Every rancher and farmer knows you need a trusted, nearby vet to help when you have tried everything. However, shortages in the industry have made finding a vet increasingly challenging, especially with shortages growing in rural areas.
Future bovine veterinarians are receiving a leg up through Merck Animal Health’s partnership with the American Veterinary Consultation Foundation with $20,000 in scholarships.
The scholarships were recently awarded at AVC’s summer conference in Denver.
“At Merck Animal Health, we are unconditionally committed to ensuring that the cattle industry remains strong and continues to thrive,” said Justin Welsh, D.V.M., executive director, U.S. Livestock Technical Services, Merck Animal Health. “Veterinary students specializing in large animals are vital to the future of the cattle industry. We are proud to support the education and development of these outstanding large animal veterinary students.”
On top of providing scholarships, the AVC Foundation provides continuing education to veterinarians involved in the beef cattle industry.
“We are grateful to Merck Animal Health for their partnership as we support these top veterinary students who will soon be leading the veterinary profession and providing critical support to the cattle industry in North America,” said Bob Larson, D.V.M., executive director, AVC. “These scholarship winners have the skills and abilities to ensure a bright future for the beef industry.”
The 2023 scholarship recipients, each receiving $5,000, include:
Hayley Leibel Bentz, a third-year veterinary student and a member of the inaugural class of the South Dakota State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine in collaboration with the University of Minnesota.
Elizabeth Petersen, a third-year veterinary student and member of the inaugural class of Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.
Harrell Phillips III, a third-year veterinary student at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Tanya Weber, a fourth-year veterinary student at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
»Related: Merck Animal Health awards $50K to future swine practitioners
