Russell County receives state and regional funding to launch incentive program for veterinarians
Richmond, Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Russell County will receive a Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant, which will be combined with funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to help develop an incentive program aimed at attracting large animal veterinarians to the region.
“Large animal veterinarians are indispensable to our agricultural communities and food supply chain,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “As communities across the country face shortages of these professionals, Virginia is taking strategic steps to build a strong, sustainable pipeline of large animal veterinarians in rural areas. I’m pleased to support Russell County and regional partners in addressing this need.”
A Multi-Faceted Plan for Rural Veterinary Care
The effort will be supported by a $20,000 AFID Planning Grant, paired with $20,000 from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, to create a long-term incentive program. The plan includes recruiting large animal veterinarians to Southwest Virginia, improving the availability and quality of veterinary services, and offering financial and logistical support to veterinarians starting their careers in the region.
A key feature of the program is Russell County’s donation of 2.3 acres of land, which will house facilities and equipment leased to incoming veterinarians. This will enable new and relocating veterinarians to quickly build a practice and begin delivering much-needed services to local farmers and livestock producers.
“Agriculture in Virginia is innovative. We’re excited to see Russell County use the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to develop a multi-faceted plan to solve a large-scale problem,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “This grant is a great example of local, regional, and state partners working together.”
Strong Support from State and Local Leaders
Delegate Will Morefield, Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, praised the project, saying, “The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is excited about this partnership as it works toward our goals of strengthening and revitalizing the economies of Southern and Southwest Virginia. We look forward to working with Russell County to expand large animal veterinary capacity, which is a vital service for our rural communities.”
Local officials are equally enthusiastic. “This incentive program will be a great benefit to Russell County cattle producers and other farmers in the area,” said Ernie McFaddin, Executive Director of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority. “We are always looking for ways to support the local agricultural community, and this program will fill a significant need.”
Statewide Legislation Supports the Initiative
Earlier this year, Governor Youngkin signed HB 2303 and SB 921, which direct the State Veterinarian to establish a large animal veterinary grant program by July 1, 2026. This additional state program will provide grants to increase or stabilize the number of large animal veterinarians in underserved areas like Russell County.
How the AFID Program Works
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers the AFID Planning Grant program, which requires applicants to show a clear need, a proposed solution, and strong support from local governments and the agricultural community. While the program typically requires a one-to-one match, allowances for a reduced match are available for economically distressed localities.
Interested localities can learn more about the program by contacting VDACS at (804) 786-6911.
The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Southwest Virginia Program also focuses on supporting agribusiness, business development, industrial infrastructure, tourism, and more. For details on this program, call (804) 894-9652.
With this initiative, Russell County and its partners are taking significant steps to address a critical shortage and support the agricultural foundation of rural Virginia.
