Student-Debt Relief Available to Early-Career Swine Veterinarians

Oct 03, 2025

By Abbey Canon

The AASV Foundation is pleased to offer two opportunities for AASV members to apply for relief of student debt. Applications are due December 1 for a total of twelve $7500 grants to be awarded at the 2026 AASV Annual Meeting.

While the application process is the same for both opportunities, the eligibility requirements are different, as described below and at aasv.org/foundation/swine-veterinarians/debt-relief-grants/

Dr. Conrad and Judy Schmidt Family Student Debt-Relief Scholarships

In 2019, Dr. Conrad and Judy Schmidt funded and awarded the AASV Foundation’s first student debt-relief scholarship. The program has expanded since then, and in 2026 the foundation will award two $7500 scholarships to qualifying applicants. These awards are available to AASV members who are 2 to 5 years post-graduation from veterinary school (2021, 2022, 2023 graduates) and engaged in private veterinary practice devoted 50% or more to swine, providing on-farm service directly to independent pork producers. The recipients must have maintained their membership in AASV since joining in veterinary school and must also have attended the AASV Annual Meeting while in school.

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Video: Nutrition and Sow Livability - Dr. Mark Knauer

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Mark Knauer, Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, discusses nutritional strategies to improve sow livability and piglet outcomes. He shares research insights on vitamin programs, antioxidant support, and nutrition-based approaches in commercial production systems. Dr. Knauer highlights opportunities to reduce mortality, enhance sow longevity, and improve overall performance. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Disease challenges create oxidative stress, and replenishing antioxidants can help to support sow and piglet livability.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Mark Knauer / mark-knauer-0475b921 is a Swine Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University, where he conducts applied research to improve sow productivity, longevity, and herd performance. He earned his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and previously served as Director of Animal Science at the National Pork Board. Learn more from Dr. Mark Knauer on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.