In August 2024, Dr. Hailey Mueller, a veterinarian from Independence, Kansas, was awarded a $125,000 grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. She was one of only 19 recipients nationwide, chosen for practicing in a designated food animal veterinarian shortage area. Dr. Mueller’s research found that in her area, the ratio of veterinarians to cattle was 1 to 13,794. Many vets have shifted from treating food animals to focusing on pets, but Dr. Mueller continues to serve both large animals and pets, balancing the different needs of food producers and pet owners.

Statistics from a 2024 survey show that most new veterinary graduates plan to treat small animals, as food animal vets earn less and work longer hours. Despite these challenges, Dr. Mueller’s practice, founded in 2020, allows her to provide essential veterinary services to farmers in her region. The grant helped her buy equipment like a new truck, hydraulic squeeze chute, and portable blood analyzer, which improve safety and the quality of care for food producers.