Caring for the Herd
Experts in large animal care found Washington County to be a great place for business
By Rebecca Long Chaney
The need for large animal experts for a variety of occupations is thriving in Washington County. Decades ago, entrepreneurs saw a need in Western Maryland and established businesses with hopes of success.
Not only have these businesses found success, but they surpassed expectations. Washington County is a huge agricultural-based county requiring niche services in large-animal care from veterinarians as well as farrier services for the growing equine industry in the area.
In July 1991 veterinarians Tom Mercuro and Richard Eastep joined forces to start Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians (MMDV) in Washington County.
“After researching several areas, the ‘Hub City’ (Hagerstown) was determined to need large animal veterinary services,” said John Heizer, one of the first veterinarians in the practice.
Heizer came on board in the fall of 1991 as an independent contractor and by April 1992 was with the practice as a full-time partner.
“Originally, we served the Washington County and Frederick County, but with time and word of mouth, we grew to provide veterinarian services in many states in our region,” Heizer says. “Looking back, it is unbelievable how we started with three veterinarians and before you knew it, we had grown to six vets.”
Matt Iager joined MMDV 30 years ago and now serves as a consultant for the business.
Dr. Jessica Lambert of Mid Maryland Dairy Vets gives the calves a checkup.
“I’ve been involved in all aspects of bovine herd health and production management medicine, specializing in embryo transfer and exporting elite dairy cattle genetics to 26 foreign countries, along with several teaching and research assignments,” Iager says. “MMDV is known for its quality veterinary care that integrates cow-side medicine with client education. We are problem solvers and solution-driven and passionate about production management services. We continue to strive for excellence.”
The Western Maryland Veterinary practice has a large customer base of more than 400 clients in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. “Each veterinarian has a unique skill set and passion for various specialties in our industry, and that has played a pivotal role to our success,” Iager says.
One of the newer veterinarians in the practice is Jessica Lambert, starting with MMDV in 2017 when she graduated from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. As the only female in the practice, she said her graduating class was predominately female.
“The trend continues with veterinary classes mostly females,” Lambert says. “There is a shortage of all types of veterinarians across the country, especially large-animal vets.”
She says juggling her profession as a veterinarian with being a wife and mother is a challenge, but she loves working with cattle every day.
“There is a lot of satisfaction in making recommendations to keep herds healthy and figuring out ways to maximize profitability for these clients who are feeding the world,” she says. “Growing up on my family’s dairy farm inspired me to become a veterinarian, by fostering my passion for the dairy industry and my love for animals.”
Like the veterinarians at MMDV with a deep commitment to dairy and beef cattle, Andrew Grimm found his passion with horses. After relocating to Texas from Maryland in the 10th grade, not only was Grimm introduced to western culture but fell in love with horses. This love evolved into the native Marylander becoming a farrier. Now, back in Washington County, the dedicated expert continues to share his skills and talents with horse owners in the area.
“I got started shortly after graduating from the Maryland Horseshoeing School in 2002,” Grimm says. “I was apprenticing with two professional farriers while beginning to take on my own customers, so it was a very busy time. By 2004, I was full time and servicing a wide range of horses—from backyard companions to performance horses. The early years were all about learning, refining my skills, and building a reputation for quality and reliability.”
And just like large-animal veterinarians, Grimm also sees a shortage of farriers in Maryland.
“I believe equine interest in Maryland continues to grow,” he says. “Between pleasure riders, show barns, and small private farms, there is a lot of life in the horse community here.”
The local veterinarians and farriers have something in common—their clients become like family.
“I enjoy getting to know my clients and their families, many of them becoming long-time friends,” Grimm says. “I love working outdoors and being around horses every day. Every horse is different, and every hoof tells a story, so the work stays interesting. There’s also a deep satisfaction in helping horses stay comfortable and sound, knowing that your work directly impacts their performance and wellbeing.”
Although Grimm loves his work as a farrier, he does admit that physically, being a farrier is demanding work.
“It takes a toll on your back, knees, and hands,” he says. “Finding balance between work, health, and family life is also a challenge for most farriers. It’s a trade that requires dedication not only to the craft but to the lifestyle that comes with it.”
Grimm serves about 100 customers and 200 horses. After 14 years, he transitioned to part time.
“Being a farrier is a craft that blends art, science, and horsemanship,” he says. “It takes years to develop the skill and understand how to do it well, and there’s always something new to learn.”
MMDV also prides itself on education, often offering educational seminars at client appreciation day.
Farrier Andrew Grimm works with horses throughout Washington County.
“After 40-plus years as a veterinarian, and as I look back, it is really unbelievable that I have been a part of a wonderful practice,” Heizer says. “I have had the privilege of working with outstanding veterinarians and office staff. The office staff played a vital role in our success as they are the face of the practice. The relationships we built with farmers and their families, including watching the next generation take over the farm, have been priceless.”
Heizer says the work turned out to be more about relationships than cows.
“I worked on some of the most famous and prized cows, but that was just the icing on the cake,” he says. “Working with farm families, watching children grow up, the farms improve, new facilities, being invited to graduation parties, weddings, etc., it was not a career, but a life well lived.”
So, whether you need a top-notch veterinarian to work on your dairy or beef animal or you’re looking for an expert farrier to shoe your horse, Washington County has you covered.