In the sprawling fields of Polk County, Florida, the heartbeat of the local economy resonates through the hooves of cattle. According to data from the University of Florida, this thriving industry injects over a billion dollars annually into the region. However, amid this prosperity lies a poignant challenge – the scarcity of large animal veterinarians essential for the well-being of these majestic creatures.

For Dr. LuJean Waters, a dedicated veterinarian in the heart of Polk County, downtime has become a distant memory. "I'm fully booked for three to four weeks out, and on top of that fully booked schedule, I get emergency calls, multiple emergency calls every single day," she shares, a testament to the relentless demand for her services.

Dr. Waters specializes in caring for large animals, ranging from horses and cows to pigs and goats. In a county where the cattle industry reigns supreme, her role is indispensable. The industry, according to UF data, contributes a staggering $1.2 billion to the local economy.

Yet, beneath this veneer of prosperity lies a critical shortage of large animal veterinarians, as highlighted in a recent USDA report. Burnout and work-life balance concerns loom large, with practices struggling to cope with the relentless demands of the job.

"We have to do a better job of recruitment, but we also have to have better programs," Dr. Waters emphasizes, shedding light on the need for accessible and affordable educational pathways. The burden of student loan debt coupled with meager salaries exacerbates the challenge, deterring prospective veterinarians from pursuing careers in large animal care.

Despite the undeniable importance of their work, large animal veterinarians often find themselves at a financial disadvantage compared to their counterparts in companion animal practices. The disparity in pay, coupled with the exigencies of rural travel, poses significant hurdles.

Yet, Dr. Waters remains steadfast in her commitment to her community. As a seventh-generation Florida cattle rancher, her roots run deep, intertwining with the very fabric of Polk County's agricultural landscape. "Why don't you raise your prices? The truth of the matter is this community is important," she asserts, underscoring her unwavering dedication to those she serves.

However, the soaring demand has forced Dr. Waters' business, Heartland Large Animal Services in Bartow, to reluctantly turn away clients for the first time in over a decade. It's a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention at both state and federal levels to support aspiring veterinarians and bolster rural veterinary practices.

As she reflects on her lifelong connection to the community, Dr. Waters remains hopeful that collaborative efforts will pave the way for a brighter future. "I just don't want to come into this community and not let anybody know how much I care about them and how much I care about the agriculture here and the people here," she shares, embodying the spirit of resilience and compassion that defines Polk County's agricultural heritage.

Read more here: https://www.fox13news.com/news/polk-county-in-critical-need-of-large-animal-veterinarians-usda-report