Gong for Oamaru vet

The award, from the Sheep and Beef Cattle Branch, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), celebrates success in the profession and recognises significant veterinary contribution to the sheep and beef industry in the past 18 months.

Branch president Anthony Oswald says Robinson’s determination and commitment has seen him contributing to research, education and support of veterinarians and farmers.

Robinson has done research, particularly in lameness and footrot, carrying out pilot trials for the product Micotil.

“This work has the potential for Micotil to be licensed in NZ and would be a major step forward for veterinarians to manage footrot and lameness, working alongside their farmer clients,” Oswald says.

“Dave has demonstrated strong stewardship of this antibiotic product, working with the NZVA antibiotic steering committee to develop prudent guidelines for its use when it is launched commercially. 

“He has strongly advocated the product be veterinarian-only and used responsibly as part of a whole farm plan approach.”

Oswald says Robinson is a clinical veterinarian who constantly pushes the boundaries, offering services such as embryo transfer and AI, in sheep and cattle, using skills he has perfected on his own stud flock.
“He’s the epitome of someone who lives and breathes sheep and beef and is making huge inroads for the veterinary profession and the sheep and beef industry. He has a great relationship with his farmer clients and is 100% committed to supporting them in their endeavours. We also acknowledge his outstanding work as a mentor to younger veterinarians.”

Robinson has also spoken at ‘Winter Roadshows’ regional farmer meetings on topics such as fodder beet feeding and the benefits of tape drench. 

Responding to this year’s nationwide drought, he has also organised ‘drought BBQs’ in the worst hit regions to support and offer practical advice to those who are struggling – supporting farmers, veterinarians and the wider rural community.