Putting Service Before Self as a Dairy Veterinarian
When most people think about dairy veterinarians, they picture someone treating sick cows or assisting with difficult calvings.
While those responsibilities are certainly part of the job, today's dairy veterinarians wear many hats. They're herd health advisors, data analysts, reproductive specialists, problem solvers, and trusted partners helping producers make better decisions every day.
In a recent episode of the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, Dr. Jared Risser, co-owner of Dairy Veterinary and Management Services, joined Peggy Coffeen to share what life as a dairy veterinarian really looks like—and why building relationships is just as important as practicing medicine.
His story offers a behind-the-scenes look at a profession that's constantly evolving alongside the dairy industry itself.
Dairy Veterinary Medicine Is Built on Relationships
Growing up on a dairy farm in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Risser was introduced to veterinary medicine at an early age.
Watching veterinarians care for his family's cows sparked an interest that eventually became his career.
Today, after relocating to Indiana and becoming a partner at Dairy Veterinary and Management Services, he spends his days working alongside producers of every size—from small family dairies to large commercial operations.
No matter the size of the herd, one thing remains the same.
Success starts with trust.
Veterinarians become part of the farm's management team, helping producers navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and make decisions that impact herd health for years to come.
Every Day Brings Something Different
There is no such thing as a typical day for a dairy veterinarian.
One morning may begin with pregnancy checks and herd health reviews.
The afternoon might involve troubleshooting a nutrition issue, analyzing production records, or responding to an unexpected emergency.
Dr. Risser shared that it's this variety that keeps the profession both challenging and rewarding.
Every farm presents unique management styles, different goals, and new opportunities to solve problems.
No two days look exactly alike—and that's part of what makes the work so meaningful.
Technology Is Changing Veterinary Medicine
Modern dairy farms generate an incredible amount of information.
Activity monitors, automated milking systems, herd management software, and artificial intelligence are giving veterinarians more data than ever before.
According to Dr. Risser, these tools allow veterinarians to identify health concerns earlier, monitor herd performance more closely, and help producers make more informed management decisions.
But technology doesn't replace experience.
Instead, it gives veterinarians better information to guide conversations and create solutions tailored to each operation.
The data may identify a trend.
People still determine the best path forward.
Service Will Always Be at the Center of the Profession
While technology continues to advance, Dr. Risser believes the most valuable part of veterinary medicine hasn't changed.
It's serving people.
Every recommendation, every farm visit, and every difficult conversation ultimately comes down to helping producers care for their animals and strengthen their businesses.
Whether responding to an emergency or helping develop a long-term herd health strategy, veterinarians become trusted partners who understand both the science of animal health and the realities of dairy farming.
That human connection can't be replaced by software.
Building the Next Generation
One of the most personal moments in the conversation came when Dr. Risser talked about his family.
His young son occasionally joins him on farm visits, experiencing firsthand the values that shaped Dr. Risser's own childhood.
For him, veterinary medicine isn't simply a career.
It's an opportunity to demonstrate hard work, service, and commitment while contributing to an industry that provides safe, nutritious food for families around the world.
Those lessons extend far beyond the clinic or the dairy barn.
They're about building a legacy of service.
The Future of Dairy Veterinary Medicine
Looking ahead, Dr. Risser is optimistic about where the dairy industry is headed.
Advances in technology, genetics, and herd management continue to improve efficiency while giving veterinarians more tools to support producers.
At the same time, he believes the profession will always depend on curiosity, adaptability, and strong relationships.
As dairies continue to evolve, veterinarians will play an increasingly important role in helping producers interpret information, improve herd health, and make confident management decisions.
Today's dairy veterinarians do far more than diagnose illness. They serve as trusted advisors, strategic partners, and problem solvers who help dairies navigate an increasingly complex industry. As Dr. Jared Risser's journey illustrates, success in veterinary medicine isn't measured only by clinical expertise.
It's built on relationships, service, and a genuine commitment to helping dairy producers succeed.
To hear the complete discussion, stream now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.
