As you embark on the journey of homesteading, there will be many tasks and challenges that demand your attention.

While some of these may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, others will have a profound impact on the success of your operation. One of the most important tasks you will undertake is establishing a relationship with a knowledgeable veterinary team. This relationship is far from a mere formality; it will be a key component of your success in raising healthy animals and maintaining the long-term sustainability of your farm.

A strong Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) ensures seamless treatment, rapid recovery, and a smooth-running operation.

Over time, the landscape of veterinary care has shifted. The availability of over-the-counter medications for livestock has become increasingly limited, making it difficult for small-scale farmers to access commonly used drugs without the prescription of a veterinarian. This is where a VCPR becomes indispensable.

With this formal relationship in place, your veterinarian can visit your farm once a year to assess the health and needs of your animals. Beyond the annual visit, the VCPR provides an opportunity for direct, ongoing communication between you and your veterinary team throughout the year. This ensures that costs remain manageable while maximizing the efficiency of treatments and maintaining the legal compliance of your farm.

The process of setting up a farm call is typically straightforward and convenient.

When the veterinary team visits your farm, they will sit down with you to discuss your farming program, goals, and any specific requirements your operation may have. They will also take a comprehensive look at the health of your animals, helping you to identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.

After this initial consultation, the relationship continues to grow, and the veterinary team becomes an essential part of your farming toolkit. The annual visits, along with ongoing communication, ensure that you have a team of professionals on call whenever you need assistance.

Once your veterinarian has visited and assessed your farm, you will be able to purchase medications and supplies that you may need throughout the year. This might include vaccines, antibiotics, and other commonly used products for treating and maintaining animal health.

Having these resources on hand can save you valuable time in the event of an emergency.

If you encounter a health issue with your animals, the first step is often a quick phone call to your veterinarian. In a world where veterinary professionals are in high demand and short supply, having a direct line of communication with a trusted team is essential. A simple call can quickly triage an issue, helping to establish a treatment plan that can be implemented right away.

Veterinary care isn’t just about treating emergencies; it’s also about disease prevention. With a VCPR in place, you can consult with your veterinary team on vaccination protocols, disease prevention strategies, and educational resources tailored to your specific farm. For example, your veterinarian can help you develop a tailored vaccination schedule that accounts for the specific diseases and risks common in your area. This proactive approach helps prevent disease outbreaks before they become major problems.

Every homesteader hopes they will never face a crisis, but the reality is that unexpected events will occur.

Life on the farm can be unpredictable, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, chaos will strike. Whether it’s a sudden change in the weather, a medical emergency, or a complication with animal birth, having a veterinary team in your corner can provide you with peace of mind. With the right team of professionals supporting you, you can rest easy knowing that you will have the knowledge and resources to handle whatever comes your way.

Consider this real-world example: A homesteader experiences a series of heavy rainstorms in the spring, followed by a sudden drop in temperature. These weather changes put stress on the newly born calves, many of which are showing signs of respiratory distress. The calves have stretched necks, are coughing, have thick nasal discharge, and are running a high fever of 104°F.

The homesteader calls their veterinary team, who immediately identifies the symptoms as a respiratory infection. Unfortunately, the clinic is short-staffed and won’t be able to send someone out until the following day. However, because the homesteader has already established a VCPR, they have access to necessary medications and supplies. Together, the homesteader and their veterinarian are able to start a treatment plan right away, minimizing the impact of the illness and preventing a more severe outcome.

In this case, having a VCPR in place was critical in preventing a potential disaster. Delays in treatment can be costly, both financially and in terms of animal welfare. With a VCPR, you are able to act quickly, preventing a situation from spiraling out of control. 

A strong veterinary relationship goes beyond emergency care.

It also includes ongoing support for prevention, including tailored advice on vaccination schedules, dietary recommendations, and reproductive management. By working closely with your veterinary team, you can craft a preventative medicine protocol that is specifically designed for your farm’s needs. This can include advice on improving nutrition, managing breeding programs, and developing strategies to increase milk yields, weight gain, and overall performance.

Establishing a VCPR is an investment in the future success of your farm.

It is a foundational step in building a homestead that is resilient, sustainable, and well-supported by a team of professionals. Part of creating a thriving farm is cultivating strong connections within your community—your local veterinary team will be one of the most important and frequently utilized relationships you build.

Take the time to get to know your veterinary team and allow them to get to know you and your animals. This partnership will not only help you maintain the health and well-being of your livestock, but it will also set you up for long-term success in your homesteading journey.

Blog written by Ryan M. Walker, CVT — read more from Ryan in each issue of The Roundup.

Photo credit: Sarah Henry Photography | @sarahhenryphoto