JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri’s agriculture department has selected a new person to lead the state’s Animal Health Division roughly six months after the state veterinarian resigned her post.
On Thursday, the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced Steve Strubberg, DVM, as the new state veterinarian of Missouri. Taylor Woods, DVM, had been serving in the role on an interim basis following the resignation of Linda Hickam effective October 31, 2018.
“We are very excited to have Dr. Strubberg join our leadership team here at the Department,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “The Animal Health Division protects the health of all livestock in our state, which is a tremendous responsibility. His experience leading a team of large and small animal veterinarians will be influential to his new role throughout our state.”
“My vision as Missouri’s State Veterinarian is to continue to advance animal agriculture and keep it thriving within the state, while providing health and care for each individual animal,” Strubberg said.
In 1989, Strubberg, who grew up in Union, Missouri, received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri with a focus area in beef reproduction. Following graduation, he assumed ownership of Hermann Veterinary Clinic, a mixed animal practice in Hermann, Missouri, for nearly 30 years.
“It was wonderful to practice in one location for so long,” said Strubberg. “I had the opportunity to work with several farmers and ranchers and, eventually, their children and grandchildren. After selling my practice two years ago, I was looking for a career that would still allow me to give back to the agriculture community. I am honored to be selected as State Veterinarian.”
The state veterinarian directs the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Division, which is responsible for controlling, testing, and eradicating livestock diseases in Missouri. The duty of the state veterinarian is to develop and implement animal health programs that improve and protect the health of Missouri’s livestock, according to a press release.
Jean Schmidt, DVM, is now assistant state veterinarian and deputy director of the Animal Health Division, a role she began on June 1, 2019.
Schmidt started working for the department in 2011 and has a background in ruminant and equine practice. She is also professionally trained in emergency management and disease outbreak investigation.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
