A Roanoke County-based large-animal veterinarian, Dr. Hannah Varnell, plans to expand her business with a federal grant to address the shortage of rural veterinary care. The $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be used to buy equipment and increase the availability of services. Varnell aims to educate the public about the importance of the health of production animals and the role of veterinarians in preventive medicine. The grant comes after the USDA identified areas with a shortage of rural veterinary care, emphasizing the need for more services to ensure the health of livestock and food supply. Large-animal veterinary practice faces challenges such as lower pay and higher risks, leading to a shortage of services in rural areas. Varnell aims to address this shortage and provide comprehensive care for animals in the Roanoke region. The grant has enabled the purchase of essential equipment, and Varnell plans to expand services further in the future. Matt Busse reported
A large-animal veterinarian based in Roanoke County, Dr. Hannah Varnell, has been awarded a federal grant of $125,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand her business. The grant will be used to purchase new equipment and increase the availability of veterinary services in an area that the government has identified as lacking adequate rural veterinary care. Dr. Varnell, the founder of Wellfarm Veterinary Consultants, aims to not only provide veterinary care but also educate the public about the importance of the health of production animals, such as cows and pigs, in maintaining a safe and secure food supply.
The USDA grant was given in response to the agency’s identification of nearly 240 areas across the country, including locations in Central and Southwest Virginia, that have a shortage of rural veterinary care. The American Veterinary Medical Association has also expressed concern about the need for more rural veterinary services to ensure the health of livestock and the safety of the food supply. However, rural, large-animal veterinary practice poses its own challenges, which contribute to the shortage. Compared to small-animal practice, such as working with dogs and cats, large-animal practice generally pays less and can be more dangerous. Additionally, the demanding work-life balance in rural areas can lead to burnout among veterinarians.
One of the reasons for the shortage of rural veterinary services is that farmers often do not know about the available services and end up taking care of their own animals. The decision-making process for medical treatment in food production animals is often influenced by their value and potential profit, rather than emotional attachment. Farmers may be hesitant to spend a significant amount of money on treating an animal that they only paid a few dollars for. This imbalance between the cost of running a veterinary practice and what clients are willing to pay based on the production value of the animal contributes to the shortage of rural veterinary care.
Dr. Charlie Broaddus, the state veterinarian in Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, acknowledges the financial limitations of some farmers and the challenges faced by veterinarians in providing services in areas where farmers are less profitable. Efforts are being made to encourage students to pursue careers in veterinary services through education and outreach programs. The federal government also provides funding initiatives, such as the grant received by Dr. Varnell, and a competitive program to help veterinarians repay student loans. However, the shortage of rural veterinary services is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Dr. Varnell, who has an economics degree from Stanford University and graduated from North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, started Wellfarm Veterinary Consultants in July 2022. The mobile practice primarily serves the Roanoke region, treating various animals such as cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, backyard poultry, and camelids like llamas and alpacas. Dr. Varnell travels long distances to reach her clients, including areas as far away as Winchester and West Virginia.
The USDA grant has allowed Wellfarm to purchase a portable trimming chute, which can be brought to a client’s farm and used to safely lift a cow’s leg for foot care. The funds have also helped increase the working hours of veterinary technician Christina Ditmore, who focuses on herd health. Dr. Varnell plans to use the grant to buy analyzers for on-site blood tests and equipment to enhance artificial insemination services. She also hopes to establish a haul-in facility in the future, enabling clients to bring their animals to her practice when on-site calls are too expensive.
During a recent appointment at the Roanoke-Hollins Stockyard, Dr. Varnell provided various veterinary services to farmer Ronald Niday’s calves, including vaccinations, castration, dehorning, and parasite protection. Niday expressed that preventative veterinary care has improved his herd’s health and reduced calf mortality. By investing in preventative services, farmers not only improve the health of their animals but also contribute to the sustainability of veterinary practices. When veterinarians are utilized for preventative herd health checks, it becomes easier for them to establish a practice in the area and be available for emergencies.
To address the variable cash flow in the veterinary profession, Dr. Varnell offers a monthly herd health plan that includes annual visits and discounted rates on care. She also provides online prescription and telehealth services. Despite the challenges, Dr. Varnell is passionate about large-animal veterinary practice. She enjoys being outdoors, loves the work, and recognizes the crucial role that farm animal veterinarians play in maintaining a safe and secure food supply. She hopes to continue spreading awareness about the importance of their work in the years to come..