National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
NOVEMBER 2026 | Vol. 43, No. 1 | NCBA. org
KANSAS VETERINARIAN APPRECIATES HER ROLE IN HELPING FEED THE WORLD
Dr. Paige Schmidt-Rios
Paige Schmidt-Rios grew up on a commercial cowcalf operation in North Dakota, actively involved in daily ranch activities. She quickly learned that the veterinarians who came to the ranch played an instrumental role in the operation and were truly part of their team. Her love of science combined with a passion for agriculture led her to become a veterinarian herself.
After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, Paige was accepted into the Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine. With a desire to become a beef cattle veterinarian and mentors to guide her journey, Paige knew this was the place she was meant to be.
Today, Paige has her own mobile beef cattle practice in Kansas working with cow-calf producers, backgrounders and feedlots, adding a little equine work into the mix. She and her husband also buy feeder calves and are active in the cattle industry.
“ Even though raising cattle can be stressful and there is risk involved, it is something we enjoy doing together and provides a great lifestyle,” said Paige.
Paige returns frequently to her family’ s North Dakota ranch to help with bookkeeping, protocol development and treatment decisions. Her experience as a veterinarian in Kansas has changed her perspective as she sees how regional differences influence how cattle are raised. Expanding her knowledge and experience benefits her clients and makes the work even more enjoyable.
She encourages producers to seek out their own educational opportunities. Whether it is attending Cattlemen’ s College sessions during CattleCon, becoming Beef Quality Assurance
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FEED QUALITY DURING DROUGHT | PG. 8
During persistent drought, it’ s important to think about feed quality as well as quantity.
USDA MOVES TO RESCIND ROADLESS RULE | PG. 13
What do these changes mean for cattle producers?
ESAP NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED | PG. 14
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