What’s next for animal health in 2026—and what did the world’s largest veterinary conference reveal that the industry can’t afford to ignore? Insiders Julie Lawless, Dr. Beatrice Vos, and Joseph Harvey break down the biggest takeaways from VMX 2026, revisit defining 2025 industry highlights, and share bold predictions on what’s ahead in 2026. Discussion points include everything from growth, competition, and regulatory shifts to M&A, IPOs, and regenerative medicine. #AnimalHealth #Veterinary #VMX2026 

About Animal Health Insider  Animal Health Insider takes you behind the scenes of the Animal Health industry. Each episode starts with conversation from the “Insiders”, followed by in-depth conversations with the leaders and disruptors shaping what’s next. 

If you work in #AnimalHealth, #Veterinary, #Biotech, #Agtech, #Sustainability, #Investment, or #PublicPolicy, subscribe for a sharper context and real insight from the people on the inside of the industry.  🌐 Learn more at https://www.lawlesscomms.com/podcast/  

LawlessComms  Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help!  🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/

LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless

Stonehaven Transactions  With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.  🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201/

S&P Global Animal Health  Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.   🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/products-solutions/agriculture-food/animal-health  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916/ 

In this episode of Animal Health Insider, host Julie Lawless sits down with one of the true pioneers of the animal health industry: Dr. Linda Rhodes—veterinarian, scientist, entrepreneur, board director, nonprofit founder, and Hall of Famer.

Linda’s story begins far from the boardroom. As one of the only female large-animal veterinarians practicing in rural Utah in the late 1970s, she faced skepticism and cultural bias every time she stepped into a barn. In a profession that questioned whether women belonged, Linda learned early what it meant to lead with grit, resilience, and quiet confidence—often proving herself for those who would follow.

That foundation shaped a career spanning the founding of the first large full-service veterinary CRO in the U.S., serving as CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Aratana Therapeutics, bringing innovations to market, and sitting on influential industry boards.

In this candid conversation, we discuss:

➡️Pivotal moments in Linda’s career—from a terrifying first C-section to navigating leadership transitions from practitioner to entrepreneur to executive

🧠Vulnerability, imposter syndrome, and the personal trade-offs of being a pioneer

🏆The creation of Feather in Her Cap, the nonprofit Linda founded to elevate and recognize women whose achievements had long gone overlooked—now known as the “Oscars of Animal Health.”

📖The release of Linda’s memoir, Breaking the Barnyard Barrier, and why honest storytelling still matters

What Linda hopes the next generation will carry forward

Prior to Julie’s interview with Linda, she also gets the inside scoop from two animal health industry insiders --Dr. Beatrice Vos of Stonehaven Transactions and Joseph Harvey of S&P Global Animal Health.

Guest Info: Dr. Linda Rhodes

🌐 https://lindarhodes.com/bio/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-rhodes-096349/

Order Her Book Here: https://lindarhodes.com/books/breaking-the-barnyard-barrier/

LawlessComms

Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help!

🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless

Stonehaven Transactions

With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.

🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201/ 

S&P Global Animal Health

Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.

🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/products-solutions/agriculture-food/animal-health

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916/ 

About Animal Health Insider

Animal Health Insider takes you behind the scenes of the Animal Health industry. Each episode starts with conversation from the “Insiders”, followed by in-depth conversations with the leaders and disruptors shaping what’s next.

If you work in #AnimalHealth, #Veterinary, #Biotech, #Agtech, #Sustainability, #Investment, or #PublicPolicy, subscribe for a sharper context and real insight from the people on the inside of the industry.

🌐 Learn more at https://www.lawlesscomms.com/podcast/

This episode is a must-listen if you work in the Animal Health industry…

In the premiere episode of Animal Health Insider, host Julie Lawless kicks things off with the Insiders – Dr. Beatrice Vos of Stonehaven Transactions and Joseph Harvey of S&P Global Animal Health – introducing the industry’s newest podcast and unpacking the biggest shifts shaping the animal health industry right now.

Then, Julie sits down one-on-one with Aaron Schacht, CEO of BiomEdit, for a fun and insightful conversation about innovation, leadership and the future of Animal Health.

Who's Aaron Schacht & BiomEdit?

Aaron Schacht is one of the most experienced and respected leaders in the animal health industry and BiomEdit is using the power of the microbiome and synthetic biology to develop next-generation solutions for livestock and pets.

Before BiomEdit, Aaron helped shape strategy at Elanco Animal Health, where he oversaw more than $8.5 billion in M&A transactions, development and launch of the company’s innovation and has supported the launch of multiple venture-backed companies. He started his career at the most valuable human pharma company in the world – Eli Lilly & Co.

In this episode, we discuss:

🔍 What’s really driving change in the global animal health industry

🧬 Why microbiome science matters now more than ever

🧪 How synthetic biology is unlocking new solutions for animal and human health

🐔 What BiomEdit is building, including BE-101 and methane reduction initiatives

📈 Where animal health innovation, investment, and regulation are headed

Guest Info: Aaron Schacht, CEO, BiomEdit

BiomEdit: https://biomedit.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronlschacht/

Julie Lawless & LawlessComms:

Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help: https://www.lawlesscomms.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless

Dr. Beatrice Vos & Stonehaven Transactions:

With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.

Stonehaven Transactions: https://sc.group/transactions/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201/

Joseph Harvey & S&P Global Animal Health:

Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.

S&P: https://www.spglobal.com/energy/en/products-solutions/agriculture-food/animal-health

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916/

About Animal Health Insider

Animal Health Insider takes you behind the scenes of the Animal Health industry. Each episode starts with conversation from the “Insiders”, followed by in-depth conversations with the leaders and disruptors shaping what’s next.

If you work in #AnimalHealth, #Veterinary, #Biotech, #Agtech, #Sustainability, #Investment, or #PublicPolicy, subscribe for sharper context and real insight from the people on the inside of the industry.

🔔 Don’t Miss Future Episodes Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell to get notified when new episodes drop!

What does new leadership at a top 10 animal health company signal for the future of the industry?  In this exclusive interview, Virbac’s new CEO Paul Martingell joins Animal Health Insider for his first in-depth industry conversation since stepping into the role.  Paul shares his early impressions of animal health, what he learned from leading through transformation, and how those experiences are helping to guide Virbac’s next chapter. From R&D investment and long-term growth strategy to innovation, manufacturing, and culture, this conversation explores what it takes to compete and win in today’s evolving animal health landscape.  We also discuss:  📈 Virbac’s growth ambitions and 2030 profitability targets  💰 Investing through uncertainty and why R&D matters now more than ever  🐾 Breakthrough innovation  🐄 Underutilized opportunities in livestock  🌍 Sustainability, One Health, and where the industry is headed next  If you are watching leadership transitions closely, thinking about capital allocation, or evaluating where animal health innovation is going, this is one you will not want to miss.  #AnimalHealth #Veterinary #Virbac #Biotech #Leadership

About Animal Health Insider  Animal Health Insider takes you behind the scenes of the Animal Health industry. Each episode starts with conversation from the “Insiders,” followed by in-depth conversations with the leaders and disruptors shaping what’s next. 

If you work in #AnimalHealth, #Veterinary, #Biotech, #Agtech, #Sustainability, #Investment, or #PublicPolicy, subscribe for sharper context and real insight from the people on the inside of the industry.  🌐 Learn more at https://www.lawlesscomms.com/podcast/ 

LawlessComms  Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help.  🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless 

Stonehaven Transactions  With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.  🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201 

S&P Global Animal Health  Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.  🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/industries/agriculture/animal-health  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916

AHNTI-EU 2026 Recap: Innovation, Deals & What’s Next 

What were the biggest takeaways from AHNTI-EU 2026 in London? In this special episode of Animal Health Insider, the Insiders – Julie Lawless, Dr. Beatrice Vos and Joseph Harvey – recap one of the industry’s biggest and most important conferences. 

From renewed optimism and rising deal activity to breakthrough startups and the growing influence of AI, the conversation highlights the innovations and partnerships taking place during the conference. The team also reflects on standout moments from the conference and what they could mean for animal health in 2026 and beyond. 

#AnimalHealth #Innovation #AHNTI 

About Animal Health Insider  🎧 Animal Health Insider brings you behind the scenes of the animal health industry with insights from the leaders, innovators, and dealmakers shaping what’s next. Subscribe today!  🌐 Learn more: https://www.lawlesscomms.com/podcast/ 

LawlessComms  Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help.  🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless 

Stonehaven Transactions  With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides life science companies and investors through buy-side and sell-side transactions, licensing deals, and commercial collaborations.  🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201 

S&P Global Animal Health  Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.  🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916

Laurie Hueneke Martens, Associate VP of Public Policy & Government Relations at Merck Animal Health, joins the podcast to discuss how trade, tariffs and science-based policy are shaping the future of animal health. Laurie shares why government relations matters more than ever, how global policy decisions affect producers and veterinarians, and why vaccine hesitancy is becoming an emerging issue in both livestock and companion animal health. #AnimalHealth #Veterinary #PublicPolicy 

About Animal Health Insider  

Hosted by Julie Lawless of Lawless Communications, Animal Health Insider takes you behind the scenes of the Animal Health industry. Each episode starts with a conversation with industry insiders Dr. Beatrice Vos of Stonehaven Transactions and Joseph Harvey of S&P Global Animal Health followed by in-depth interviews with the leaders and disruptors shaping what’s next.  

▶️ Watch or 🎧 listen anywhere you listen to podcasts. 

About LawlessComms  

Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help.  

🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless   

About Stonehaven Transactions  

With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.  

🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201  

About S&P Global Animal Health  

Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.  

🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-insights/en/industries/agriculture/animal-health   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916 

Recorded live at AHNTI-EU 2026 in London, this episode of Animal Health Insider features Rob Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Merck Animal Health. In this wide-ranging conversation, Rob shares his perspective on leading at global scale, why livestock and aquaculture may be bigger growth opportunities than many realize, and how technology is transforming Animal Health. 

From vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to data, wearables, and connected solutions, Rob offers a sharp look at where innovation is headed next. He also talks about people-first leadership, gives his take on what the next generation should focus on, and the personal discipline that keeps him performing at a high level. 

If you want insight from one of the industry’s most experienced global leaders at one of the largest Animal Health companies, tune in with us! #AnimalHealth #Innovation #Livestock #Technology 

About Animal Health Insider    🎧 Animal Health Insider brings you behind the scenes of the animal health industry with insights from the leaders, innovators, and dealmakers shaping what’s next. Subscribe today!  Learn more. 

About LawlessComms 

Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help.   

🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/   

LinkedIn: JulieLawless 

About Stonehaven Transactions   

With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.   

🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/   

LinkedIn: DrBeatriceVos  

About S&P Global Animal Health   

Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.   

🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/commodity-in...   

LinkedIn: JoeHarvey  

Recorded live from AHNTI-EU 2026 in London, this episode of Animal Health Insider features Carel du Marchie Sarvaas, Executive Director of HealthforAnimals, in conversation with Julie Lawless. Together, they dig into the biggest issues shaping Animal Health today, from disease pressure and regulatory hurdles to One Health, innovation, diagnostics and the fight to better communicate the industry’s value to the world. #AnimalHealth #OneHealth #VeterinaryMedicine 

About HealthforAnimals  HealthforAnimals is the voice of the animal health industry and an advocate for the fundamental role of healthy animals in improving global wellbeing, sustainability and prosperity. 

🌐 Learn more: https://healthforanimals.org/ 

About Animal Health Insider   🎧 Animal Health Insider brings you behind the scenes of the animal health industry with insights from the leaders, innovators, and dealmakers shaping what’s next. Subscribe today!   🌐 Learn more: https://www.lawlesscomms.com/podcast/ 

LawlessComms   Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health? We’re here to help.   🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielawless  

Stonehaven Transactions   With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides life science companies and investors through buy-side and sell-side transactions, licensing deals, and commercial collaborations.   🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-beatrice-vos-4184201  

S&P Global Animal Health   Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.   🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-harvey-08109916  

In this episode, host Julie Lawless and industry insider Dr. Beatrice Vos speak with Dr. Natalie Marks, a nationally recognized veterinarian, board member, chief veterinary officer, strategic advisor and CEO of VANE, the Veterinary Angel Network of Entrepreneurs. In this episode, Natalie shares how VANE is helping early-stage animal health companies access smart capital, strategic guidance and a growing network of veterinarians, executives, investors and industry experts. 

She also discusses what VANE looks for in founders, where she sees momentum across the Animal Health investment landscape, and why stronger collaboration can help bring meaningful innovation to veterinarians, pet parents, producers and animals faster. #AnimalHealth #Veterinary #Pets #Innovation #Investment #StartUps  

 And as always, our Insiders (Dr. Beatrice Vos, Joseph Harvey and Julie Lawless) give you their hot takes – this time on investing and investment in Animal Health.   

About Animal Health Insider     🎧 Animal Health Insider brings you behind the scenes of the animal health industry with insights from the leaders, innovators, and dealmakers shaping what’s next. Subscribe today!  Learn more.      ▶ Watch or listen: 

• LawlessComms 

• YouTube 

• Apple Podcasts 

• Apple Podcasts Video 

• Spotify 

• Amazon Music 

• iHeartRadio 

• PlayerFM 

About LawlessComms 

Ready to build industry influence and engage employees through strategic communications made for Animal Health and Nutrition? We’re here to help.  

🌐 https://www.lawlesscomms.com/ 

LinkedIn: JulieLawless 

About Stonehaven Transactions 

With decades of commercial and legal experience in M&A and other transactions in the animal health sector, Stonehaven Transactions guides small and large life science companies and investors through buy-side or sell-side transactions, license deals and commercial collaborations, ensuring value maximization, a seamless process, optimized synergies, and long-term growth.    

🌐 https://sc.group/transactions/ 

LinkedIn: DrBeatriceVos 

  S&P Global Animal Health  Beyond the headlines, S&P Global Animal Health provides expert insights for your animal health business.    🌐 https://www.spglobal.com/    LinkedIn: Joseph Harvey