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 regularly 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.
Another critical function of veterinarians is serving as gatekeepers against exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease or M. bovis. “We’re on the frontline of biosecurity,” Greg says. “If there’s an incursion, we’re often the first to identify and respond.”
Beyond their clinical and regulatory roles, Energy Vets Taranaki also prioritises education. Greg believes that re-educating farmers on evolving industry standards is a key part of the job. “We must be seen to be leading by example,” he says. “For instance, with lame cows, we shouldn’t just tell farmers they must use pain relief and proper treatment methods, but show them how to do it effectively. By demonstrating best practices, we encourage farmers to adopt them.”
“The division of labour enhances efficiency while ensuring that animal health remains a priority.”
Like the dairy industry, the veterinary profession itself has undergone significant changes over the years. Traditionally, a farmer would work closely with a single veterinarian who was responsible for their area. However, the modern workforce structure often involves multiple part-time employees, making it more challenging to maintain one-on-one relationships. “Farmers may see different vets over time, which means they are exposed to different ideas and perspectives,” Greg says. “It’s something they’ve had to adapt to as well.”
The emergence of veterinary technicians has also reshaped the landscape. These trained professionals may handle routine tasks that vets once performed, allowing veterinarians to focus on more complex cases. “Technicians are well-trained to recognise issues and bring them to the vet’s attention,” Greg says.
“The division of labour enhances efficiency while ensuring that animal health remains a priority.” He says standard operating procedures now dictate how certain tasks, for example, teat sealing, must be performed to ensure consistency and health and safety. “It’s about making sure everything is done right, every time.”
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