| 57 Directly accountable to the farmers Karen Phelps Clutha Vets Animal Health Centre has roots stretching back more than a century making it an integral and vital part of the local farming community. Established in 1908 it has evolved from a single farmer-employed veterinarian to an Incorporated Society, governed by a farmer member board, multi-vet practice that provides round-the-clock care for all animals. “Our history is deeply intertwined with the agricultural development of the Clutha District,” explains Annie Jackson, a veterinarian at the practice. “Being co-operatively owned means we’re directly accountable to the farmers and community members we serve, which has helped us maintain our focus on what matters most to them.” The practice operates from its main facility in Balclutha, with additional clinics in Milton and Lawrence, as well as supply depots throughout the district in Owaka, Momona, Clinton and Lee Stream. “Accessibility and convenience is important when you’re providing emergency veterinary services,” says Bevan Topham, another member of the veterinary team. “Farmers can’t always bring their animals to us, so we’ve developed a network that ensures we can reach them quickly, no matter where they’re located in the district.” He says that Clutha Vets’ work is more than just treating sick animals. It has positioned itself as an agricultural partner, offering specialised advice on farm productivity, animal health planning and disease prevention. Its team provides services ranging from dairy cattle pregnancy testing, dairy RURAL SERVICES » Clutha Vets Animal Health nutrition advice, mastitis prevention to sheep flock fertility analysis, worm / drench advice and covering all species. Hamish Moore, a veterinarian specialising in production animals, says that the practice has embraced technological advancements. “We’ve invested significantly in our facilities and equipment,” says Hamish. “Our surgical suite in Balclutha was recently upgraded to one of the highest standards in New Zealand, featuring digital x-ray capabilities, ultrasound facilities. Looking after our working dogs for our farming communities is a top priority and having the facilities and veterinarians to be able to do small animal orthopaedics has been an important aspect of this care.” The retail division represents another significant aspect of its operations. With a large outlet and bulk store in Balclutha, complemented by facilities in Milton, Lawrence and Clydevale, it stocks extensive inventories of animal health products. “Having the right medications and supplies immediately available can make all the difference in emergency situations,” explains Annie. “Our own delivery trucks ensure farmers receive what they need promptly, which is crucial during calving or lambing seasons when time is of the essence. Our aim is to sell the right products with the right advice and at the right price. Doing what is best for the individual farm is important, especially in the era of worm drench resistance and how to make sustainable decisions for best practice for each farm.” Attracting excellent vets to work in Clutha Vets can also be attributed to its very supportive farming and local community, which is encouraging to younger vets who are beginning their veterinary career, says Annie. Clutha Vets employs two new graduate vets from Massey University each year and has a supportive development programme that allows them to practice all their veterinary skills in all species, before deciding on areas of special interest. Supporting the local community in any way it can is important to Clutha Vets, says Hamish. It participates in field days, discussion groups, agricultural shows, farm training days and school visits. The practice also supports the Telford rural polytechnic as well as providing work opportunities for school leavers, trainees and students. Clutha Vets is very generous with sponsorship opportunities in the local community. After more than 115 years of service, Bevan says that Clutha Vets is a good example of the importance of vets to rural communities as essential partners. “While the tools and techniques have changed dramatically since 1908, our fundamental purpose remains the same,” he says. “We’re here to support the rural community with the best possible animal health care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” New Zealand THE QUIET ACHIEVER THE DEF I N I T I VE MEAT, MI LK AND MUSCLE POWER FIND A RED DEVON BREEDER NEAR YOU, VISIT www.reddevoncattle.co.nz Try a DOCILE RED DEVON BULL once and never look back. Better beef - fewer calving problems! • Bred for ease of calving • Suitable for heifer or cow mating • Placid in the cowshed and yards • Docile calves with solid colours • Early maturing quality beef • Renowned hardiness and longevity • Poll genetics now available Clutha Vets is a co-operatively owned vet practice (vet club) and can trace its rst farmer employed vet back to 1908. You will see our vets at eld days and discussion groups, shows and competitions, farm training days, school visits and careers days, supporting Telford and the Clutha Agricultural Development Board, providing work opportunities for school leavers, trainees and students and sponsor dozens of community ventures each year. Dairy • Sheep Beef & Deer • Goats, Camelids & Pigs Equine • Small Animal Services • Puppy Obedience Classes 24 Emergency: 03 418 1280 | www.cluthavets.co.nz 2Wilson Road Balclutha, 9230, Otago, New Zealand Clutha Vets’ work is more than just treating sick animals.
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