64 | Vet practice a perfect fit for Marlborough Marlborough Farm Vets prides itself on its farm services. Rosa Watson With its expertise in a broad range of farming practices, Marlborough Farm Vets is uniquely placed in the region to increase productivity and growth in the sector. The Renwick-based practice is farm specific, providing products and services to anyone with beef, dairy, sheep, deer, horses, and lifestyle blocks. Its services also extend to pigs, alpacas and many other animals. It provides practical, hands-on support for farmers across Marlborough, delivering veterinary expertise and advice that works in the paddock. Its range of services, that includes animal health planning and animal health products, are designed to improve animal health, lift productivity, and make day-to-day farm management easier. While the majority of veterinary practices in NZ are typically mixed with pet and farm veterinarians, director Heath Dickson says Marlborough Farm Vets prides itself on its farm services. “And that is what we solely focus on,” he tells Rural South. “We are the only locally owned farm vet business in Marlborough, and we want our goal to have healthier animals, stronger farms, and a be a part of a community that grows together.” He says the team of three members – farm veterinarian Trish Lipyeat, farm services manager Maree Jones, and Heath himself as business director - has extensive experience and knowledge within the region and understand the challenges old and new that local farms are facing. Trish’s knowledge and practical approach is second to none, Heath says. She brings more than 34 years of experience to her work, with more than half of that time in Marlborough. Maree is a qualified vet nurse and has a passion for the farming community. For a number of years, she ran a successful dairy farm with her husband Bundy, and has an intimate understanding of how agricultural business. Heath himself grew up on a sheep, beef, and deer farm in Marlborough and has been in the industry for around eight years. “My passion is with products that help build and sustain an animal’s health so that it can thrive RURAL SERVICES » Marlborough Farm Vets without the need of chemical interventions such as drenching.” Currently for the region, drench resistance is one of the biggest issues it is going to face in the next three to five years, he says. “It isn’t something to be afraid of, but awareness is key. This will likely affect operations and there will need to be changes as there are no new drugs coming to the market in the shortmedium term.” He says exchanging knowledge and experiences within the industry is how we are going to continue to grow and build farm longevity. “Knowledge is power.” An area of focus is to reduce antibiotic usage by focusing on disease prevention and improving animal health. “This is something that we at Marlborough Farm Vets are on board with as we see so much value in maximizing animal health. A ready to use product containing key vitamins and minerals suitable for pre-tup, scanning, pre-lamb or in times of stress. Healthy Ewe Liquid (Original) Contains Vitamin A, C, D, E, Selenium, Iodine, Cobalt, and Zinc. Dose Rate 5ml/75kg Ewe Available in 5L, 10L, and 15L Vetpak Ltd | A. PO Box 296, 269 Bruce Berquist Drive, Te Awamutu, New Zealand | P. (07) 870 2024 www.vetpak.co.nz “Antibiotics may have a place for treating infections where necessary, but production is so much greater from healthy, vaccinated, well fed animals.” Heath sees a bright future ahead for the Marlborough region with farmers in the area being smart, hardworking and adaptable. “They are keen to team up with their animal health professionals to help them overcome any hurdles that come their way.”
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