Seven veterinarians in Virginia have been awarded a total of $890,000 in grants to support and expand large animal veterinary services throughout the state. The funding comes from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC).
The Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program was launched by VDACS on July 1, 2025. Four recipients will receive up to $110,000 each from VDACS funds, while three veterinarians in Southern and Southwest Virginia will receive $150,000 each through TRRC support. The grants are intended to help both existing practices grow and new operations open, such as standalone clinics and haul-in facilities.
A shortage of large animal veterinarians has been an ongoing issue in Virginia and nationwide. This lack affects animal health, farm productivity, food safety, and the broader agricultural economy. In response, the General Assembly established the grant program earlier this year with legislation signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The program aims to encourage veterinarians who focus on livestock, poultry, and equines to either start or expand their practices within Virginia.
The TRRC’s involvement is focused on increasing veterinary service availability for livestock producers specifically in Southern and Southwest regions of the state.
“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.”
“Livestock, especially cattle, are the primary drivers of the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia,” said TRRC Chairman Delegate Will Morefield. “This is a prime example of the Commission listening to our producers and the communities we serve and utilizing our unique flexibility to generate solutions that will make a real difference. I am thrilled to see these veterinarians increase their capacity to serve those who form the foundation of our rural economy.”
Grant recipients were selected by a panel made up of representatives from several organizations including VDACS’ State Veterinarian office; TRRC; Virginia Farm Bureau; Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine; Virginia Cooperative Extension; Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners; and Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.
“Farmers have long struggled with a shortage of large animal vets—and we’ve been working hard to change that,” said Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink. “Partnering with Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, we helped create a grant program to support these vital professionals. The first awards have been announced, providing essential funding to veterinarians who serve our agricultural communities. These grants will strengthen practices and expand services, ensuring farmers have the support they need to keep their livestock healthy and their operations thriving.”
The grant money will be distributed over several years so that recipients remain active in their local areas while sustaining their businesses. Eligible expenses include establishing or expanding practices as well as student loan repayment, technician salaries, equipment purchases among others.
More information about this initiative can be found at the VDACS website.
