Guardians of Food and Health: Celebrating Veterinarians Every Day

May 1, 2026

World Veterinary Day may be on the calendar once a year, but the impact of veterinarians is felt every day. As we continue celebrating this year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health,” we are proud to recognize doctors whose work protects animals, supports producers, and safeguards the food systems we all depend on. 

We are highlighting three large animal veterinarians whose careers reflect that responsibility in action. Dr. Lynette Hemker, Chief of Staff Advisor, brings a lifelong connection to farming and food production into her daily work with producers. Dr. Jade Rathmann, Greenville Veterinary Clinic, combines a passion for animal care with a dedication to education and mentorship. Dr. Allen Mueller, Chief of Staff, Mueller Veterinary Services, draws on deep rural roots and hands-on experience to serve as a trusted advisor to the agricultural community. Together, their stories show what it truly means to be guardians of food and health. 

A Passion Rooted in the Land 

For many large animal veterinarians, the path starts early, shaped by life on farms and hands-on experiences with animals. 

Dr. Lynette Hemker’s love for the profession began on her family farm, surrounded by horses, cattle, pigs, and plenty of responsibility. From training foals and assisting with calvings to caring for pigs that needed extra attention, those early moments planted the seeds for a lifelong calling. 

“Over time and with science and math classes, that grew into a passion for problem-solving, building relationships with producers, and making a difference on farms,” she shares. “I’m thankful for the start I had and being able to turn my experiences into a career.” 

Dr. Jade Rathmann discovered her passion through exposure to farm life and inspiring mentors in college. 

“I had a number of professors who were very passionate about large animal production and medicine,” she explains. “Thankfully, their passion was contagious and made my love for this field take off.” 

For Dr. Allen Mueller, admiration for his local veterinarian and early exposure to animal care made the career path clear. 

“I admired our local vet as he understood things we did not, and we relied on him to save the day,” he says. “I wanted to do that too.” 

Protecting Food and Health Beyond the Farm 

While much of a large animal veterinarian’s work happens out of the public eye, its impact reaches far beyond the farm gate. 

“Large animal veterinarians are a critical link between animal health and human health,” says Dr. Hemker. “Our work directly impacts the safety and quality of food people rely on every day.” 

Dr. Allen Mueller echoes that responsibility, emphasizing the unique role veterinarians play by working directly alongside producers. 

“We guard everyone against disease and chemical residues,” he explains. “We understand the challenges producers face because we work with them, and we help protect them, ourselves, and consumers.” 

 

 

Education is another essential part of that mission. 

“Veterinarians are meant to be educators,” shares Dr. Jade Rathmann. “We teach farmers how to keep animals healthy, inform the public about where their food comes from, and educate the next generation interested in veterinary medicine.” 

What It Means to Be a “Guardian of Food and Health” 

Being called a guardian of food and health is not just a title. It is a daily responsibility. 

“It means recognizing that the decisions we make every day affect people and communities in ways that are not always visible,” Dr. Hemker says. “It’s about advocating for animal welfare, supporting producers, and ensuring the food system remains safe and sustainable.” 

Dr. Mueller reflects on how easy it can be to overlook that role in a country with an abundant food supply. 

“If it were not for responsible producers, educated veterinarians, and food safety inspectors,” he says, “illnesses from unsafe food would be far more common.” 

The Work You Don’t Always See 

One thing all three veterinarians wish more people understood is just how connected everyday life is to their work. 

“From the milk in the fridge to the safety of the meat families serve, large animal veterinarians play a behind-the-scenes role,” says Dr. Hemker. 

Dr. Rathmann adds an important reminder. 

“We truly care about the animals we work with,” she says. “Regardless of their role, we strive to maintain their health and welfare.” 

And for Dr. Mueller, that care often requires adaptability and grit. 

“Large animal veterinarians work in a different kind of office,” he explains. “It takes a unique skill set and perseverance, but being a trusted advisor and making a real difference is what makes this work so rewarding.” 

Celebrating Our Guardians, Every Day 

World Veterinary Day gives us a moment to pause and say thank you, but the work of veterinarians like Dr. Hepker, Dr. Rathmann, and Dr. Mueller and their teams is worth celebrating all year long. 

To all veterinarians who serve as guardians of food and health, on farms, in the field, and behind the scenes, we see you. And we are grateful for the difference you make every single day.