DARLINGTON — Last Friday, William “BJ” Jones, a large animal vet who co-owns Center Hill Veterinary Clinic in Darlington, started his morning at 7 a.m. to drive nearly an hour southeast to a farm and transfer 20 embryos into cattle.
William “BJ” Jones, owner of Center Hill Veterinary clinic in Darlington, pictured at his family’s cattle farm, is thinking about retirement. But he’s struggling to find someone to take over.
Livestock at the Wildcat Cattle Co. graze in a field in Darlington. In 2025, the USDA declared 243 rural veterinary shortage areas across 46 states, the highest number ever.
William "BJ" Jones, owner of Center Hill Veterinary clinic in Darlington, listens with a stethoscope to the heart, lungs and stomach of a cow on his family's cattle farm.
Large animal veterinarian William “BJ” Jones and his son, Brady, converse inside a cattle barn on the family’s property in Darlington, pictured at his family’s cattle farm Friday. Jones’ clinic has four veterinarians: one who works with small animals and three who work with large animals.
William "BJ" Jones, owner of Center Hill Veterinary clinic in Darlington, listens with a stethoscope to the heart, lungs and stomach of a cow on his family's cattle farm.
Livestock at the Wildcat Cattle Co. graze in a field in Darlington. In 2025, the USDA declared 243 rural veterinary shortage areas across 46 states, the highest number ever.
William “BJ” Jones, owner of Center Hill Veterinary clinic in Darlington, pictured at his family’s cattle farm, is thinking about retirement. But he’s struggling to find someone to take over.
Large animal veterinarian William “BJ” Jones and his son, Brady, converse inside a cattle barn on the family’s property in Darlington, pictured at his family’s cattle farm Friday. Jones’ clinic has four veterinarians: one who works with small animals and three who work with large animals.
