Iowa Farm Bureau supports future rural veterinarians through loan repayment program

In response to growing veterinary shortages in rural communities, the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is investing in the future of animal health by awarding loan repayment assistance to four aspiring veterinarians through its Rural Veterinarian Loan Repayment Incentive Program.

This initiative helps ease the financial burden for students while ensuring essential veterinary care remains accessible to Iowa's farmers and livestock producers by offering up to $25,000 in loan repayment assistance to those who commit to practicing in rural Iowa.

This year's recipients include four graduates from Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine:

• Bailee Bortz, from Rudd, who will practice at Osage Veterinary Clinic in Osage (Mitchell County).
  
• Kieran Hartley, from Iowa City, who currently practices at Circle P Veterinary Services in Tipton (Cedar County).
  
• Karlie Proesch, from Clarence, who will practice at Jaybird Animal Health Center in Wyoming (Jones County).
  
• Matilyn Wheeler, from Creston, who will practice at Christensen Family Farms.
  

According to a 2024 survey from the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 3.3% of graduates from U.S. veterinary colleges entered food-animal-exclusive practice. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated a record number of rural veterinary shortage areas nationwide, including several in Iowa.

"Farmers take pride in giving their animals the best care possible, and veterinarians are a critical part of that," said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. "Investing in the next generation of rural veterinarians helps address workforce challenges while reinforcing agriculture's importance to our state and rural communities."

Applicants must be in their final year of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program or have recently graduated from a DVM with a commitment to practicing in Iowa for four consecutive years. Preference is given to applicants with Iowa ties who are pursuing large animal practice, plan to work in a USDA-designated shortage area and have demonstrated leadership or community involvement.

Applications for 2027 will be accepted next March. For more information about Iowa Farm Bureau and its scholarship opportunities, visit https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/scholarships.