News Releases

Rural veterinarians face demanding, intense field work as they provide medical services for farm animals, great and small. The thought of working longer hours than their urban counterparts and serving large-animal patients under more difficult conditions than veterinarians who work in small-animal practices seems to be causing many prospective rural practitioners to seek other career opportunities. At least that's the popular notion for the decline in the number of rural veterinarians.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, at the request of the Tennessee General Assembly House Agriculture Committee, is launching a study into Tennessee’s situation with regard to rural veterinarians and to determine why their numbers are apparently declining in a state that boasts one of only 28 colleges of veterinary medicine in the nation.

Members of the legislature are concerned about the quality and cost of food as well as the overall future of the state’s economy. Veterinarians are key to maintaining the safety and wholesomeness of food animal products and to minimizing the public’s risk of contracting a foodborne illness. Animal-based agriculture contributes 50 percent of the state’s more than $2 billion agricultural economy. Tennessee’s cattle industry alone is estimated to amount to more than 2.1 million head.

The state’s swine and poultry industries also contribute a combined $483 million to producers’ coffers, the bulk of which comes from broiler production. The health of these species is of particular concern as they are considered watch species for the transfer of disease to humans.

Large companion animals are affected, too. The state’s equine industry (horses, donkeys and mules) accounts for another 210,000 animals.

As part of its analysis of the situation, and to solicit input for public policy recommendations, the UT Institute of Agriculture will conduct a series of three public forums for citizens to voice their concerns.

The forums, one for each of the grand divisions of the state, will all begin at 6:30 p.m. (local time). They are scheduled as follows:

Thursday, August 17, UT Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center – Spring Hill

Thursday, August 24, UT Institute of Agriculture Campus – Hollingsworth Auditorium, Ellington Plant Sciences Building – Knoxville

Thursday, August 31, UT West Tennessee Research and Education Center – Jackson

These forums will serve as a record for the current study as well as a benchmark for policymakers on this issue in future years.

The format for the forums will be patterned after field hearings of governmental entities. A listening panel comprised of UT researchers conducting the study will hear presentations and may respond with questions. Presenters will be grouped in panels of three individuals and be asked to summarize their statements or keep their remarks to between 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow time for questions from the listening panel. A transcript from each forum, including all statements, will be compiled and used as part of the overall study as well as be provided to the House Agriculture Committee.

The UT Office of State Relations is helping to organize the forums. Those with questions about the forums should contact (615) 741-8220.

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Contact:

Anthony Haynes, UT Office of State Relations, (615) 741-8220