SCR 111_veterinarians – Western Martingale

This Concurrent Resolution provides authorization to the State Board of Education for initiation of conversation with the state of Utah, and Utah State University, to potentially establish an operating agreement for Idaho students to participate in Utah’s veterinary program.
You can read full bill text HERE

Background: Idaho’s livestock industry has been experiencing a dramatic shortage of large animal veterinarians to meet the needs of production agriculture in recent years. Currently, there are but 11 seats available to Idaho students in Washington State’s veterinary program – the expansion of a similar partnership in Utah would expand opportunities for Idaho to support large animal veterinarian needs.

Why is this important to cattle producers in Idaho?

Veterinarian care of animals in production agriculture is a necessity to successful animal welfare. With limited availability and access to large animal care, many producers are subject to exponential financial impact due to transport of animals to seek care, prolonged illness of animals or in some cases, loss of said livestock.

Does ICA support this proposed bill?

ICA supports this proposed concurrent resolution as a result of participation in Idaho’s Rural Veterinarian Task Force.

How do I take action?

We encourage comment by those interested members & supporters! ICA will submit comments on behalf of our membership association, but you can utilize the following verbiage in crafting your commentary as well. Comments would be submitted to your respective legislators, as well as members of the House Ag Affairs Committee.

This legislation has passed the Senate and will move forward to the House Ag Affairs Committee, seeking recommendation to the House Floor.

Sample verbiage: As an Idaho cattle producer/supporter of the industry, I would request your ACTION for SCR 111. Idaho’s cattle producers care for their animals and at times, require veterinarian oversight or assistance maintaining requirements or animal health. Idaho is experiencing a dramatic shortage of large animal veterinarians. Livestock production and animal agriculture contributes significantly to the state economy, but without resources such as veterinarians, the industry incurs great strain. Your support of this legislation would allow for Idaho students to seek this education in a neighboring state and then return to support agriculture in Idaho. Your ACTION is requested for this concurrent resolution.