Mark joins the flock as District Vet

New district vet Mark Stillman has started at the Albury office. Originally from South Australia, Mark has spent a lot of time in the Riverina, including working in Narrandera for the last four years. He is excited to begin working with local landholders in the Albury region.

“I am really looking forward to interacting with local producers. I enjoy working with farmers to improve the health and production of their livestock. Spending a few weekends and trips in and around Albury made the decision to move here an easy one, there are lots of amenities surrounded by great looking country, which I can’t wait to explore,” Mark said.

Mark has worked extensively with poultry and pigs. His experience includes involvement through the whole food chain, from hatcheries to processing and rendering. He understands the importance of animal husbandry, biosecurity, and disease investigations in ensuring the best outcomes for the animals and the producers.

“One thing that my involvement with poultry has taught me which is relevant to all livestock species is the importance of biosecurity. Biosecurity is the best weapon we have in the fight to keep our livestock free of pests and disease. Good biosecurity practices should be the cornerstone of every farm, and I am keen to work with local farmers to increase their biosecurity planning and implementing practices on farm.

With no two days ever the same, Mark said the opportunity to learn and share knowledge is what makes being a District Vet so satisfying.

“There’s a real opportunity to make a big difference. To both the individual farmers and farm businesses as well as to the industry. Connecting with producers is such a key part of the district vet role. The relationships that we forge during disease investigations or discussions about animal health, husbandry and biosecurity are vital in ensuring farmers know they can reach out when they need help or advice. It also creates a great foundation of trust which helps during emergency responses. So, please reach out, I am here to help!’

Mark works out of the Albury Local Land Services office at 931 Garland Ave. You can contact him on 0499 589 822 or email mark.stillman@lls.nsw.gov.au