The Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) has named Dr. Harold Newcomb of Batesville as the recipient of the 2025 Veterinarian of the Year Award. The prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine, education, and the cattle industry.

Dr. Newcomb, a longtime advocate for animal health and veterinary education, earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Mississippi State University after completing his undergraduate studies at Northwest Community College in Senatobia. 

In 1985, he and his wife, Dr. Lisa Sharp Newcomb, established a mixed animal practice in Batesville, where he provided veterinary care for 18 years. He also taught Immunology and Pharmacology in the Veterinary Technician program at Northwest Community College, helping shape future veterinary professionals.

In 2003, Dr. Newcomb joined Merck Animal Health as a Senior Technical Services Veterinarian in the Beef Cattle Division, where he continues to work closely with producers, veterinarians, and researchers in areas such as animal welfare, cattle management, parasitology, and vaccine development. He has been involved in numerous field studies and plays a key role in technical training and industry education.

A recognized expert in the field, Dr. Newcomb has presented at veterinary and cattle industry conferences nationwide, including the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association and the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

He has also been featured on RFD-TV’s “Cattleman to Cattleman” and “Doc Talk” and has co-authored articles in Beef Magazine and Drover’s Magazine.

Dr. Newcomb is an active member of multiple professional organizations, including the MVMA, AVMA, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, and the Academy of Veterinary Consultants. He has served as President of the Panola County Cattlemen’s Association and held leadership positions in the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association and Mississippi State University Alumni Board.

Beyond his professional career, Dr. Newcomb enjoys raising cattle, gardening, and following Mississippi State sports. He and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters, Anna McLemore and Jennifer Wilson, and a granddaughter, Louise.

The MVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award celebrates Dr. Newcomb’s lifelong dedication to animal health, veterinary education, and agriculture. The association will officially present the award at its annual conference in Jackson, Mississippi.