Veterinarians provide their thoughts on the key challenges and opportunities for success during the 2020s in this insightful series. Their comments are a directional microcosm facing bovine practices, as well as veterinary practices in general.
. . . veterinarians serve as forward-looking change agents in animal agriculture, as they continuously evaluate new systems, products, practices and philosophies for potential adoption on their clients’ operations.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian. January, February 2020. Link. Series articles are referenced here along with the original feedback request from January 3, 2020 and Campus Connections from February 5, 2020.
Part 1: Client Services and Communications. Link.
Part 2: Medical Technology. Link.
Part 3: Animal genetics. Link.
Part 4: Antibiotic Stewardship. Link.
Part 5: Industry Structure. Link.
Part 6: Labor. Link.
Part 7: Animal Welfare. Link.
Part 8: Consumer Perceptions. Link.
. . . we need to change our industry’s position from one of reaction to scandals to one of proactive teaching, marketing, and outreach, and show the world how great American agriculture can be. William (Ruffin) Hutchinson, DVM
INSIGHTS: For the last two-plus decades leading animal health pros have warned of “storm clouds on the horizon.” Those clouds brought a change toward a more OTC business in the 70s and 80s, continued searching for BRD solutions, declining animal numbers producing more food products and elements of traceability. Computer tech has made cattle producers smarter, but issues of labor and cost management continue in a market that remains low in net margin.
I submit that food animal segment animal health pros may be better prepared to modify their roles in the business of raising cattle, swine and poultry than companion animal counterparts. The biggest challenge is to deal with high levels of transparency and scrutiny by an under-educated, anthropomorphic-minded populus.