S1335 – Western Martingale

This proposed legislation requires individuals who utilize state appropriated funds for the purpose of attending a veterinary school to return to work in Idaho. They must spend a period of 4 years and devote 30% of their annual working time (equivalent to 600 hours) to agriculture animals. You can read the 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 11 seats available to Idaho students in Washington State’s veterinary program – the expansion of a similar partnership in Utah (by 2029) would expand opportunities for Idaho to support large animal veterinarian needs. As the state of Idaho pays for the seats to be made available, this legislation provides some guardrails ensuring a “return on investment” to Idahoans.

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 legislation, as a result of participation in Idaho’s Rural Veterinarian Task Force.

How do I take action?

You can participate in one of the below actions to have an impact as an individual. ICA will continue to submit comments on issues as a representative of its members. Watch this page for opportunities to either sign on or submit individual comments.