| 71 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Energy Vets Taranaki Advocating for best practice in animal health Head Vet Technician Amy analyzing. Karen Phelps For over 30 years, Energy Vets Taranaki has been at the heart of the region’s dairy industry, serving as a trusted partner to farmers and advocating for best practice in animal health and welfare. As the dairy industry evolves, so too does the role of the veterinarian. Energy Vets Taranaki Managing Director Greg Hall says the responsibilities of modern large animal veterinarians are multifaceted as they continue to adapt to changing times. “We see our role as several-fold,” Greg says. “First and foremost, we are animal health professionals, providing essential support to farmers in maintaining the health of their herds – but it goes much further than that.” Energy Vets Taranaki also plays a crucial role as an advocate for animal welfare, ensuring that best practice is followed on farms. “Animal welfare is a huge factor; not just for ethical reasons, but also in terms of market access and the overall social license to farm,” Greg says. “As vets, we are often the only eyes regularl advocating animal health standards on farm – we know what is best practice and what isn’t.” In addition to their hands-on work, veterinarians also help uphold food safety standards. By ensuring that medications and treatments are used correctly and withholding periods are adhered to, they help to safeguard consumer health and prevent antibiotic resistance. “We make sure all the necessary paperwork is in place for farmers and that they have access to treatment and preventative health programmes,” Greg says. Reduce antibiotic usage by 22% See product labels for full claim details and directions for use. MARKS-MIN®, ECLIPSE®, EPRINEX® and MATRIX®, are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. ACVM Registration Nos. A011687, A011151, A007191, A010131. ©Copyright 2025. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health New Zealand Limited. All rights reserved. NZ-BOV-0015-2025. What you put in today will pay dividends tomorrow. futureproducers.co.nz • to page 72
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