By Lori EhdeThe staff of veterinarians at Rock Veterinary Clinic grew by one more last week — for a total of six — with the addition of Dr. Jason Johnson.Johnson and his wife, Suzie, and six-week-old Quentin moved to an acreage near Beaver Creek this spring, and his first day on the job in Luverne was Monday, June 7. "I’m enjoying the staff here, and it’s nice to be back in a community," Johnson said. "Everybody’s been so friendly."Johnson, son of Alverne and LaRay Johnson, grew up on a farm near Jasper and graduated from Pipestone-Jasper High School in Pipestone.He earned a two-year veterinary technician certification in Willmar but then went on to finish his undergraduate degree at the University of South Dakota, Brookings.Just last month he completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, St. Paul.Now, Johnson said he’s looking forward to getting his feet wet in a line of work he’s always loved."I grew up on a farm and have always had an interest in livestock and animals," he said."It’s interesting to me that you can manage the health of a herd — that you can make a difference that way."Johnson has training to work with both large and small animals, but right now, the clinic needs him to focus more on livestock.According to Dr. John Bowron, there are a few reasons for adding a sixth veterinarian to the clinic staff.Short term, the cattle market is stronger and another vet is needed to service local producers.Long term, Bowron said hiring additional vets now will better position the clinic for future retirements.The clinic is currently owned by Bowron, 58, Dr. Gordy Hamann, 61, and Dr. David Iverson, 60."We feel it’s going to take time to get new people started," Bowron said, "and we’re readying ourselves for transitions." Meanwhile, he said hiring new, younger veterinarians has strengthened the practice."We need younger people to bring in new techniques and new skills," Bowron said. "We need that energy and enthusiasm."In addition to the six veterinarians, Rock Vet Clinic employs six full-time support staff and three part-time employees."We’ve got a good crew," Bowron said. "We get along well."
