The annual Indiana State Fair is a summer highlight that brings together families, communities, and the agricultural industry from across the state. For the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, intentional involvement in this celebration of Indiana agriculture is both a tradition and a vital opportunity to connect with youth, alumni, and stakeholders.
Throughout this year’s State Fair, which ran from August 1-17, Purdue Veterinary Medicine representatives were actively engaged in multiple ways. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students visited livestock barns to talk with 4-H members and their families, encouraging young people and supporting their hard work with animals. These conversations highlighted the value of veterinary medicine in animal agriculture while strengthening connections with the next generation of leaders. In addition, Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh had the opportunity to address the exhibitors in the beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goat barns over the microphone during the livestock shows.
A unique component of the College’s engagement at the fair involved the role of fourth-year veterinary students, who worked alongside Dr. Bethany Funnell, clinical associate professor of bovine theriogenology, and Dr. Laura May, visiting assistant professor of farm animal internal medicine, to provide animal health oversight for the livestock on the fairgrounds. The students gained invaluable hands-on experience in food animal medicine while ensuring the safety and well-being of animals exhibited at the fair. Their presence also offered exhibitors and families the opportunity to see future veterinarians in action, reinforcing the College’s commitment to preparing skilled practitioners who understand both animal health and agricultural production.
Special thanks to the following fourth-year veterinary students who helped provide this service:
- Luke Bousema
- Adrian Dixon
- Gabe Irons
- Jacob Mishne
- Troy Todd
- Dustin Wagner
- Brenna White
Additionally, on the last weekend of the State Fair, a team of Purdue Veterinary Medicine volunteers, including veterinary students and several clinicians, provided veterinary support for the ever popular 4H Dog Show Saturday, August 16. The students worked in teams, performing a brief physical exam on each dog as they arrived at the show, looking for contagious diseases or other health concerns. Each team examined upwards of 50 dogs over about three hours beginning bright and early in the morning. A dozen students participated including members of the DVM classes of 2026, 2027 and 2029, as well as a pre-vet student and the Wasson Veterinary Pharmacy Resident, Dr. Holly Wright. The teams worked under the guidance of three Purdue Veterinary Medicine clinicians – Drs. Steve Thompson, Preston Collins and Gwen Wallace.
Special thanks to the following students who helped with the health exams for the dogs at the 4H Dog Show.
DVM Class of 2029
- Zoey DeLaney
DVM Class of 2027
- Megan Ezzo
DVM Class of 2026
- Luke Bousema
- Adrian Dixon
- Haley Doron
- Matti Gebhardt
- Ashley Rauda
- Michaela Romie
- Angela Ruiz
- Trinity Valencia
- Brenna White
Pre-Vet
- Destiny Morales
Wasson Veterinary Pharmacy Resident
- Dr. Holly Wright, PharmD
The college also was honored to attend and support several signature events at the Indiana State Fair. These included the annual Pork Breakfast that opened the fair, the Harvest Dinner showcasing Indiana agriculture and its youth, and the Grand Drive and Supreme Drive—where the state’s top livestock exhibitors showcased the best of the barns as they competed for the top prize in the Corteva Coliseum. Faculty, staff and students also showed their support by volunteering at three of the livestock friends’ food stands: beef, pork, and dairy. Serving fairgoers in this way helped strengthen ties with commodity partners while sharing Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s commitment to Indiana agriculture.
Another meaningful highlight involved volunteers who assisted Dr. Leon Thacker, former Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory director and professor emeritus of comparative pathobiology, at the veterinary building in the Pioneer Village. The historical veterinary clinic provides visitors with an educational glimpse into the history of animal health and the role of veterinary medicine in Indiana’s agricultural heritage. Over 25 Purdue alumni veterinarians from across the state assisted in staffing the historical veterinary exhibit for fairgoers.
Beyond engaging with youth and agricultural families, the College also used the fair as a platform to share information with policymakers and legislators. At the Indiana Rural Caucus, Dean Marsh and other Purdue representatives joined agricultural leaders to discuss pressing issues, including concerns about a shortage of veterinarians serving rural communities in Indiana. This conversation emphasized the importance of training and retaining veterinary professionals who can serve livestock producers, protect animal health, and ensure food security across the state.
From livestock barns to legislative meetings, Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s active presence at the Indiana State Fair reflected the college’s deep commitment to the state’s agricultural community. By engaging with 4-H youth, supporting commodity groups, honoring Indiana’s veterinary heritage, and advocating for solutions to rural veterinary needs, the College of Veterinary Medicine continues to uphold its mission of advancing animal and human health while strengthening Indiana’s agricultural future. And, the college already is in discussions about participating in the 2026 Indiana State Fair!
