In response to a shortage of large animal veterinarians in Virginia, a grant program established by the General Assembly will help boost services in the state.
The current shortage has serious implications for animal health, farm operations, food safety and the agricultural economy.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture large animal veterinary grant program is intended to incentivize veterinarians who primarily care for livestock, poultry and equines, to establish or grow a large animal veterinary practice in the Commonwealth.
The goal of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission program is to increase the availability of veterinary services available to livestock producers in Southern and Southwest Virginia.
Seven veterinarians have been awarded grants totaling $890,000. The grant awards will be used to expand and sustain existing practices as well as open new operations, like a standalone large animal clinic and a haul-in facility.
Recipients of the 2025 VDACS large animal veterinary grant are:
- Dr. Nathaniel Burke of Luray
- Dr. James Cassell of Galax
- Dr. Keagan Clevenger of Rockbridge Baths
- Dr. Sherri Gard of Suffolk
Recipients of the 2025 TRRC large animal veterinary incentive program are:
- Dr. Travis Gilmer of Scott County
- Dr. Mary Tomlinson of Galax
- Dr. Suzanne Newcombe of Gretna
VDACS launched the large animal veterinary grant program on July 1, 2025.
VDACS funds were available for four recipients to receive up to $110,000 each, while TRRC funded three recipients in Southern and Southwest Virginia with grants of $150,000 each.
“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. “There is clearly a great need for these funds, with the state receiving 43 strong and deserving applications this grant period from dedicated veterinarians across the state. These providers are integral to our food supply and rural economies, and we are proud to invest in top quality care and long-term practice viability.”
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Grant recipients were chosen by a panel of industry representatives using a standardized scoring rubric that considered applicants’ ability to have significant impact on their communities.
The judging panel included the state veterinarian as well as 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.
Funds will be disbursed over a multi-year period, helping to keep large animal veterinarians committed to their local communities and able to sustain their practice.
Grant funds may be used for a variety of business expenses, from practice establishment and expansion, to student loan repayment, technician salaries, equipment and more.
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Crystal Graham
