FJF Partners With the Merck Foundation to Extend Rural Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program
- kcreighton0
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
WASHINGTON, D.C. (JULY 17, 2025) – Farm Journal Foundation is partnering with the Merck Foundation to address the nationwide shortage of food animal veterinarians in rural areas.
The U.S. faces a significant shortage of rural food-systems veterinarians, threatening agricultural livelihoods, rural economic growth, disease control, animal health, and public health. One of the root causes of the U.S. rural veterinary shortage is that fewer students are choosing to specialize in food systems veterinary careers. Since 2022, Farm Journal Foundation has been a leading national voice in building awareness and driving solutions to this critical issue, and we are honored to have the Merck Foundation join us in this important mission.
“Merck Animal Health recognizes that a strong rural veterinary workforce is essential to safeguarding animal health, supporting agricultural communities, and protecting public health. Solving for the shortage of veterinarians specializing in rural food systems requires innovative, long-term solutions and the industry coming together,” said Shannon Kellner, V.P. of U.S. Livestock for Merck Animal Health. “Through the Merck Foundation’s support of the Farm Journal Foundation’s educational hub, we are inspiring and preparing the next generation of veterinarians by providing them with the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to pursue rewarding careers in rural veterinary medicine."
Support over five years from the Merck Foundation will enable Farm Journal Foundation to expand implementation of our online educational hub to high school and pre-veterinary undergraduate students through collaboration with key partners, including National FFA, 4-H, high school and extension educators, as well as our university partners. This hub includes learning modules that prepare students and young professionals across many diverse aspects of building a rural, food systems veterinary career. Topics and resources covered in these modules include setting academic goals, financial and business planning, professional development, experiential learning opportunities, and more.
“Veterinary workforce challenges often start at the high school and college levels, as students lack exposure to veterinary career paths focusing on livestock,” said Tricia Beal, CEO of Farm Journal Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the Merck Foundation for this new partnership, which will enable us to reach more young students and equip them to embark on fulfilling and impactful careers in rural veterinary services.”
For 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) designated 240 veterinary shortage areas across 47 states and today, there are about 500 rural counties nationwide in need of veterinarians. High levels of student debt associated with studying veterinary medicine can turn young professionals towards urban and suburban settings where there is the perception of more lucrative opportunities. Young professionals also face various challenges to starting their careers in rural settings, ranging from community integration to business development. Farm Journal Foundation’s Veterinary Workforce Solutions Program seeks to address the root causes of these challenges and build awareness across the agriculture, academic, and veterinary sectors about solutions to the national veterinary shortage.
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Media Contact
Karleigh Creighton, Communications & Events Manager
Farm Journal Foundation
Kathleen Cuddy, Livestock Communications
Merck Animal Health
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About Farm Journal Foundation
Farm Journal Foundation is a farmer-centered nonpartisan organization working to advance agricultural innovation, global food and nutrition security, conservation, and rural economic development. The Foundation believes in a future where agriculture works for everyone – supporting strong farmer livelihoods, business growth, consumer access to nutritious, affordable foods, and the preservation of our country’s natural resources. Achieving this vision starts with conversations – bringing all voices to the table to discuss industry challenges and how innovation can unlock solutions that serve us all. To learn more, visit www.farmjournalfoundation.org.
About the Merck Foundation
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to advancing health equity by supporting innovative programs and partnerships to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. The Merck Foundation is a private, charitable organization established and funded by Merck. It is a separate legal entity from Merck and operates independently. Our company established the Merck Foundation (the “Foundation”) in 1957. The Foundation has contributed more than $1 billion to support initiatives that address important global health and societal needs.
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