Australia’s cattle veterinary profession is at a pivotal moment, grappling with workforce shortages, changing client expectations, rapid technological advances and the growing impact of corporatisation.

In this first episode of Season 2, Prue speaks with three ACV past Presidents Professor Paul Cusack, Dr Scott Parry and Dr Stacey Rae who span the decades of 1970s through to now, as they paint a revealing picture of a sector in transition - and one full of opportunity.

With traditional mixed practice evolving from individual animal care to whole-of-production system management, vets are increasingly acting as advisers across nutrition, reproduction and herd health. While this shift creates exciting consultancy pathways, it also exposes gaps in structured postgraduate education and clear career progression for early and mid‑career vets.

Listen as the panel highlights the need for strong mentorship, flexible work models and better support for a workforce that is becoming increasingly female and family-focused. The rise of AI and real-time data analysis promises to transform decision‑making, yet also demands new skills to manage an ever-growing “data tsunami”.

Against this backdrop, corporatisation continues to reshape rural practice - bringing capital and scale, but sometimes at the cost of continuity, local knowledge and mentorship. Encouragingly, renewed interest in locally owned practices shows the enduring value of trusted relationships in rural communities.

And finally, for students, early career vets and industry leaders, the message is clear: adaptability, broad experience and lifelong learning will be key to securing a sustainable and rewarding future in cattle veterinary practice.

Dr. Mike Laurence reflects on a career that’s spanned clinical practice, academia, and now industry leadership at Meat & Livestock Australia. From working through the UK’s foot-and-mouth outbreak to pioneering research in pain management and animal welfare, Mike shares insights on the evolving role of cattle vets, the importance of communication, and why you’re never truly stuck in your career. A powerful close to the season, packed with practical advice and inspiration for vets at every stage.

In this episode, Dr. Jill Kelly shares her bold leap from a secure government role to launching her own livestock consultancy—complete with a subscription model, paid newsletters, and a thriving online presence as “Miss Vet.” Jill talks candidly about building a business from scratch, charging for conversations vets often give away for free, and balancing her work with side hustles in art and cattle trading. It’s a story of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what a vet career can look like.