A concern for the health of animals and the land has led Tineke Verkade from nursing to homeopathic farm support in the Waikato. Born in Holland, Tineke owns and run Homeopathic Farm Support Ltd (HFS) which helps dairy farmers use homeopathy in safe and effective way.
Though suitable for organic farms, Tineke said they are not limited to organic farms, with one third of farmers using some form of natural treatment in New Zealand.
The business began when Tineke was just treating farmers and their families. "Farmers came and said 'do something for the cows'. I developed a course for dairy farmers."
HFS was officially started in 1997 and has a help desk for farmers to call with qualified staff who talk them through which remedy will be best suited to the situation. She said often farmers become more observant of their animals as homeopathic remedies require specific symptoms to be effective.
"They ring and say 'we have a lame cow'. We ask why it's lame, homeopathy looks at specific symptoms. We ask things like 'is it swollen' or 'does it feel hot?' so they get back on their [farm] bike and go and have a proper look. "They become a lot more observant, because you have to feel and touch and look at them. 'This cow feels hot, how does that one feel?' As in, everyone else is alright, this one is hot, it must have a fever."
She said those who use homeopathy see a decline in veterinary bills and a herd that is more settled. "If the farmers can use homeopathy diligently it's more economical, but you need to get your head around it. They are less stressed out. We can also give the farmers something for stress and then sort the cows out as well!"
Her business efforts have seen four major awards: Organics Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Enterprise Award, Enterprising Rural Women's Award North Island Winner, Enterprising Rural Women's Award Supreme Winner 2010, and Federated Farmers Cream of the Crop award.
Though born in Holland, Tineke migrated to New Zealand with her family in 1977, working as a senior staff nurse at Waikato Hospital.
Her interest in complementary therapies such as homeopathy and natural medicines led her to study a Diploma in Naturopathy and Medical Herbalism followed by study at the Bay of Plenty College of Homeopathy in Tauranga, gaining her Diploma in Classical Homeopathy.