Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


'Great' new program won't solve vet shortage

Friday, April 23, 2010

by BRIAN LOCKHART

A project to help veterinary students get hands-on experience with livestock that has netted provincial funding will benefit farmers but won’t reverse the trend of fewer veterinarians practicing in rural areas says Paul Stiles, assistant manager of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.

“It’s a complex issue,” Stiles says of the regional shortage of large animal veterinarians, adding the association is pleased the provincial government is investing in “future bovine practitioners.”

The province has contributed $25,000 in start up funding for the Bovine Education Trust — a charitable endowment fund launched this month by the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College and the Ontario Association of Bovine Practitioners. The funding came from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ veterinary clinical education program.

A news release from the university says the program is designed to “develop the next generation of bovine practitioners” by providing them with opportunities such as summer placements in rural veterinary practices.

For areas that have veterinarians that are about to retire, Stiles says it’s “a great program.”

But the reality is in many rural areas a large animal practice just isn’t economically feasible for many veterinarians because of the distance between farms and lack of potential customers in a region. There are not enough livestock farms in some areas to “support a clinic with two or more vets,” and that would leave a single practitioner “working 24-seven,” he says.

There has been a marked decline over the past eight years in veterinarians specializing in large animal practice with many turning to small animal and companion animal services. Stiles attributes the trend to “money and the lifestyle.”

Dairy farmer John den Haan says he’s concerned about the availability of veterinarians specializing in dairy cattle.

“We have a couple of very good vets in our area,” den Haan says, “But they are getting older and when they retire it may be a problem.”

Den Haan runs a 50-head dairy operation in Loretto, Ontario just west of Alliston.

The veterinarians that come to his farm service a large area “from an hour away” on all sides of their home base in Guelph.

He appreciates the efforts of the program. Practical experience should be emphasized as an important part of veterinary training, he says. “Experience is a great teacher.”

The Dairy Farmers of Ontario view the announcement as a positive incentive for students and the industry.

“I believe it is a step in the right direction to generate interest and support amongst student veterinarians for a possible career as a rural veterinarian,” says Wes Lane, director of communications and planning. “The livestock industry needs veterinarians in all parts of rural Ontario.” BF
 

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario crops face mixed spring conditions

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Field Crop News, variable spring weather has created mixed crop conditions across the province. Rain, wind, and cool nighttime temperatures have delayed planting, slowed growth, and limited spraying windows for corn, soybeans, and... Read this article online

Health Canada sets rules for drone spraying

Monday, June 16, 2025

Health Canada has approved the use of drones, also called Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), for pesticide application under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). Drones are considered aircraft by Transport Canada, but Health Canada treats them differently due to their unique... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top