Future Directions and Projections of Manpower Needs in Dairy Practice

Abstract

The future of dairy practice is a bright one, however it will have a significantly different emphasis than it currently does. There will always be a place for practitioners that are willing to give value for service. Dairy practices will continue to need graduates that are willing to work. By its very nature, our work is reflective of the industry we serve. As a rule, we will find ourselves working longer hours when compared to those in other discipline areas of veterinary medicine. It has been my observation that all of the successful practitioners that I know in dairy practice work very long hours, mirroring the labor of the clients they serve. With this as a given, then what directions will practitioners of the future be taking?