New Vet at Animal Health Center

Visitors to Animal Health Center in Redfield and Faulkton will more than likely have the opportunity to meet the newest staff member, Veterinarian Derek Petersen (pictured right).

Petersen, who is originally from Ipswich, graduated high school in 2004 and went on to attend school in Brookings There he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 2008. He then went on to Iowa State where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the Spring of 2012. While in school he completed Preceptorship training in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. His interest in larger animals led him to Feedlots in Texas and Kansas while in Missouri he worked doing calving.

His love of the family farm played a large role in his career choice. “I just kind of picked this career,” said Petersen, “It was something that I could do that would allow me to stay on the farm.”

This is not the first time Petersen has been in the Redfield and Faulkton area either. During the last three summers, Petersen worked closely with Dr. Bill Baus and the staff at Animal Health Center and the working relationship seems comfortable, which is evident in the amount of good natured ribbing that took place during the interview. In fact, Petersen’s grandfather was one of Dr. Baus’ father’s favorite clients when he practiced in Ipswich.

Petersen will be working office hours in Redfield on Fridays and will spend the other four days of the week at the clinic in Faulkton.

In his spare time, Petersen will be back on the family farm where they grow soybeans, corn and wheat and have 100 head of cattle. His parents, Monte and Monica have 4 children. Himself, an older brother Jason who is a Civil Engineer in Mobridge, Riley who farms with the family and a younger sister Lynae who is a senior at Lake Area Tech.