Dan Goehl: A Lifetime Dedicated to Veterinary Medicine and Missouri Agriculture
By: Gentrie Davis
Dr. Dan Goehl has spent his life serving the people, livestock and communities of Agri-Ready Designated Lewis County. Dan has made a lasting impact on northeast Missouri agriculture through his dedication to producers, animal care, and the next generation of rural communities.
Growing Up in The Farm Crisis
Growing up on a family farm in northeast Missouri during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Dan witnessed both the challenges and resilience that define Missouri agriculture. That experience influenced his decision to pursue veterinary medicine while remaining connected to the livestock industry he loves.
“I wanted to stay involved in agriculture in a financially stable way,” Dan says.
After graduating from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1998, Dan returned home to Lewis County to start Canton Veterinary Clinic and his own cattle operation alongside his wife, Dr. Rachel Goehl.
Bringing Veterinary Medicine Home
Today, they own Canton Veterinary Clinic with practices in Canton and Palmyra, serving producers across northeast Missouri, southeast Iowa, and western Illinois. What began as a small practice with one veterinarian and a secretary has grown into a multi-location business with eight veterinarians providing care for beef cattle the heart of the business. The practice also serves equine, small animals and other livestock.
Adapting to an Evolving Industry
Dan has witnessed significant changes within the cattle industry in his 30 year career. Herd sizes have expanded, technology has advanced, and producers now rely on more data-driven management systems than ever before.
“When I started, our biggest producer had about 180 cows,” Dan shares. “Now we have producers with 1,000 cows and many more with 400 or 500 head.”
The veterinary profession has evolved with agriculture. Dan says the role of veterinarians today extends far beyond chute-side work and emergency calls. Producers increasingly depend on veterinarians for nutrition guidance, herd health planning, data analysis, and management strategies that improve efficiency and profitability.
Raising a Family on The Farm
Family plays a large role in every aspect of the Goehl’s business. Rachel also works as a veterinarian and their children have grown up around the family’s cattle farm.
Their daughter, Ellie, currently studies agricultural education at Truman State University and is a summer Ag Education on The Move™ Educator. Ellie manages cattle records and assists with daily farm operations. Their son recently graduated from Truman State University and helps
when time allows. For Dan, agriculture has provided an opportunity to intertwine career and family life.
“Our kids grew up in the truck and around producers,” he says. “Those experiences and memories are something you can’t replace.”
Raising The Bar
Dan served as president of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants and was named Consultant of the Year in 2016. He also received the 2016 Excellence in Preventive Medicine Award from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners. He was recognized by the Missouri Department of Agriculture as Missouri’s State Veterinarian Practitioner of the Year. Despite the honors, Dan remains focused on what matters most, helping producers succeed.
“When we can help solve problems and see producers succeed, that’s the part I enjoy the most,” Dan says.
Through his veterinary leadership, cattle business, and commitment to family, Dan continues to embody the values that strengthen rural Missouri. From late-night calving calls to raising a family in the cab of a farm truck, Dan’s life is a reflection of the grit, sacrifice and deep-rooted commitment that keeps Missouri agriculture moving forward.
Dan is a member of the National Cattleman’s Association and Missouri Cattleman’s Association. Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
Agriculture, agri-food, forestry and related industries in Agri-Ready Designated Lewis County contribute more than $84 million in value-added products and generate nearly $275.0 million in total economic output for Lewis County. Agriculture supports more than 1,600 jobs across Lewis County while contributing $62.2 million in household income to local families and communities.