In rural America, small and medium-sized livestock farms are the backbone of local food systems. But many of these producers—especially those from underserved communities—face a major challenge: limited access to veterinary care. A new study led by researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research is tackling this issue head-on by helping farmers and veterinarians build stronger, more trusting relationships.
Why Veterinary Relationships Matter
At the heart of this effort is something called the Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). This is a formal agreement between a veterinarian and a livestock producer that allows the vet to provide care, prescribe medications, and offer guidance tailored to the farm’s needs. Without a VCPR, producers may struggle to get timely help for sick animals or access important treatments.
Unfortunately, many small-scale farmers don’t have a VCPR in place. Reasons include a shortage of large animal vets in rural areas, high costs, and a lack of trust or communication between vets and producers.
The “Creating Partnerships” Workshops
To address these barriers, teams from the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science at Texas A&M University & West Texas A&M University developed a one-day workshop called “Creating Partnerships.” Held at Prairie View A&M University and with the nonprofit 100 Ranchers, the workshops brought together livestock producers, veterinarians, students, and extension professionals.
The sessions focused on:
- Building communication skills
- Understanding what a VCPR is and why it matters
- Learning how telemedicine fits into veterinary care
- Discussing real-world challenges and solutions
Participants took a quiz before and after the workshop to measure what they learned. The results were impressive: knowledge and confidence about VCPRs increased significantly.
Real-World Impact
Of the 26 producers who attended, 7 (27%) went on to establish a formal VCPR with their local veterinarian. Several others expressed plans to do so soon. While that may seem like a small number, it’s a meaningful step forward—especially considering the time and logistical hurdles many producers face.
The workshops also helped shift attitudes. Producers reported feeling more confident in communicating with vets and understanding how veterinary care can improve their operations’ sustainability and profitability.
Education Is Key
One of the most powerful takeaways from the study is that education works. When producers understand the benefits of working closely with a vet—and when vets take time to understand the unique needs of each farm—everyone wins. Animals stay healthier, farms become more efficient, and communities grow stronger.
The educational materials from the workshops are now available online through the Extension Foundation Campus platform, making it easier for others across the country to benefit from this work.
Looking Ahead
This research shows that with the right support, small-scale farmers and veterinarians can build lasting partnerships that improve animal health and farm success. The next step? Expanding these workshops, continuing to break down barriers, and ensuring that every producer—no matter their background or location—has access to quality veterinary care.
“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.”
You can read the full study here: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1595301/full
The research team involved a multi-institutional team from three universities within the Texas A&M University System led by Project Director, Dr. Nicola Ritter, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M University.
From Texas A&M University: Dr. Molly Gonzales, Instructional Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences at Texas A&M University; Dr. Kevin Washburn, Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences; Dr. Glennon Mays, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
From Prairie View A&M University: Dr. Milton Daley, Assistant Professor, Agriculture, Nutrition & Human Ecology
From West Texas A&M University: Dr. Dan Posey, Clinical Professor, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Dr. Dee Griffin, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
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 in curriculum development, project management, and program evaluation.
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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