VetPartners is dispelling the myths about what it takes to be a farm vet.
We’re building diverse, welcoming workplaces where colleagues from all backgrounds can enjoy fulfilling, impactful veterinary careers even if they did not grow up on a farm.
Here, as we mark National Farmers’ Day on October 12th, Gina Rigby, from Cross Counties Farm Vets, shares her career journey, and how she has broken the farm vet stereotype….
WHILE Gina Rigby was not born into farming, it has now become a huge part of her life.
The rest of her family may have followed different careers, but Gina chose a life in waterproofs and wellies and a career she adores as a farm vet.
It is the richness of farming life, the influential role farm vets play in their client’s business, as well as the variety of the demands that makes her love her job.
“I’ve only ever wanted to be a farm vet,” said Gina.
“As a teenager I started lambing and milking in preparation for becoming a vet. By the time I applied to vet school, my heart was set on it. I absolutely love my job and couldn’t recommend it more, whether you’re from a farming background or not.
“If you have an interest and passion for farming and you’re willing to integrate into the farming community, there is no reason why you cannot thrive as a farm vet.
“A growing number of farm vets are not from a farming background and they have gone on to enjoy successful careers.
“What makes it so fulfilling for me is the people. Of course I love the animals too, but it is working with clients that gives me most enjoyment. Due to the nature of the work we do, I spend hours with my farmers and get to understand their business and their lifestyle which you don’t get to experience in other parts of the veterinary profession.
“Developing strong relationships with farmers is key to the role because you are an important part of their business, visiting their farm regularly. Over the years, clients turn into friends. As a teenager I joined a Young Farmers’ Clubs and some of the other members are now my clients.
“You can steep yourself in the farming profession by taking time to visit livestock markets and agricultural shows where you can make connections and learn so much.”
After following her childhood dream, Gina has worked for Cross Counties Farm Vets for four years, and is a key part of the farming community, with a particular interest in sheep. She is also a Milksure registered vet, and is interested in the control of Johnes and BVD in cattle.
Cross Counties Farm Vets covers parts of Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, and Gina runs the practice’s thriving Flock Club. She also sits on the committee for the Sheep Veterinary Society, which aims to promote the prevention of disease and welfare of sheep through discussion and research advice on veterinary matters.
One of her proudest moments was seeing one of her clients, Leicestershire-based sheep farmer James Horn, win the 2023 VetPartners Sustainable Sheep Farm of the Year award. The awards recognise strides made by sheep farmers in fortifying their flocks for the future, through exceptional stockmanship, animal health and profitable breeding.
Gina chairs the VetPartners Sheep Clinical Interest Group (CIG) which has nearly 100 vets. They have the opportunity to ask each other for advice and discuss cases, and Gina helps to write resources that are shared across our farm and mixed practices.
“Although it’s changing now, historically, fewer vets were interested in working with sheep so I knew this was an area where I could make an impact, improve welfare and support sheep enterprises,” she said.
“I’ve had a lot of encouragement and learnt a huge amount from sheep farmers, for which I’m exceptionally grateful.”
“The VetPartners Sheep CIG is a great way for us to share advice with vets with a particular interest in different species across VetPartners’ practices. Sharing knowledge is one of the advantages of being part of a larger group.”
VetPartners is helping to break the stereotype of the farm vet sector, which is traditionally male, and helping to create a more diverse and inclusive profession, where women or those who are not from a farming background can thrive.
Gina is passionate about encouraging future farm vets and acts as a mentor to veterinary students at Surrey University, which has close links with Cross Counties Farm Vets. The students have the opportunity to learn practical skills on farms and gain a strong insight into the life of a farm vet.
“Out of the eight farm vets at Cross Counties Farm Vets, only one is a farmer’s daughter, and seven of the vets are female, so the farm vet profession is changing,” said Gina.
“We want to encourage the next generation and help them to know there is a place for them in the profession even if they are not from a farming background.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director, at amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk or 07970 198492