Ashby Herd Health Services Inc: Arey Shelvin L DVM

For agricultural producers, farmers, and livestock owners across Virginia, particularly within the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in and around Harrisonburg, the health and productivity of their herds are paramount to their livelihoods. When it comes to specialized veterinary care for large animals, particularly cattle, Ashby Herd Health Services Inc. stands as a cornerstone of the regional agricultural community. Established in 1973 by Dr. Shelvin Arey, this practice has grown to become one of the largest and most respected food animal veterinary services in Virginia, renowned for its dedication to making producers more efficient and profitable.

Ashby Herd Health Services Inc. is not your typical small animal clinic; it is a specialized veterinary practice entirely focused on the bovine industry and other food animals. With a team of five full-time veterinarians, they offer comprehensive services that extend beyond simple treatment to encompass herd health management, reproductive services, and nutritional consultation. Their mission is deeply intertwined with the success of local agriculture, providing expert guidance and hands-on care that supports the economic viability and well-being of livestock operations.

This article will delve into what makes Ashby Herd Health Services Inc., led by Dr. Shelvin L. Arey, an indispensable resource for large animal owners in the Virginia region. We will explore their strategic location, the extensive range of specialized services they offer, the distinguishing features and highlights that set them apart as industry leaders, and essential contact information for local producers. When the health of your herd is at stake, knowing you have a deeply experienced and committed team like Ashby Herd Health Services on your side is truly invaluable.

Ashby Herd Health Services Inc. is centrally located at 2420 Grace Chapel Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA. This address places the clinic in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia's largest agricultural area. The location is strategically chosen to serve the extensive network of farms and livestock operations throughout Harrisonburg and the wider region, including Rockingham County and beyond.

While they have a physical office, a significant aspect of their accessibility for large animal practices like Ashby Herd Health Services is their mobile service capability. Given the nature of large animal veterinary care, much of their work involves on-farm visits. Their central location allows them to efficiently dispatch their team of veterinarians to various farms across their service area, minimizing travel time for producers and ensuring timely care for their livestock. This "come to you" model is critical for large animal practices, as transporting sick or injured livestock to a clinic can be incredibly challenging, stressful, and sometimes impossible.

The easily identifiable address on Grace Chapel Road ensures that clients can readily find their facility for administrative needs, consultations, or when specific equipment at the clinic is required. The combination of a well-situated office and a robust mobile service network underscores Ashby Herd Health Services' commitment to providing highly accessible and responsive veterinary care to the agricultural industry throughout Virginia.

• Bovine Health Management: Specializing in all bovine needs, including comprehensive herd health programs for beef and dairy cattle.
• Reproductive Services: Advanced reproductive management, including artificial insemination (AI), breeding soundness evaluations for bulls, pregnancy checks (often via ultrasound), and embryo transfer services. (Historically, Dr. Randall Giles, associated with Ashby, focused extensively on embryo transfer.)
• Preventative Health Programs: Development and implementation of vaccination protocols, deworming strategies, and parasite control plans to maintain herd wellness.
• Nutritional Consultation: Expert advice on feed and forage testing, ration analysis, and nutritional plans to optimize herd health, growth, and productivity.
• Diagnostic Services: On-site and laboratory diagnostics, potentially including blood work, milk cultures, complete blood counts (CBC), chemistry panels, and fecal testing for parasites.
• Surgical Procedures: Performance of common surgical procedures relevant to large animals, such as castrations, dehorning, and potential treatment of urolithiasis (urinary stones) in ruminants.
• Emergency On-Call Services: Providing critical care for large animal emergencies outside of regular business hours, a vital service for livestock producers.
• Health Certificates: Issuance of health certificates for interstate travel or sale of livestock.
• Consultation Services: Offering expert consultation on various aspects of herd management, biosecurity, and improving overall farm efficiency and profitability.
• Lameness Examinations: Diagnosis and management of lameness issues in cattle and other large animals.

• Specialization in Food Animal Practice: A primary highlight is their exclusive focus on food animals, particularly cattle. This specialization means their veterinarians possess deep, targeted expertise in the unique health, reproductive, and nutritional needs of livestock, unlike general mixed-animal practices.
• Long-Standing Reputation and Experience: Established in 1973 by Dr. Shelvin Arey, Ashby Herd Health Services Inc. has over five decades of experience. This long history signifies a profound understanding of the region's agricultural landscape and evolving veterinary needs.
• One of Virginia's Largest Food Animal Practices: Being one of the largest practices of its kind in Virginia indicates a substantial team (five full-time veterinarians) and extensive resources dedicated to large animal health, allowing them to handle a high volume of cases and provide comprehensive coverage.
• Commitment to Producer Efficiency and Profitability: Their stated mission is to "offer services to the animal agriculture industry that will make producers more efficient and profitable." This business-oriented approach demonstrates an understanding of the economic realities faced by farmers, offering solutions that contribute directly to the success of their operations.
• Comprehensive Herd Health Focus: Beyond treating individual sick animals, they emphasize holistic herd health management, which is crucial for preventing widespread disease and maintaining productivity across an entire livestock operation.
• Deep Roots in the Shenandoah Valley: Located in the heart of Virginia's largest agricultural area, their practice is deeply integrated into the local farming community, building long-term relationships and understanding regional specificities.
• Expertise in Bovine Reproduction: The historical association with specialists like Dr. Randall Giles (Ashby Genetics) indicates a strong foundation in advanced reproductive technologies like embryo transfer, which can be highly valuable for improving herd genetics.
• Responsive Emergency Services: For livestock operations, emergency availability is paramount. As a dedicated large animal practice, they are structured to respond to urgent calls, providing crucial support when unexpected health crises arise.

Address: 2420 Grace Chapel Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA

Phone: (540) 433-0430

Alternative/Emergency Phone: (800) 296-COWS (This number is listed on their website, highlighting their focus on bovine needs and accessibility).

For agricultural producers and livestock owners throughout Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the broader Shenandoah Valley, Ashby Herd Health Services Inc., led by Dr. Shelvin L. Arey, is not merely suitable but an essential and unparalleled resource for their veterinary care needs. Its deep specialization in food animal practice, particularly bovine health, makes it uniquely equipped to understand and address the complex challenges faced by local farmers.

The practice's long-standing presence since 1973, coupled with its growth into one of Virginia's largest food animal veterinary services, instills immense confidence and trust within the community. This history signifies decades of accumulated knowledge about regional conditions, common livestock ailments, and effective management strategies. The team of five full-time veterinarians ensures that comprehensive expertise is always available, whether for routine herd health checks or critical emergency interventions. Their commitment to being "available in an emergency" is a lifeline for producers, understanding that livestock health issues can arise at any moment.

Moreover, Ashby Herd Health Services Inc.'s mission to enhance producer efficiency and profitability directly aligns with the economic realities of farming in the Shenandoah Valley. They provide not just medical treatment but strategic consultation that contributes to the overall success and sustainability of agricultural operations. For any Virginia livestock owner seeking a veterinary partner with unparalleled expertise, a strong local presence, and a genuine commitment to the productivity and well-being of their herd, Ashby Herd Health Services Inc. is the definitive and most suitable choice.

Ashby Herd Health Services Inc: Arey Shelvin L DVM

2420 Grace Chapel Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801, USA