Tate Reeves, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum, and Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick. As the number of rural food animal veterinarians continues to decline, USDA is putting Farmers First to ensure we build back our first line of defense in our animal food production system — the rural veterinarian. “I applaud Secretary Rollins and USDA for making important changes to strengthen our veterinary workforce. Secretary Rollins’ Rural Veterinary Action Plan will go a long way in supporting veterinarians throughout Mississippi. A $125,000 grant to Dr. Rachel W McCurdy Veterinary Services will serve Mississippi veterinary shortages in Newton and Scott counties.