Students involved with FFA, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation will once again benefit from the 2014 Zoetis Industry Support Program, which raised $1,353,874 this year. Through the support of veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealer customers, the Industry Support Program provides support and resources for the future leaders in agriculture.

Between Feb. 1 and April 30, 2014, a portion of funds from eligible purchases of Zoetis cattle and equine products were directed to local FFA chapters, and veterinary student scholarships through AABP and AAEP foundations. Since the program’s inception in 2008, it has raised more than $7.3 million.

The continued support of agricultural and veterinary students will benefit agriculture and help them on their journey with opportunities they might not otherwise experience.

“These students around the country are making a difference to improve the agriculture industry. The donations offered to them can leave a lasting effect on people and communities,” said Jeff Klose, an agriculture science teacher and department chair of career and technical education at Canyon High School in Texas. “The money from the Zoetis Industry Support Program helps students inform the public about agriculture.”

“The donations we receive from Zoetis contribute to a huge economic impact in our community and develop into much more than the primary dollar amount of the donation,” Klose said. “Each dollar received from Zoetis will turn itself into much more through the programs we employ in our FFA chapter.”

“It’s important for student veterinarians to receive the support of practitioners because they are excited to learn and develop hands-on experience, yet so often it is lacking due to lack of resources,” said Gina Camarata, a student at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and a member of the AAEP. “With commitment from practitioners, whether through allocation of time and talent to teaching, or contribution of scholarship funds, students are able to take advantage of opportunities to blossom as upcoming veterinarians.”

Support of FFA, the AABP Foundation and the AAEP Foundation is a component of Commitment to Veterinarians™, a Zoetis initiative supporting veterinarians through training and education, research and development, and investing in the future of the veterinary profession.