Swine veterinarians are critical to the success of U.S. pork producers, according to study conducted by CF Grass Consulting, the results of which were prepared for the annual meeting of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians in Orlando, Fla., this week.

The study was an online survey used to collect the attitudes and opinions of a representative sample of U.S. swine producers. It was conducted in November 2018.

More than 85% of swine producers rated the overall value provided by their veterinarian as “good” or “excellent.” Those conducting the study said this level of value is statistically the same as the value provided to beef producers and dairy producers by their veterinarians and to swine producers and swine veterinarians by animal health technical service veterinarians.

Found to be of highest importance to swine producers were honesty, accurately diagnosing problems and being trustworthy. Each of these characteristics is extremely important to more than 70% of all swine producers, the study found.

In addition, more than 65% of swine producers rated their veterinarian as “excellent” in being honest and trustworthy.

However, fewer than 45% rated their veterinarian as “excellent” in accurately diagnosing problems.