Nathan Back BVSc (Hons) BAgrSc
Nathan completed an Agriculture degree before spending two years working in the USA on feedlot dairies and a dairy farm in NZ before heading back to University to study Veterinary Science. After graduating he worked in dairy practice in the UK before settling in NZ. Passionate about all aspects of dairy farming he ran a calf rearing business in the UK and then started rearing dairy heifers and carrying over dairy cows in NZ. His professional interests include calf rearing, nutrition and farm economics. Nathan enjoys spending time on the mini farm while away from work. Away from cows Nathan is a huge all blacks supporter but the ozzy still cheers for the green caps in cricket.
Anna Tarver BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Dairy Medicine)
Brought up on her families pedigree Holstein herd and after studying an Animal Health degree at Harper Adams Agricultural College, Anna moved to Sydney to study her Vet degree. She then worked in mixed practice in NSW before working in England in dairy practice before the move to NZ in 2010. Professional interests include reproduction, mastitis and infectious disease, particularly BVD. She completed her Dairy Cattle membership examinations in 2013. Outside of work her two children; two dogs and menagerie of farm animals keep her busy!
Phil Stoakes BVSc MRCVS
Phil joined us in May 2016 having worked locally as a dairy vet for the last three years. He has made NZ his home after being brought up on his family farm in Oxfordshire and working in farm animal vet practice in Wiltshire, UK. Professionally he has a passion for cow lameness and surgery. Outside of work he is an adrenaline sports enthusiast and enjoys skiing and trail riding to name a few!
James Postlethwaite BVSc MRCVS
James joined us as a locum in 2017 having worked as a farm animal vet in Scotland. It didn't take him long to realise NZ had much better weather than Scotland and became a permanent member of the team! Professionally James has a interests in surgery and mastitis. James enjoys taking Vera the volvo on exciting adventures all over the south island when he's not working. He enjoying tramping, mountain bike riding and crossfit.
Melanie Palmer BVSc BSc Animal Science BSC (Hons) Animal Science
Melanie joined us at the start of 2018. She is from South Africa and undertook nine years of University education obtaining a vet degree, a science degree and an honours degree. After graduating in 2016 she spent a year working in government roles. Having decided dairy work is where her passion lay she took the big step to move to NZ with her fiancee and two dogs! Away from work Melanie enjoys spoiling her dogs and crossfit!
Nicky Williams
Nicky has been with us since we first started having a manned office. She is office manager and keeps all the team and the office organised! As well as reception duties she is kept busy with stock control and managing the work schedule!
Nicky enjoys fishing and boating and family time outside of work. Her labrador Cooper is part of the meet and greet committe! |
Anna Stratford
Anna is a veterinary technician who has developed the technician side of our business from being a casual help in Spring to becoming a permanent member of the team over the last couple of years! Anna has a passion for dairy farming having farmed in Canterbury for the last 10 years, 4 of those as a share milker. More recently she has worked for a local dairy supply store in customer services. Anna is an accredited Dairy NZ body condition scorer.
