In 1981, the agricultural community in Central Pennsylvania presented an opportunity for Robert H. Hutchison, D.V.M., and Timothy P. Trayer, D.V.M., to start a total ambulatory food animal practice.  Veterinary services in the area had been clinic based in which all surgical procedures were transported to the clinic, resulting in an afternoon lost for the dairy producer or trucker.

The key foundation in the practice growth was challenging producers to implement dairy herd visits, herd health programs, and improving quality and quantity of milk produced.  With the addition of Brian K. Reed, D.V.M., in 1987 to the practice, the Ohio Veterinary College philosophy of practice was challenged by his Minnesota education.  In 1989 the third partner was added, and Hutchison & Trayer Veterinary Associates became Hutchison, Trayer, & Reed Veterinary Associates.

The demand and growth area for the practice continued to be dairy, and in 1990 Cynthia B. Foulke, D.V.M., joined the practice, followed by Stephen W. Foulke, D.V.M., Dipl ABVP, in 1994.  With Peter J. Harris, D.V.M., joining the practice in 1994, a southern influence was added.

In 1995 Dr. Hutchison retired from food animal practice, and with Dr. Stephen Foulke joining as a partner, the current professional name of Agricultural Veterinary Associates was purchased.

With a challenge to improve professionally and meet the producer’s demands, Dr. Brian Reed obtained his MBA, and Dr. Stephen Foulke obtained his Dipl ABVP.  During this period, additional professionals continued to be added.  Douglas S. Scipioni, V.M.D., joined Agricultural Veterinary Associates in June of 2001, a local graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.  In 2006 Dr. Douglas Scipioni became a partner in the practice.  Also in 2006, additional geographic diversity of education was added with the addition of Teri Coon, D.V.M., a Kansas State graduate as well as Erick C. Stoltzfus, D.V.M., a graduate from the University of Minnesota.  In January of 2010, Dr. Erick Stoltzfus became a partner.

  Our most recent addition in 2010, was Joseph S. Bender, D.V.M., M.S., who is graduate from Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.

In May of 2010, Agricultural Veterinary Associates was given the opportunity to merge it's offices in Manheim, PA and Denver, PA into a more central location, Brickerville, PA.  With access to routes like 322, 501, 72, 897, and 422, the move was key to providing superior service for our clients.

Currently the practice is expanding into embryo transfer and embryo flushing, again meeting the needs of the agricultural community.  With this expansion, additional professionals will be added to continue to provide current professional medical needs.

Thank you to the agricultural community for providing the demand and allowing Agricultural Veterinary Associates to serve you.