Livestock producers and farmers in our shortage area have had an increasingly difficult time accessing veterinary care due to the number of veterinarians retiring and a declining number of…

The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Blackjack Animal Health, PLLC $200,000 on September 15, 2026, under the Veterinary Services Grant Program (CFDA 10.336) to purchase equipment that expands access to veterinary care for livestock producers in a rural shortage area.

The recipient will acquire a vehicle, hydraulic chute, ultrasound machine, radiograph machine, and associated instruments and supplies to support veterinary services for sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs in Empire City, Oklahoma. The project addresses a documented shortage of veterinarians willing to treat production livestock and aims to stabilize the food supply and improve animal health and welfare in the shortage area.

The period of performance runs from September 15, 2026, through September 14, 2029. The award is classified as a Project Grant and obligates the full $200,000 amount.

Livestock producers and farmers in our shortage area have had an increasingly difficult time accessing veterinary care due to the number of veterinarians retiring and a declining number of veterinarians interested in treating sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. The goal of this project is to increase access to veterinary care, improve the health and welfare of the animals, and help stabalize the food supply within the shortage area. Grant funding will provide equipment necessary to acheive these goals - dependable vehicle, hydraulic chute, ultrasound, radiograph machine, and various instruments and supplies. As a result of funding from this grant, we expect to significantly improve both access to veterinary care and greatly improve animal welfare. The anticipated impact will be healthier animals and asafer food supply chain.