Seven veterinarians awarded nearly $900K amid ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians

RICHMOND, VA. (WRIC) -- Seven veterinarians have been awarded nearly $900,000 in grants to help expand services in Virginia amid an ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians across the U.S.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) announced on Friday, Oct. 31, that large animal veterinarians have won Large Animal Veterinary Grants totaling $890,000. The seven veterinarians serve the livestock, poultry and equine industries.

"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.”

The department launched the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program -- signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin earlier this year -- on July 1, with VDACS funds available. Per a release, four recipients receive up to $110,000 each, while TRRC funded three recipients in southern and southwest Virginia with grants of $150,000 each.

The following are recipients of the 2025 VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant:

• Nathaniel Burke of Luray
• James Cassell of Galax
• Keagan Clevenger of Rockbridge Baths
• Sherri Gard of Suffolk

Recipients of the 2025 TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program are:

• Travis Gilmer of Scott County
• Mary Tomlinson of Galax
• Suzanne Newcombe of Gretna

For more information on the grant program, click here.