150,000 Reasons to Move to Nebraska: New Grant Program Tackles Vet Shortage Head-On
If you’re a veterinarian passionate about production animals and rural life, Nebraska just put $150,000 on the table to make your dream career a reality.
Governor Jim Pillen unveiled a bold new initiative on Monday—the Nebraska Rural Veterinarian Grant Program—aimed at tackling the state’s growing shortage of large animal vets in rural communities. The program, managed by the Department of Labor (DOL), is offering a $150,000 grant to recent veterinary graduates or licensed vets who are ready to set up shop in one of Nebraska’s underserved rural counties.
And this isn't just any vet gig. To qualify, applicants must:
Hold a DVM and be licensed in Nebraska
Commit to 8 years of practice in a county with fewer than 40,000 residents
Work in a clinic where 80% of services are devoted to production animals
In return? A check for $150,000 once the agreement is complete.
Governor Pillen sees the program as a strategic investment not only in animal welfare but in food security and public health.
“We feed the world and save the planet,” he said. “We need vets ready to protect our producers and respond swiftly if foreign animal disease ever hits our herds.”
Up to 13 veterinarians will be selected for this round of funding. The goal? Build a stronger bench of production animal experts across Nebraska’s agricultural backbone.
This new DOL program builds on last year’s launch of the Elite 11 Veterinary Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), which offers scholarships to vet students pursuing large animal medicine. While students in the Elite 11 aren’t eligible for the new grant, the programs are working in tandem to create a sustainable future for rural veterinary care.
Dr. Tiffany Heng-Moss, dean of UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, praised the collaboration:
“We’re proud to work with the Governor and state leaders to grow Nebraska’s rural veterinary workforce. Together, we’re opening doors for students while strengthening rural communities.”
Industry voices are equally optimistic. Kris Bousquet of the Nebraska State Dairy Association called the program a “take the bull by the horns” solution.
“Veterinarians are critical to everything we do—from animal welfare to milk quality. This program ensures we have the experts we need to keep Nebraska’s livestock industry strong and trustworthy.”
Applications are now open. For full eligibility details and how to apply, visit dol.nebraska.gov/ruralvetgrant.
