At this year’s WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, two Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni who graduated within the last five years received national recognition as recipients of the Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Awards (FAIA). Dr. Kayla Baird and Dr. Kallie Knott, of the Purdue DVM Classes of 2021 and 2025, respectively, were among just five total FAIA award recipients honored during the annual veterinary conference hosted by Viticus Group (formerly WVC). The event is considered one of the largest and longest-running veterinary education conferences in the U.S.
The FAIA award is designed to promote Viticus Group’s goal of educating new graduates to maintain their interest in food animal clinical practice or other related careers such as food animal clinical skills instruction or applied clinical research while providing the educational enrichment opportunities offered by Viticus Group. Recipients received a $1,000 stipend, complimentary registration, lodging, airfare, meals, and a daily stipend to attend the 98th WVC Annual Conference, which was held in Las Vegas February 15-18.
The printed program for the 2026 WVC Annual Conference included a statement of commendation about the award recipients that said, Viticus Group applauds these five outstanding postgraduate recipients of the Dr. W. Bruce Wren Food Animal Incentive Awards and commends their commitment to food animal practice.
Dr. Baird grew up in Wadesville, Indiana on the family farm and was a ten-year 4-H member and member of the National FFA Organization. She earned both her BS degree in animal sciences and her DVM degree at Purdue, and while in veterinary college, represented Purdue in the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) House of Delegates. She also was elected to the SAVMA Executive Board as the Communications and Public Relations Officer.
A member of the AVMA, IVMA, and American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), Dr. Baird enjoys working with livestock as well as cats and dogs, but has a special interest in dairy and beef cattle medicine and reproduction. She works in private practice at the Jackman Animal Clinic in Milroy, Indiana.
Dr. Knott is a mixed animal veterinarian at Yarde Veterinary Services in Garrett, Indiana, where she provides care and treatment for small animals, food animals, and equine patients. With a special interest in food animal medicine, particularly bovine reproduction, she enjoys working alongside producers to promote herd health and productivity.
While Dr. Knott was in veterinary college at Purdue, she gained extensive hands-on experience in both large and small animal practice. Her interest in large animal dates back to her youth, as she grew up very involved in agriculture and livestock, serving as a 10-year 4-H member and actively participating in youth livestock leadership programs. Today, Dr. Knott and her family continue that tradition through Knott’s Landing, their family owned and operated program in LaOtto, Indiana, where they raise Angus and Charolais cattle with a focus on production and performance.
Congratulations Drs. Kallie Knott and Kayla Baird for this outstanding recognition, as 2026 FAIA Award recipients, of your dedication to further food animal clinical practice.