Efforts to Bridge Nebraska’s Rural Veterinarian Gap See Slow Progress
Amid a nationwide decline in food animal veterinarians, Nebraska has embarked on a mission to attract these professionals to its rural areas. Despite the initiative’s promising start over a year ago, only two of the thirteen grants available have been awarded thus far.
The Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future highlights a staggering 90% decrease in food animal veterinarians since World War II, leaving under 2% of current veterinarians dedicated solely to such work. A 2024 survey by the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association reveals a pressing need for more veterinarians in the state, particularly for livestock, with many current practitioners nearing retirement.
Nebraska has introduced two distinct programs to tackle this shortage. The Nebraska Production Animal Rural Veterinarian Grant Program, managed by the Department of Labor, offers $150,000 grants to new veterinary graduates or practitioners who agree to an eight-year tenure in rural Nebraska, defined as counties with populations under 40,000. To qualify, recipients must focus 80% of their practice on production animals, with funds disbursed only after the eight-year commitment.
Katie Thurber, Commissioner of the Nebraska Department of Labor, explains the grant program is designed to work in tandem with the Nebraska Elite 11 Veterinarian Program. This earlier initiative offers full tuition coverage for 11 Nebraska students per class in exchange for a similar eight-year rural practice commitment. “This was designed to fill that gap while we are running [Elite 11] participants through their schooling programs,” Thurber stated. “I think that part is really neat — the immediate return on investment.”
Despite the grant program’s slow start, with only two awards granted and two applications pending, Thurber notes the intention was always a gradual growth. “I think it was always intended to award in a – slower growth, by design,” she mentioned.
To enhance awareness and attract more applicants, the Department of Labor is collaborating with veterinary programs nationwide, ensuring students know about Nebraska’s opportunities from the outset of their education. “We are working closely in partnership with the University of Nebraska, but also with all of the vet programs across the country,” Thurber said.
The Elite 11 Pipeline
Thomas Burkey, interim dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, emphasized the significance of Nebraska’s livestock industry, which generated over $20 billion in cash receipts in 2024. “The livestock industry in Nebraska is driven by more than $20 billion in cash receipts,” Burkey noted, highlighting the critical need for veterinary services.
Burkey acknowledges that most shortage data is anecdotal but reflects a dwindling workforce reluctant to practice in rural areas. “Visiting with the veterinarians within the state of Nebraska, they indicate that there’s a dwindling number,” he said.
Since 2024, three cohorts, each with 20 students, have entered the Elite 11 program, with about 60 students expected by fall 2026. From each group, 11 are selected to receive full tuition. The first cohort will become juniors in the fall, indicating a few more years before they enter the workforce.
While the combination of these programs shows promise, Burkey admits it’s too soon to determine their full impact. “I think this will move the needle… but at this point, I think it’s a little bit too early to draw a line whether that is actually going to happen or not,” he said. “But I think things are looking good based on the interest that we have in the Elite 11 program.”
