6.2 Perspectives on the Veterinarian’s Role—From Veterinarians and Producers

Frequently highlighted issues from veterinarians and producers noted in recent literature and surveys from the U.S. and U/K include:

• Lack of formal veterinary education on O/A principles and practices
• Lack of O/A specific resources to learn from
• Mixed feelings of veterinarians on being able to meet organic producers’ needs
• The belief that O/A care lacks science-based evidence
• Mistrust of producers and their reluctance to seek veterinary help
• Producers waiting too long to call for services leads to welfare concerns, resulting in veterinarians’ inability to help animals in time

Frequently highlighted issues from the producer’s perspective include:

• O/A producers consider their animals healthier with less need for veterinary care
• Other sources (other O/A producers, online sources, etc.) are available with knowledge and experience in non-traditional care and treatments
• The perceived negative mindset of vets toward organic agriculture (Duval et al., 2016; Sorge et al., 2019; Steneroden, 2021)
• Lack of perceived value of the role of a veterinarian on their farm because O/A don’t use conventional products and medicines (Duval et al., 2016)

Interestingly, these perspectives have a common thread. Both parties seek to be respected for their knowledge, beliefs, and approach to animal care. Not surprisingly, seeking help or advice from someone is difficult if one does not feel that the other person sees, understands, or respects their goals. Similarly, it isn’t easy to help someone achieve something without seeing, understanding, or respecting their goals.

Much of this relates to perspective. Shifting perspective, not necessarily beliefs, can help. As a veterinarian, put yourself in the shoes of O/A farmers. Putting oneself in another’s shoes does not mean they will fit well or be liked. What it does mean is that you now have the shared experience of understanding the goals and practices of the O/A farmer.

Veterinarians can do this with O/A clients by educating themselves and by listening to their clients with an open mind. This is the best way to learn, build relationships, and work towards veterinarians becoming a more valuable resource for all clients.