Tipton veterinarian honored by Farm Bureau

Dr. Jennifer Wessel of Tipton earned the Excellence in Agriculture Award, for young people who actively contribute through involvement in agriculture and Farm Bureau, but who do not derive the majority of income from an owned farming operation.

She was honored Monday at the 93rd California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nev.Wessel, a partner in a dairy veterinary clinic, plays an integral role in the health and safety of the state’s milk supply. Her job includes monitoring herd health and milk quality, animal welfare, performing surgical procedures and inspecting animals prior to their transportation out of the state. 

She chairs the California Farm Bureau Federation Animal Health and Welfare Committee and is certified as an assessor for the Validus FARM Animal Welfare Audit program, evaluating farms’ animal care practices and providing recommendations to ensure animal welfare meets the highest standards.

Wessel works within organizations including the California Veterinary Medical Association, where she serves on its Agricultural Advisory Committee and House of Delegates. The House of Delegates is comprised mostly of small-animal veterinarians, and Wessel is one of the few food-animal practitioners in the group.

Wessel will represent California in national competitions to be held next month at the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting in Honolulu.

For her award, Wessel earns a $4,000 cash prize.