Across the United States, the shortage of large animal veterinarians is reaching critical levels, threatening livestock health, food security, and the stability of rural economies. Research indicates that the number of veterinarians specializing in livestock has decreased by 90% since World War II, now comprising less than 2% of the total veterinary workforce​. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified veterinary shortages in a record-high 237 rural areas across 47 states​. Over 700 counties nationwide are experiencing potential shortages of large animal veterinarians, leading to increased disease risks, animal welfare concerns, and financial instability for livestock producers​.

Several factors contribute to this crisis:

• Educational Debt: Veterinary students often graduate with substantial debt, averaging over $100,000, which discourages them from entering lower-paying large animal practices​.
• Rural Practice Challenges: Rural veterinarians face long hours, unpredictable workloads, and professional isolation, leading to high burnout rates​.
• Economic Disparities: Large animal veterinarians typically earn 10-30% less than their small animal counterparts, making it financially challenging to pursue careers in rural areas​.

To address these challenges, federal programs like the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) offer up to $75,000 in loan repayments for veterinarians who commit to serving in designated shortage areas for three years​. Legislative efforts, such as the bipartisan Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, aim to alleviate financial burdens by making VMLRP awards tax-exempt, thereby encouraging more veterinarians to practice in underserved regions​.

Some key statistics:

• Only 6% of veterinarians in the U.S. work with food animals
• Rural areas, where most dairy farms are located, have 30-50% fewer veterinarians per capita compared to urban areas
• Veterinary school tuition has increased by 35% in the last decade, discouraging students from pursuing the profession
• Nearly 80% of veterinary students graduate with over $100,000 in student loan debt
• Only 2% of veterinary students plan to work in large animal practice after graduation
• Veterinarian shortage areas have increased by 20% in the last five years
• Over 60% of dairy farmers report difficulty in finding a reliable veterinarian
• Veterinarian burnout rates are as high as 75% in rural areas
• Over 40% of current large animal veterinarians are expected to retire in the next decade
• Only 10% of veterinary practices in the U.S. are large animal practices
• Large animal veterinarians earn 10-30% less on average than small animal veterinarians

Colorado Faces Critical Shortage of Livestock Veterinarians

Colorado’s rural livestock industry is facing an urgent crisis as a significant shortage of veterinarians threatens the health of animals, the welfare of producers, and the state’s agricultural economy. The 2024 Livestock Veterinary Workforce Report, released by Colorado State University (CSU), paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by farmers, veterinarians, and students in addressing this issue. The report draws on surveys conducted with 202 livestock producers, 34 veterinarians, and 158 veterinary students across Colorado and offers actionable recommendations for a path forward.

This writer learned of the report at the 2025 Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Winter Meeting, where Sue VandeWoude, DVM—University Distinguished Professor and Dean of CSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences—introduced the document during an Animal Welfare and Health session and explained its key findings.

A Growing Problem for Producers

The report reveals that over 65% of producers struggle to access timely veterinary care, often leading to delayed or forgone treatments with severe consequences. Procedures such as surgeries, disease diagnoses, obstetrics, and regulatory testing are the most challenging to secure, leaving livestock vulnerable to treatable conditions.

Producers reported that the veterinary shortage worsens diseases such as respiratory, reproductive, and digestive illnesses. These delays not only harm animal welfare but also impact operational profitability, productivity, and financial stability. “Without access to regular care, producers risk not only the health of their animals but the viability of their farms,” the report states.

The Veterinarian’s Perspective

For rural veterinarians, the pressures of the profession are mounting. According to the survey, long working hours, overwhelming caseloads, inadequate compensation, and compassion fatigue are among the most significant challenges. Many rural veterinarians work well beyond regular hours, often without the resources or support staff needed to manage the demand.

Interestingly, nearly a third of veterinarians reported that gender bias in the profession created additional challenges, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and supportive workplace. Despite the challenges, over 70% of surveyed veterinarians believe that rural veterinary practice remains a sustainable long-term career, particularly for those with 20+ years of experience.

Students Show Interest, But Barriers Persist

The future of rural veterinary care relies heavily on the interest and preparedness of veterinary students. Encouragingly, the report shows that approximately 80% of surveyed students expressed interest in livestock and rural veterinary medicine at some point in their studies. However, many students shift away from rural practice due to concerns about compensation, work-life balance, and the physical risks associated with the job.

Students emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, extracurricular opportunities, and mentorship in fostering their interest in livestock medicine. These factors also help prepare them for the realities of the profession, including problem-solving, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.

A Blueprint for the Future

The CSU report outlines a series of interventions designed to combat the shortage:

1. Building Partnerships: The report calls for greater collaboration between CSU’s veterinary program, rural producers, and practicing veterinarians. These partnerships would provide hands-on experience and mentorship for students, while also strengthening community ties.
2. Revamping Education: Starting in 2026, CSU will implement a new veterinary curriculum emphasizing earlier and more practical training, with opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in livestock care.
3. Financial Incentives: Loan forgiveness programs and other financial support mechanisms are critical to attracting and retaining veterinarians in rural areas. The report also recommends exploring state-specific programs and scholarships to address student debt.
4. Engaging Undergraduates: CSU plans to expand outreach programs aimed at undergraduates, encouraging them to explore careers in livestock and rural veterinary medicine. Opportunities for shadowing and early mentorship could foster long-term interest.
5. Support for Veterinarians: Increasing financial resources for hiring support staff and improving working conditions for rural veterinarians will alleviate some of the pressures on existing professionals.

Members of the Initial Task Force

The task force convened in early 2023 by CSU Chancellor Tony Frank included key stakeholders from across Colorado’s agricultural and veterinary sectors. Members included:

• Curtis Crawford, DVM – Alpine Veterinary Hospital and American Veterinary Medical Association Delegate for the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association
• Melinda Frye, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM – Associate Dean for Veterinary Academic and Student Affairs, CSU
• Landon Gates, BS – Director of Public Policy, Colorado Farm Bureau
• Erin Karney, MS – Executive Vice President, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association
• Zach Riley, BS – CEO, Colorado Livestock Association
• Keith Roehr, DVM – Former State Veterinarian, Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Kate Siegel Shimko – Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement, CSU System
• Sue VandeWoude, DVM – Dean, CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

These individuals brought diverse expertise to the table, guiding the task force’s focus on actionable strategies to address the workforce shortage.

A Community Effort

The success of these initiatives will rely on the collaboration and support of stakeholders at all levels. Livestock producers, veterinary professionals, policymakers, and educational institutions must work together to implement solutions that address the challenges faced in rural veterinary practice.

CSU Chancellor Tony Frank, who convened the task force, emphasized the importance of robust community engagement. “This is not an issue that one institution or group can solve alone. It requires collective action and a commitment to the future of rural communities in Colorado.”

Implications for Colorado’s Agriculture

The shortage of livestock veterinarians threatens more than just animal health—it endangers the state’s agricultural backbone. Colorado’s rural economy relies heavily on livestock production, and the inability to provide adequate care jeopardizes the livelihoods of countless producers.

As CSU continues its efforts to revitalize rural veterinary medicine, the report serves as a wake-up call for urgent action. The stakes are high, but with innovative solutions and strong partnerships, Colorado has an opportunity to build a sustainable and thriving veterinary workforce that meets the needs of its producers and communities.

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