Sydney Bigger, Kansas State University
Illinois Farm Bureau recently selected Mackenzie Michels, University of Illinois, and Sydney Bigger, Kansas State University, as recipients of the Illinois Veterinary Education and Training (IVET) program. “IVET helps reduce part of the financial burden of veterinary school and makes the decision to move back home upon completion of my degree even easier,” says Bigger, who grew up in Henderson County and is a third-year vet student.
Mackenzie Michels, University of Illinois
Michels, a second-year vet student, plans to open a practice in her hometown of Noble, IL that offers a variety of livestock services and become a 4-H leader, which gives her “an opportunity to mentor kids about animal welfare, production medicine, and core life skills.”
Michels and Bigger recognize the shortage of food animal veterinarians and want to be part of the solution in rural communities, a quality they attribute to being raised in families that taught them to appreciate rural living.
“Illinois Farm Bureau encourages veterinary students to pursue a career in caring for food animals,” said Tasha Bunting, IFB associate director of commodities and livestock programs. “To succeed, farmers need the services of a food-animal veterinarian to help them care for their beef cattle, swine, sheep and poultry. It’s an opportunity to help bring a calf into the world and share in the love that farmers have for their animals.”
IFB established IVET in 2005 and helps offset the high cost of veterinary education offering low-interest loans and a $1,500 stipend during their fourth year in school. More information about the program can be found online at ilfb.org/IVET.
