NE234 BROKEN BOW ANIMAL HOSPITAL: SERVING RURAL CENTRAL NEBRASKA LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Our broad overarching goalsare to maintain and improve animal welfare, ensure the health and welfare of cattle and horses, support the production of a wholesome food supply, reduce wait times for veterinary services, and improve the veterinarian-to-food animal ratio within the NE234 veterinary shortage area. To reach these aims, our objectives include the advancement of reproductive services through the introduction of advanced technology, new services, and attendance of advanced training seminars; improve mobile veterinary facilities through the purchase of a practice vehicle, a mobile alleyway, and a mobile hydraulic calf cradle; introduce a veterinary internship program for current veterinary, pre-veterinary, and veterinary technician students to support experiential learning and career prospects in large animal practice; and enhance engagement with local high school students to introduce career opportunities in large animal practice by coordinating opportunities through 4-H, FFA, and area schools.Our first year of this grant program will focus on purchasing the equipment, attendance of the AABP Edwin Robertson Beginning Embryo Transfer Seminar, advertisement of new and improved services to clients and the public, creation of an internship program, volunteering with local FFA and 4-H students during the county fair, and hosting an annual producer meeting on new services we can provide to their operations. For the remaining two years of the grant service commitment, we will continually educate producers on available services, advertise our internship program for students, and interact with local high students interested in animal agriculture and veterinary medicine.