The Vet Chat NZ

• Never Waste A Good Crisis

  On this episode of The Vet Chat NZ your host Sue Campbell, is joined by Angela McEwan to discuss how to Never Waste a Good Crisis- considering where we find ourselves with cattle parasite resistance in New Zealand. Angela openly discusses her experience and challenges of helping PAMU farms address triple drench resistance in cattle. From how we can reframe the thought process from one of fear to one of opportunity in how we can grow cattle better and faster, Ange shares her experience and her approach for why addressing drench resistance is a must. With practical considerations to take away, and discussion around how vets and other experts can help, there is something for everyone in this episode. The opportunity for improving how we grow our young stock is immense, so come and have a listen to Ange's experience with how people's attitude, monitoring and farm management practices changed over time to improve parasite resistance.

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• Modern Parasite Management with DAGI (Drench And Grazing Integration)

  In this episode of The Vet Chat NZ, Matt is joined by Ryan Luckman and Grace Boardman to discuss DAGI, the app that helps farmers manage parasite burdens and drench resistance. They explain how refugia and larval avoidance are the key to understanding the risks for every paddock and mob on the farm. Learn what possessed a dairy vet to develop an app for sheep farmers, the benefits for both farmers and vets, and how to enrol your farmers in the launch phase. Links for further information discussed in the episode are below: Webinar link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws3DHwVGyEk Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.dagi.nz Facebook: DAGI Instagram: @dagi.nz Youtube: @DAGIDrenchGrazingIntegration

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• Doctoring Dairy Efficiency: How Vets Can Drive Dairy Efficiency with Fonterra’s Mike Shallcrass

  This episode of The Vet Chat NZ features a new host, Sue Campbell, who is covering for Ellen while she is on maternity leave. Sue talks with Mike Shallcrass, Fonterra's Veterinary Programme Manager, about why efficiency is so critical for New Zealand's dairy industry. From improving reproductive performance and reducing disease, to harnessing accurate data and improving genetic merit, Mike shares practical ways vets can help farmers to improve efficiency and concurrently reduce emissions. Learn how market demands, greenhouse gas targets, and the “co-operative difference” are shaping the future of dairy — and why vets are perfectly placed to lead the change on farm. Packed with actionable insights, this is a must-listen for veterinary professionals wanting to stay ahead in an evolving industry.

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• From Paddocks to Pets: Veterinary Insights for Lifestyle Block Success

  In this episode, host Ellen Eyre is joined by Dr. Laura Schwerdtfeger, veterinarian and founder of The Lifestyle Vet, to explore the rising phenomenon of lifestyle blocks across New Zealand and the unique challenges and opportunities they present for veterinary professionals. The conversation dives into the shift in owner expectations, where animals on lifestyle blocks are increasingly treated as pets, leading to a demand for more personalised and higher-quality veterinary care. Dr. Schwerdtfeger shares practical insights for veterinarians heading out to lifestyle block calls—from what to pack in the truck to how to manage safety and communication on varied properties. The episode also covers essential clinical considerations, parasite resistance, the importance of biosecurity, and the increasing need for emergency preparedness in light of climate events. Whether you're new to lifestyle block medicine or looking to refine your approach, this discussion offers grounded, actionable tips to build confidence and improve care in this growing sector.

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• Where Have All the Ewes Gone? Unpacking Culling & Mortality in NZ Flocks

  In this episode, host Ellen Eyre sits down with Dr Anne Ridler (Massey University) to explore her recently published study of ewe culling and mortality across 34 commercial sheep flocks in New Zealand. During this chat, Anne highlights the various reasons why, on average, nearly 11 percent of ewes put to the ram never make it to docking—and why another 4 percent present wet-dry. Possibly one of the most eye‑opening observations is the variation between farms, indicating that flock-specific insights and interventions are required in order to reduce ewe culling and mortality.  Drawing on first‑hand interviews with farmers and on‑farm culling observations, Anne shares practical advice on culling and who should be making these decisions. You’ll learn why consistent body condition scoring (even by eye after shearing), drafting light ewes early and focusing on nutrition can reduce mortality and improve your flock's efficiency. Whether you’re a vet passionate about productivity or a sheep farmer keen to lift efficiency, this episode gives you the tools to answer one big question: where do all the ewes go? Udder palpation video mentioned during the episode: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/video/examining-ewes-udders-identify-possible-problems

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