Dr. Charlie Durbin is committed to 4-H, agriculture and mentoring the next generation. He has been named a 2023 Illinois 4-H Alumni Award winner.
Growing up in Fayette County, Charlie Durbin was a 9 year 4-H member of the Elmonian 4-H Club. He showed Angus cattle and participated in 4-H general projects, including the 4-H Veterinary Science program, which sparked his future career path and gained him national recognition for state honors in the National 4-H Veterinary Science program and he had the opportunity to attend 4-H Club Congress.
Dr. Durbin attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale to earn his bachelor’s in animal science and attended the University of Illinois Veterinary School earning his D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine. His roots in 4-H and agriculture, led him to build his veterinary practice, Durbin Vet Clinic, in the rural community of St. Peter, IL in 1984. He has grown a successful veterinary practice with a staff of 16. He introduced the use of ultrasound to the area in the 1990’s and digital Xray technology in the 2000’s. He has made a lifelong commitment to serving the community with his veterinary expertise, mentoring new veterinarians, and providing services to support the 4-H youth development program including free livestock health certificates to show at the local fair.
Charlie has served many 4-H families and their family farms for over 40 years as the county fair veterinarian in Fayette, Marion and Clay counties. He demonstrates the compassion and care for livestock. Outside of his veterinary practice, Charlie farms 250 acres and has a beef cow herd with 50 brood cows. He served on the Fayette County Fair Board, where he served as a Dairy Superintendent and on the St. Elmo School Board as well as volunteers with the local FFA program.
Mr. Jon Van Dyke stated, “He has built his legacy on serving and helping others. He is an outstanding role model and has truly lead by example.”
Congratulations to Dr. Charlie Durbin.