Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

VPS Scholarships for Young Swine Experts

Jun 23, 2025
By Farms.com

Scholarships Support Early Career Swine Health Professionals

Veterinary Pharmaceutical Solutions (VPS) is celebrating 30 years of service by launching a scholarship program to support early-career veterinarians working in swine health. The company will award two scholarships worth $2,500 each to veterinarians in their first five years of practice who are focused on commercial livestock.

“These scholarships are a token of our sincere appreciation for the support from the veterinarian community over the past 30 years,” says Dean Warras, CEO of VPS. “We remain committed to supporting the future of swine veterinary medicine, and we hope these scholarships will provide welcomed support to their recipients.”

To apply, veterinarians must submit either a 400-word written statement or a two-minute video. Their entry should focus on two key topics: the significance of the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) and 21 CFR Part 530 in their veterinary practice, and how these tools impact their approach to treating pigs and working with clients.

“We recognize the critical role early-career veterinarians play in the pork industry,” says Brian Payne, Commercial R&D and Technical Service Director at VPS. “We’re eager to support these important individuals to help them establish a long and fruitful veterinary career.”

Applications will be judged on understanding of AMDUCA and 21 CFR Part 530, impact on veterinary clinics and clients, contribution to pig health, and creativity. All submissions are confidential and won’t be shared without permission.

Eligible veterinarians should email their entries to Dr. Brian Payne at bpayne@vetpharmsol.com by July 15, 2025.


Trending Video

Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.