A new study led by researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research has shed light on the challenges and opportunities in building stronger relationships between veterinarians and livestock producers. Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, the article titled “Education necessity for veterinary-producer relationship creation and sustainability: a mixed method study” explores how better communication and shared learning can improve animal health and the sustainability of rural farming operations.
The research team, including Dr. Nicola L. Ritter, Dr. Molly Gonzales, and Dr. Glennon Mays, surveyed and interviewed veterinarians and producers across Texas. Their goal was to understand why partnerships between these two groups often fall short—and how to fix it.
What they found was eye-opening: both veterinarians and producers want to work together, but face common barriers like time constraints, financial pressures, and miscommunication. For example, while 90% of producers said they were willing to partner with veterinarians for animal healthcare, only 72% of veterinarians felt the same. Producers also expressed a strong interest in learning more about animal health, with over 60% eager to attend continuing education programs.
The study suggests that in-person, collaborative education programs could be the key to bridging the gap. These programs would allow veterinarians and producers to learn from each other, build trust, and align their goals—ultimately leading to healthier animals and more profitable farms.
“Veterinarians and producers are stronger together,” said Dr. Ritter, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M University. “By creating spaces where they can share knowledge and experiences, we can support both animal welfare and rural economies.”
This research is especially timely as rural communities face growing challenges, including fewer veterinary services and rising costs. The authors hope their findings will inspire new educational initiatives and policy support to strengthen these vital partnerships.
To read the full article, visit: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1521440
For more information on the program, visit: https://howdypartner.org/
About the Center for Educational Technologies Core Facility: The Center for Educational Technologies (CET) is a Core Facility of Texas A&M University that supports researchers with their training and outreach activities. Research Resources ID: RRID:SCR_022691 The CET provided services on the literature review, survey development, data collection and infographics of the findings for this study.
Faculty at Texas A&M University leverage the Center for Educational Technologies (CET) to enhance the training and outreach components of their research activities. The CET specializes in translating complex scientific findings into accessible educational programs, training modules, and outreach initiatives. By partnering with CET, faculty can focus on their technical expertise while CET’s team develops and disseminates high-impact educational resources tailored to diverse audiences.
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