The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation has extended the application deadline to March 31 for its Rural Veterinarian Loan Repayment Incentive Program, created to help address ongoing shortages of veterinarians in rural Iowa.

The program will award up to four individuals with as much as $25,000 each in loan repayment support. Applicants must practice, or plan to practice, veterinary medicine in Iowa.

According to an American Veterinary Medical Association survey of 2024 graduates from 32 U.S. veterinary colleges, only about 3.3% entered food-animal–exclusive practice. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated a record number of rural veterinary shortage areas in 2025, including several in Iowa.

In response to these workforce needs, in 2020, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation creating a state veterinary loan repayment program, an effort supported by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

“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. “Strengthening veterinary access helps uphold that standard of care while supporting the vitality of rural communities.”

Preference will be given to applicants who are in their final year of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program; plan to work in large animal practice or designated shortage areas; have ties to Iowa; and demonstrate leadership and community involvement.

To learn more or apply by March 31, visit https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Member-Benefits/Iowa-Farm-Bureau-Rural-Veterinarian-Loan-Repayment-Incentive-Program.