About us

History - Adapting to Change

Vet4Farm (originally known as “Independent Vets”) was set up by vet Mike Sheppard in 2007. Starting from a small client base the practice now services a large number of dairy, sheep & beef and lifestyle farms in the wider Southland region with the main office at 664 North Road, Invercargill

Our Team - Dedicated, experienced people

Mike Sheppard

Vet

Mike started Vet4Farm in 2007 and is our Managing Director and Veterinarian. He specialises in dairy cows and is valued by clients and workmates alike for the knowledge and expertise that he brings.

Mike studied business and resource management at Lincoln University before travelling to Massey University to study Veterinary Science. He began practicing in Southland in 2002, working in mixed animal practice. He spent 2005 working for Pfizer Animal Health as a pharmaceutical representative in Otago and Southland before returning to large animal practice in 2006.

When Mike has spare-time he enjoys football and cycling. He has a keen interest in the Tour of Southland. 

‘I am interested in farm consultancy that improves returns to the farmer.’

Raewyn King

Manager

Raewyn is a born and bred Southlander. She comes from a farming background of sheep and beef cattle. She has travelled through America and Canada but always returned to Southland. 

She has a strong interest in netball umpiring and off-road trail running. 

Raewyn has been with us since 2009 and has completed her Rural Animal Technician Certificate in 2011. She has lots of experience in office management and is our Operations Manager/Veterinary Technician.

‘I like doing things right the first time’

Alyssa Marshall

Alyssa grew up in Bluff and had her start in the dairy industry in 2013 when she was 17 years old. Throughout the years she has worked on many dairy farms around Southland as both a farm assistant and a relief milker, gaining knowledge and experience.

Alyssa has a passion for animals and in 2014 she studied Veterinary Nursing at SIT before returning to dairy farming and later having a son. In 2017 she joined Vet4Farm in a casual position providing an extra hand for on-farm jobs. One year later she was promoted to a permanent role working in the mornings Monday to Friday.

Alyssa always greets clients with a smile and enjoys finding the most efficient way to complete jobs when working on farm. 

‘I learn something new every day and I love the variety of work that we do.’

Donalda Dalgity (Dona)

Dona is from Matamata (Hobbinton). She was raised on a dairy and deer farm that also gained a few sheep, goats, and pigs over the years. She moved to Hamilton for study as a teenager and lived there for 10 years, gained her Certificate in Business Computing, got married and had two children. 

Dona moved to Southland in 2015 due to her husband’s work with Fonterra. Dona gained her National Certificate in Veterinary Nursing in 2016 and Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. 

She then worked 2 years in a small animal clinic and was awarded Vet Nurse of the year for Animates Southland in 2019. The following year Dona joined Vet4Farm working as a Veterinary Technician and part time in the office.

‘I enjoy giving things a go no matter what it is.’

Susan Sheppard

Susan originates from Christchurch and moved to Invercargill in June 2020.  At that time, she started working part-time doing administrative work for Vet4Farm, looking after our clients in the afternoons. 

She started her working career as a Commercial Teacher, worked for MAF Quarantine as a dog handler at Christchurch International Airport for nine years and owned and ran a bus charter company with 18 buses for 12 years.

Her main interests away from work is dog training.  She competes with her Australian Kelpies in Obedience and Working Dog Trials (tracking), also judging these disciplines.  This sees her travelling around the country on several weekends.

‘I enjoy working for Vet4Farm.  You meet some lovely people and there is always quite a variety of work to do.’