Dr. Grace Majors Better Beef

This episode of the Better Beef Podcast features veterinarian Dr. Grace Majors, a recent graduate of Washington State University who has returned to practice in her rural home community. The conversation focuses on the realities of rural mixed animal practice, the transition from veterinary school to real-world work, and the challenges of building producer trust as a young large-animal vet.  Dr. Grace Majors describes deciding on veterinary medicine in high school and gaining early experience by shadowing at the clinic where she now works. She outlines the intensity of veterinary school, comparing it to “drinking from a fire hose,” with three years of didactic coursework covering multiple species, followed by a clinical year. She contrasts non-tracking programs like Washington State, which require broad training across species, with tracking schools such as Colorado State, where students can focus on specific areas like small animal or equine. A major theme is the difficulty of stepping into the role once held by a highly trusted, long-practicing rural veterinarian. Dr. Majors explains that producers often compare her to the retired vet, assuming his outcomes were always successful and holding her to a near-zero margin for error. She emphasizes that the medicine can be learned, but building trust with cattle producers—especially as a 26-year-old woman in a traditionally older, male-dominated environment—is the hardest part. She and the host explore the importance of communication, honesty about limits, and the willingness to seek mentorship. Dr. Majors shares candid stories about complex cases, including a challenging surgery on a steer and the emotional weight of outcomes that are influenced by timing, producer decisions, and biological unpredictability. She stresses that prevention and management changes often matter more than “magic bullet” treatments, highlighting the value of producer education on issues like scours, respiratory disease, and breeding soundness. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Majors frames rural veterinary work as a service-minded profession grounded in community, food-chain responsibility, and a sense of greater purpose beyond financial reward.   For previous episodes of the Better Beef Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences Medgene Forge