Finding family-friendly television shows that reflect our values can be hard to find. And when I do find a good program that we can watch with our ranch kids, I get excited about it!

National Geographic continues to impress me with some of the network’s big hits. You’ve more than likely heard of “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” a show that follows veterinarian, Dr. Jan Pol, as he works in his veterinary clinic in Michigan.

In previous episodes, viewers can watch as Dr. Pol pulls baby calves, rounds up sheep, does surgery on dogs and cats and cares for exotic animals like camels.

The show provides an up close and personal look at animal husbandry and health interactions between people and animals.

Learn more about the show and watch clips of Dr. Pol at work by clicking here.

In 2020, National Geographic has announced two new shows that celebrate life in rural America and the field of veterinary medicine.

“Heartland Docs, DVM” premiered Jan. 25 and features a husband and wife veterinary team, Drs. Ben and Erin Schroeder. Viewers get to see the Schroeders at work as they practice in Hartington, Neb. at their clinic, Cedar County Veterinary Services.

The show also follows the Schroeders, who have been dubbed the “next Chip and Joanna Gaines” of Fixer Upper fame, as they rebuild and restore buildings in their community following the floods of 2019.

Related:Are you a vet? Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do

Learn more about Heartland Docs, DVM by clicking here.

Meanwhile, a second show titled, “Critter Fixers: Country Vets,” stars Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson, who own Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, Ga. With 20,000 patients annually, Hodges and Ferguson take on unique cases while also volunteering in their communities. The show is slated to premiere March 7.

Janet Van Vissering, National Geographic WILD senior vice president of development and production, says, “Nat Geo WILD is proud to be the leading network for entertaining veterinarian content. These two shows transport viewers to rural environments across the country to underscore the expansive range of animal care from the Deep South to Midwest.

"With these two new series, we’re hoping to immerse viewers within the daily lives of two dedicated duos — each who are grassroots champions for the diverse animals within their region and the communities where they live and work.

"The addition of these highly experienced, authentic and inspiring credentialed doctors combined with their unique narratives are sure to evoke the deeply emotional human-animal connections our viewers expect from National Geographic WILD — and at the same time remain wildly entertaining.”

Related:Antibiotic stewardship: A veterinarian’s perspective

Check out the details of Critter Fixers: Country Vets by clicking here.

I’m pleased to see more shows that highlight rural America, animal agriculture and who we are in production agriculture. Having a daughter who dreams of becoming a veterinarian one day, I’m excited that National Geographic is offering more shows for her to learn from!

Check out these new shows and let me know what you think!

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Farm Progress.