normal precipitation and a 33-40% chance of above-normal temperaturesVirginia's six-market average for 500-pound feeder steers was $427.92/cwt. in July, down 6% from June but still 16% above year-ago levelsPersonal note:There will be no September episode of CattlePulse as Elijah takes paternity leave to welcome his first child. The show will return in October.Have a question or topic suggestion?CattlePulse is produced by Virginia Farm Bureau. Email Elijah at elijah.griles@vafb.com.
  1. Rebuilding the Herd? Markets, Mexico & Theileria
  2. Road Trip to Beef Cattle U
  3. The Screwworm Is Back
  4. Enjoy It While It Lasts
  5. Fertilizer Prices and Product of the USA

RMA Announces Listening Sessions on Livestock Risk Management Products

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The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced they will be conducting listening sessions throughout the country this winter to gather feedback and to discuss policy improvements to livestock products.

RMA will be conducting more than a dozen in-person and virtual workshops this winter for producers to learn about new and expanded livestock risk management products. This “Roadshow” will highlight policy improvements based on the feedback from producers as a way to promote, educate, and broaden RMA’s outreach to livestock producers.

Specifically, RMA will be discussing and soliciting feedback on the following products:

  • Annual Forage
  • Dairy Revenue Protection
  • Livestock Gross Margin
  • Livestock Risk Protection
  • Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage
  • Weaned Calf Risk Protection (New for Calendar Year 2024)

Virtual sessions will take place on January 8 and January 17, 2024. Unfortunately, there are no in-person listening sessions in Virginia or adjacent states. Producers can register for these virtual programs on RMA’s website.

The Livestock Roadshow builds on other recent outreach and education efforts. Earlier this year, RMA held a roadshow highlighting insurance options for specialty crop, organic, and urban producers, drawing more than 3,000 attendees. Additionally, since 2021, RMA has invested around $13 million in partnerships to advance risk management education.

USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses

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FSA Will Begin Taking Applications for Indemnity Program July 20

Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The announcement is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 20 through Sept. 17, 2021.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorized payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry depopulated from March 1, 2020 through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. PLIP payments will be based on 80% of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys.

PLIP Program Details

Eligible livestock must have been depopulated from March 1, 2020, through December 26, 2020, due to insufficient processing access as a result of the pandemic. Livestock must have been physically located in the U.S. or a territory of the U.S. at the time of depopulation.

Eligible livestock owners include persons or legal entities who, as of the day the eligible livestock was depopulated, had legal ownership of the livestock. Packers, live poultry dealers and contract growers are not eligible for PLIP.

PLIP payments compensate participants for 80% of both the loss of the eligible livestock or poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal based on a single payment rate per head. PLIP payments will be calculated by multiplying the number of head of eligible livestock or poultry by the payment rate per head, and then subtracting the amount of any payments the eligible livestock or poultry owner has received for disposal of the livestock or poultry under the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) or a state program. The payments will also be reduced by any Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 1 and 2) payments paid on the same inventory of swine that were depopulated.

There is no per person or legal entity payment limitation on PLIP payments. To be eligible for payments, a person or legal entity must have an average adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Applying for Assistance

Eligible livestock and poultry producers can apply for PLIP starting July 20, 2021, by completing the FSA-620, Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application, and submitting it to any FSA county office. Additional documentation may be required. Visit farmers.gov/plip for a copy of the Notice of Funding Availability and more information on how to apply.

Applications can be submitted to the FSA office at any USDA Service Center nationwide by mail, fax, hand delivery or via electronic means. To find your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator. Livestock and poultry producers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.