Why is it so difficult to recruit and retain food animal veterinarians in the United States? And how might this impact the future food supply? Food animal veterinarians in the United States safeguard livestock, poultry, and aquatic food animal health and welfare as well as food safety and quality along the entire “farm to fork” continuum. In doing so they help to ensure the financial sustainability of producers and global food security. Of particular importance is the role veterinarians play in preparation for and mitigation of emerging or transboundary (foreign animal) disease outbreaks which could have serious economic impacts on the entire U.S. economy as well as possible public health concerns regarding zoonosis and food security.