With a 15% drop in mixed and food animal veterinarians over the last decade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a robust new strategy to stem the crisis and bolster animal health across America's rural heartland.

Speaking from Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine on August 28, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Rural Veterinary Shortage Action Plan, a five-point policy initiative designed to support veterinarians, safeguard livestock, and secure the food supply.

"Rural veterinarians are vital for the agricultural economy in the United States," said Rollins. "USDA is putting farmers first to rebuild our first line of defense in food animal production - the rural veterinarian."

What's in the Plan?

The USDA's new approach features five strategic actions:

• Expand financial support and streamline grants: Enhancements to the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program and Veterinary Services Grant Program will simplify application processes and increase access to funds.

• Invest in rural vet workforce data: The USDA Economic Research Service will collect data to understand the scope of the rural vet shortage and guide future state and federal policy.

• Make federal service more appealing: The USDA plans to introduce special pay rates, tuition reimbursements, and hiring bonuses to recruit and retain veterinarians in public service.

• Support practice startups in rural areas: By cataloging federal programs, USDA aims to ease the financial burden of starting rural veterinary clinics and better inform students and schools.

• Boost recruitment from rural communities: With few veterinary students coming from rural backgrounds, USDA will host listening sessions to explore barriers and foster interest in production animal practice.

The Scope of the Problem

While companion animal veterinarians increased by 22%, the number of veterinarians focused on food and mixed animals has fallen 15%, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Meanwhile, the U.S. cattle herd has dropped just 1% since 2015, creating a stark imbalance between need and availability.

Nearly every state has at least one federally designated veterinary shortage area, according to USDA data.

Previous Efforts Not Enough

Although loan repayment programs and targeted recruitment have helped, they haven't fully resolved the underlying issue. Many rural areas remain underserved, raising concerns about animal disease outbreaks, foodborne illnesses, and even trade barriers tied to animal health standards.

A National Priority

Rollins emphasized that the plan is not just about filling vacancies but about protecting the safety and sustainability of the entire U.S. agricultural system.

"This is about strengthening our food supply chain, boosting rural economies, and ensuring America remains resilient in the face of animal health threats."

The USDA hopes that by supporting aspiring veterinarians from rural backgrounds and improving career incentives, the new plan will reinvigorate the rural veterinary workforce, essential to maintaining both animal and public health.