Bovine veterinarians’ meeting emphasizes communication

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners’ annual conference, held Sept. 15-17 in Charlotte, North Carolina, drew 1,773 attendees, including 1,279 veterinarians and students. The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners met in conjunction with the AABP.

Keynote speaker Vance Crow led the meeting with its theme of “Facing the Future Together” by challenging attendees to engage in effective communication with the public so that they may persevere and support agriculture within society. Special programming included six small-group Veterinary Feed Directive forums, “Beyond the Medicine” sessions on practice and family life as well as depression and suicide in the veterinary community, and Farmers Assuring Responsible Management sessions from the National Milk Producers Federation.

Almost $250,000 in scholarships and other awards were given to veterinary students and graduate veterinarians. The awards were funded by AABP members and partners as well as the AABP Foundation.

The 2016-2017 officers are Drs. Mark J. Thomas, Lowville, New York, president; Mike Apley, Manhattan, Kansas, president-elect; Glenn Rogers, Aledo, Texas, vice president; John Davidson, Shiner, Texas, past president; and Bryan Halteman, Turlock, California, treasurer.