Our story
The Cow Vets was established in a Cambridge garage in 1998 by husband and wife team, Chris & Kim Jolley, who understood the advantages that a small owner operated business could have on the ability to build relationships with farming clients. Dealing with the decision makers of the practice on a daily basis allowed for a more personal service and a better understanding of their clients needs. Chris & Kim grew the farm animal practice into a thriving business and started a small animal clinic as well. In 2005 another couple with a young family, Mark & Cathy O'Callaghan, brought the business. They have continued to grow both the pet and farm side of the practice, expanding farm services to Matamata and building a pet hospital in the centre of Cambridge. In 2022 the farm side of the business was rebranded to 'The Farm Vets', to reflect the full diversity of services offered. Their focus has always been on treating the business like family, with staff and clients often becoming friends and part of their lives. The original vision of a vet clinic that offers a caring, personal service still drives us today.
Meet the team
Mark O'Callaghan BVSc DipEnvAgSci DipHRM
Mark graduated from Massey in 1994 and has worked in dairy cattle practice in the Waikato ever since, apart from 4 years out for an OE. In 2012 Mark was the first New Zealand based person to complete the Dairy Australia Diploma in HR management, which is specifically aimed at farming businesses. He now incorporates staff management into his consultancy work with clients. He and his wife Cathy have three children, James, Sarah & George.
Charlotte Plummer BVSc
Charlotte is an experienced British vet who joined our team in June 2019. Charlotte comes from a dairy farming family in the UK so has a lifetime of experience with cows. Charlotte has a keen interest in mastitis management and completed the advanced mastitis accreditation course in 2023 and is now a accredited advisor. She also enjoys working with some of the data coming out of the new cattle monitoring systems increasingly being seen on our farms. Outside of work Charlotte enjoys the local young farmers club, adventure racing and travelling New Zealand from top to bottom.
David Dymock BVSc (Dist) DipVCS
David graduated from Massey University in 2006. He spent 4 years in equine and large animal practice in NZ and Australia, before heading to the University of Florida to complete a 3-year large animal surgical residency. After spending another year in North Carolina, he returned to NZ with his wife Danielle along with their first-born child and two dogs. Since then, he has worked primarily in dairy practice and the dairy industry, as a veterinarian for a multinational pharmaceutical company and as a Centre Vet at LIC prior to joining The Farm Vets in 2024.
David particularly enjoys working with farmers to achieve better outcomes for their cows and farming system. A particular clinical interest of his, is lameness and management and prevention of infectious diseases such as Johne’s, BVD and Salmonella.
David and his wife Danielle, have three children, two cats and six chickens. When he can get the chance, you will find David rock climbing, mountain biking, fly fishing, building Lego, reading, gardening, and going on adventures with the family.
Viraaj Patel BVSc
Viraaj is the newest member of the farm vet team having graduated from Massey in 2023. Having seen placement with us many times as a student he has slotted in straight away. Viraaj is keen on all aspects of large and small animal work and is looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting you all out on farm in his new role. Outside of work Viraaj enjoys running, tramping & gardening.
Jessica Harris BVSc BSc
Jess graduated from Massey and joined us in Early 2019. Jess previously gained a BSc in Zoology and a post grad diploma in Wildlife management and has worked and traveled overseas extensively so has lots of experience of the real world! At home she is supported by her Husband Simon, and her dogs Kobi and Benson, her cat, couple of cows, chickens...