With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Large-Animal Veterinarians In Short Supply
Listen
0:00
There's a shortage of veterinarians who specialize in large farm animals. It's a problem for farmers and consumers, who need vets to ensure a quality food supply. In New England alone, there will be more than 1,000 vet vacancies in the next six years. That's according to a study by the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tuft's University. The shortage may be due to the shrinking number of family farms, which means fewer children are exposed to agriculture.
ARI SHAPIRO, host:
And if you're just entering the tough job market and wondering what industry needs you, take heed of today's last word in business. It's large animal medicine. There's a shortage of vets who can deal with livestock. That's a problem for farmers and for consumers who need vets to ensure the quality of the food supply. In New England alone, there will be more than 1,000 veterinary vacancies in the next six years, according to the Tufts University Veterinary School.
The shortage could be due to the shrinking number of family farms. It means fewer children are exposed to agriculture. Large animal medicine is demanding, and it's not well paid. That may be one reason only 5 percent of last year's veterinary school grads who went in to private practice focused on large animals. The average starting salary is $53,000. Compare that to vets who treat small pets. They can start off making 60 grand. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
