![]() This financial crisis will worsen until college administrators stop trying to force "yesterday's plans to work in today's conditions" ( "The way there? Stop living in the past," Opinion Exchange, July 11). When things get really tough and I am up alone in the middle of the night with a sick sheep, I remind myself that my industry has existed for thousands of years without advanced veterinary medicine, and it will continue to exist despite the current challenges.Ī recent commentary describes the systemwide financial crisis in the Minnesota State system due to significant declines in enrollment. Preventive strategies - good farm hygiene, robust vaccination programs and closed herds - will become of the utmost importance. As access to vets decreases and important medications go behind the counter, my arsenal of therapeutic tools will soon be reduced to Blu-Kote (a wound spray), vet wrap and a can of corn. It is easy to get discouraged as I hear of retirements in my area. ![]() That is a tough sell as farmers themselves lose money in a system moving increasingly toward dairies with 10,000 cows and egg farms with 100,000 chickens. ![]() They deserve our gratitude and the ability to pay off their student loans. In addition, large animal vets are working around large animals in dangerous conditions at bizarre times of day. Farm calls often cost more than the value of the animal you are trying to save. The annual salary of my off-farm job is significantly higher than that of a newly minted veterinarian, and it came at a fraction of the price. The reality, however, is that animal agriculture doesn't pay. I applaud the efforts to create a more streamlined certification through the South Dakota State University/University of Minnesota partnership and VetFAST Programs, and we need more actions like this. It appears to many of us that the veterinary schools and DVM requirements are the bottleneck. Per the recent discussions, there is a booming interest in veterinary school and an increasing need for these services. It is also emotionally draining to watch your favorite animals suffer. The shortage has important implications for food security, animal health and human health. Īs a small livestock producer in a rural area, the discussions around the veterinary shortages ( "Vet crisis is statewide, national - and urgent," Opinion Exchange, July 12) resonate deeply with me and my fellow producers. Opinion editor's note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes letters from readers online and in print each day. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |