15/07/2026
🐄 Meet the Team Wednesday 🐄
This week we’re introducing Hannah, our newest vet and a born-and-bred Yorkshire lass who has already brought plenty of enthusiasm, a warm smile and a very recognisable accent to the Culverden clinic. In just a few short days, Hannah has already settled into the team, kept everyone well supplied with a proper “brew”, and made it very clear that she could happily talk dairy and calf health all day. She brings a wealth of experience from working with dairy cattle across the UK, New Zealand and further afield, along with plenty of energy for the spring ahead.
When she’s not talking cows, there’s a fair chance she’ll be showing you photos of her much-loved Labrador, Barry. We’re really excited to have Hannah on board and are looking forward to seeing her out on farm over the coming months. Have a read below and get to know her a little better! 👇
Name: Hannah Batty (respond to H, Han or Batty)
Hometown: Born and bred Yorkshire lass
How long have you worked at NCVC? 10 days
Favourite part of dairy vet life in Canterbury?
Driving between calls is absolutely stunning at the moment. I’m yet to get fully stuck into calving so will go with this for the time being until I’ve made it to month two!
After working with dairy cows around the world, what’s one thing New Zealand farmers do particularly well?
One thing that has always struck me about Kiwi farmers is their approach to forward planning and their ability to step back from the business and think more strategically about key decisions that will improve profitability for both the current and next season. The block calving system gives a great structure to review and reflect on what has gone well and what needs modifying for next time!
Back in the UK, a difficult calving might end in a caesarean. Here, you may be reaching for the fetotome instead, how are you feeling about the Kiwi approach?
No calving is ever the same and I always think you can learn something new from every case you get called to. With respect to the foetotome, it is another great tool we can use to help us achieve the main goals from any calving: successful outcome for the cow and hopefully the calf too when timed right! Ultimately I’ll be guided down a path as to which of these options is better based on how fresh the calving is and the ability to provide the right after care. Every day is a school day when it comes to calvings so I’m keen to take learnings from each and every one!
You’re arriving just in time for calving season, are you ready for your New Zealand baptism of fire?
I’ll be honest… I’m really looking forward to it! It’s a great chance to challenge my skills and develop new ones, with the awesome support of the practice team!
After working for Tom Wright in the UK, you’ve somehow ended up in the same clinic again on the other side of the world, did you miss him that much, or is he just impossible to escape?
Hahaaa… he’s a pretty sound guy even if he does have a major foot fe**sh! He painted a really good picture of the practice which was a massive plus so felt like a good call to join the team when making such a big move.
You’re known for making everyone a “brew”, how many cups of tea do you think it will take to get the NCVC team through a busy spring day?
Back at my old practice a solo brew was a red card offence! I reckon a standard day is made infinitely better by at least 4 brews so between us all we will be in the hundreds!
What’s more likely to win you over: a beautifully run calf shed, a strong "brew", or someone asking to see photos of Barry?
I am an absolutely fan girl over happy, healthy calves! There is so much potential in a baby calf and what you do in the pre weaning period, not only sets them up for being healthy, but is the window where you get the most bang for your buck in terms of capitalising on the massive amount of mammary gland growth that happens at this stage. Getting this right means your heifers will go on to be more productive animals so it’s both a short term and long term win to nail the running of your calf shed!
