Center Stage - 2025

CENTER STAGE The Official Publication of the American Speckle Park Association | 2025

SPECKLE PARK SALE

presented by

INC CATTLE COMPANY

and friends

DEC. 21, 2024 Saskatoon, SK

SHERATON CAVALIER HOTELS SALE TIME 6:30 PM CST

SALE MANAGEMENT T Bar C Cattle Co. Ltd. Box 2330 Warman, SK S0K 4S0 P: 306-933-4200 F: 306-934-0744 info@tbarc.com www.tbarc.com

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INC Cattle Company Janice & Rob Harasymchuk robh@maxies.ca janiceh@maxies.ca Rob: 306-290-7040 Janice: 306-260-6200 www.inccattleco.ca Highmark Speckle Park Harv & Fran Fehr 306-290-6780 306-229-0092 highmark.hf@gmail.com

KFC Farms Ken Friesen: 250-845-4084 info.kfcfarms@gmail.com 31433 Range Road 13, Didsbury, Alberta, Canada www.kfcfarms.com

OFFERING

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2022 miss world speckle park 2022 agribition grand champion female 2022 farmfair grand champion female 2021 agribition First Lady classic breed champiON Thank-you to PRESTIGE EQUITIES for purchasing ravenworth willow 304k calf at side at CWA Speckle Park Sale for $30,000

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IN THIS ISSUE 2025 6

President’s Corner

By Bob Harris, President of ASPA

6 Secretary Report

By Becky Miller, Executive Director, Nat’l Center for

8

Beef Excellence

Minnesota Beef Expo/Heifer Donation

10

Questions for the VP Q&A with Cole Keyser, Vice President of ASPA

Officers Bob Harris, President Cole Keyser, Vice President Ali Wright, Member at Large Directors Ron Carty Bill Hewat Tina Williams Brad Sonnentag Registrar National Center for Beef Excellence Web Manager Ranch House Designs

12

The Wright Initiative

By Ali Wright

Magazine Design & Layout Lora Thorson Creative

16

2025 ASPA Photo Contest

Editor Brad Sonnentag

Top Ten

On the Cover Photo by Hay Creek Speckle Park

18 A Seedstock Producer’s Quick-Start Guide to Marketing

By Laura Handke 22 Scholarship Awards Keith Kissee Memorial Scholarship Awardees 24

Junior Spotlight

Brynlee Sonnentag

28

Membership Directory

American Speckle Park Association PO Box 260 Kearney, MO 64060 816-652-2220 americanspecklepark@gmail.com

Center Stage is the official publication of American Speckle Park Association. It exists to inform, educate, and unite Speckle Park breeders across the United States and the world. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ASPA. ASPA accepts no responsibility or liability for views, ideas or opinions expressed in this magazine.

The American Speckle Park Association (ASPA) was founded in early 2021 by a group of Speckle Park breeders looking to promote and grow this versatile breed in the United States. The rolls of ASPA within the breed is to maintain an accurate herd book, uphold breed standards, promote the breed, and educate the industry of the benefits of Speckle Park cattle.

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GENETICS or Generations

f

LIVE, SEMEN, EMBRYOS FOR SALE YEAR ROUND LIVE AND FROZEN GENETIC EXPORTS TO USA 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CROSS BORDER TRANSPORTATION TO USA INDEPENDENT BROKER LICENSE FOR THE USA UNDERHILL SPECS • JORDON UNDERHILL • ELORA, ON • US@UNDERHILLSPECS.CA • 519-760-0892

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UNDERHILL SPECS

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER

By Bob Harris, President of ASPA

kids, made his debut, and our cattle have been stopping cars and turning heads ever since.

In its few short years, the American Speckle Park Association has members who have sold cattle from the East to the West Coast and from the Canadian to the Mexican Border. This January will mark the Third Annual National Speckle Park Show in Oklahoma City, and we have just awarded our first three scholarships in honor of past board member, the late Keith Kissee.

In 2018, I was introduced to the Speckle Park breed by a young man who had just relocated to our area. Like most cattle farmers, I was skeptical of this fairly young and unknown breed. All it took was for Clint Carty to give me several steaks in order to taste the difference. I knew that to produce the highest quality beef, I needed to make a change. I needed to “Dare to be Different”. In a county where black cattle dominated the scenery, Timely Manor Prince of Tides, also known as the “skunk bull” by the local

My vision for this breed and association is rooted in the knowledge that we must all continue to tell our Speckle Park story. As we move forward, the board is grateful for the support of our members. We continue to rely on you to help spread the word about the best beef in the business. We welcome your thoughts and comments as we endeavor to help grow the association and the breed. We encourage you to be ambassadors for Speckle Park, and as the motto from my farm states, encourage fellow producers to “Dare to be Different.”

Every Speckle Park owner has a story as unique as the breed itself. I encourage you to share your story and use the hashtag #speckleparkstory on social media. Let’s show everyone why we love this breed. ◊

SECRETARY REPORT

By Becky Miller, Executive Director, National Center for Beef Excellence Greetings!

It has been exciting to be involved in so many firsts for ASPA as the manager of the association’s home base in Kearney, MO. From watching this association get off the ground from scratch to the first Cattlemen’s Congress, Minnesota Beef Expo and now the first publication. Speckle Park cattle catch the eye of producers from across the country and the industry is quickly learning their value.

2024 has been a strong year for the association with several new members and cattle being sold across the US to new producers getting started with Speckle Park. I expect this rapid growth to continue over the next several years.

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Coming this fall, we hope you will join us in person or virtually for the Minnesota Beef Expo and the Annual Sale at the Cattlemen’s Congress January 5-6 in Oklahoma City, OK. We encourage members to find events and shows in their area and contact the association for materials and support. Let’s fill the calendar with events featuring Speckle Park! ◊ Becky Miller Executive Director, National Center for Beef Excellence

1 hour North Of Minot, ND

Come see us at The Cattlemen's Congress in January 2025 & watch for our consignments in the 3rd nnual merican Speckle Park Sale!

A

Box 239, Pierson, MB, Canada R0M 1S0 C: 306.339.7848 E: lynmike@mymts.net

A

Mike & Lynda Minshull & Family

Offering Bulls & Females For Sale Every Spring At The Ranch!

Give us a call anytime!

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MINNESOTA BEEF EXPO The Minnesota Beef Expo has awarded 185 heifers to deserving youth through the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) since the program’s beginnings 20 years ago. Recipients are selected based on their passion for agriculture, commitment to raising a heifer, financial need and willingness to learn. They are responsible for raising, breeding and maintaining records on the care of the animal, while providing progress reports to their mentor, breed representative and Minnesota Beef Expo staff. Donors of the heifers will serve as mentors to MYBEP recipients.

Virginia Mold, IFMG Competition Supervisor Minnesota State Fair

HEIFER DONATION Donated by Hay Creek Speckle Park

Please help us thank Hay Creek Speckle Park of Boyd, Wisconsin for sponsoring the Speckle Park heifer for the MYBEP. Brad, Lacey & family are a first-generation beef farming family. “After years of researching beef cattle, we came across the Speckle Park breed and knew that this breed was exactly what they wanted.”

Their daughter, Brynlee, has raised her own heifers and steers, which she has shown at the local fairs and in the biggest stage at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City.

Thank you to the Sonnentag family and Hay Creek Speckle Park for your donation on behalf of the American Speckle Park Association!

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AMERICA’S BETTER BEEF

Located in the USA breeding stock, semen, embryos All with top shelf genetics Hay creek speckle park

Brad Sonnentag- (715)313-3640

@Haycreekspecklepark CENTER STAGE | 2025

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QUESTIONS FOR THE VP Q&A with Cole Keyser, Vice President of ASPA

consistently made great females in my opinion. Some of the more “current” bulls that I would say I am a fan of would be CAJA Zeppelin and Greenwood Coal Train. They both bring a ton of power to the table, and have the genetics to back them up.

What benefits does the Myostatin gene bring to the breed? Explain how you manage this to benefit your herd.

Why did you choose Speckle Park?

I started my beef venture with White Park, and always preferred the darker hided ones. I also like the ability to incorporate black cattle and not have to worry about what comes from it. So that was the initial reasoning. Upon further research, the meat characteristics of the breed are also appealing. The maternal abilities and feed conversion don’t hurt either. In a world where the farm to table concept is ever growing, a breed that offers eye appeal both in the pasture and on the plate seemed like a no brainer to be a part of.

If you could choose any cow or bull from the breed (dead or alive) to add to your farm, who would it be?

This is a tough one, and I will stick to bulls as there are quite a few cow families I would love to tie into down the road. A pair of older bulls that I feel you can always go back to in order to make high end, productive cows as they mature would be PAR Moo Fassa and River Hill Line Drive. They both 10

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The myostatin gene can be a controversial topic depending which breeders you talk to. Some love it, some don’t.

The benefit to me is the added muscle mass you can get with it, especially when people are paid by the pound.

I run all my cows in one herd, so the way I manage it here is by utilizing artificial insemination generally.

Depending on which clean up bull I am running will also depend which cows I am more focused on getting AI bred. There are plenty of people who will run carrier to carrier, but being a smaller herd I just AI to avoid that.

Similar concept for the Hetero Polled or Hetero Black animals. Now that a majority of my cow herd are non carrier cows, I plan on running a myostatin carrier for a bull to keep the added muscle mass in the calves.

Speckle Park are white with black points, leopard, and black. The meat quality of Speckle Park is what the breed is known for. How do we get producers, processors, and the end customers believing that the leopard animal is equivalent to the black Speckles? Or superior to black hided commercial crosses?

I would say this ties more into the commercial market than the seedstock market. The best way I have found to get new commercial cattlemen to try a speckle park is by selling them a

solid black bull to try. Once they get the calves on the ground, it typically becomes a different conversation. It also depends on what the end market is for them. If they are selling through a sale barn, they are going to want black calves so they aren’t knocked down in price. If the market is more of a farm to table concept, the hide color is not as important to them it seems.

The customer they are selling to just wants high quality product over the hide color I find. People don’t realize how “black” the cattle world is down here, and the investment the Angus breed has made over the years to make it that way. The only way I believe you can convince breeders on a larger scale to give this breed a shot is through data. From both the feed lot side to the slaughter as well. That will take time and money, but that also is the only way to change somebody’s opinion – hard facts with enough data to back them.

What do you see as the biggest challenge or hurdle for the Speckle Park breed going forward as the breed progresses in the states?

The biggest challenge currently to me is the lack of knowledge about the breed and just getting the breed out in front of people. Whether that be on a plate at a restaurant or home, or in the show ring. Putting cattle in a showring can get them out in front of more people quicker, but without the consumer knowing about the breed, that can also only take it so far.

Another challenge is the black hide.

That will be an uphill battle for a long time, and tying back into my last answer, the only way to change that is through data. As much data as we can get. ◊

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THE WRIGHT INITIATIVE

By Ali Wright

In 1928 the Homestead Act led a man to stake claim on a piece of land on the high desert of eastern Wyoming.

His wife and children joined him and worked alongside him as they endured droughts, bank closures, and numerous other trials and tribulations. Over the years they raised anything from turkeys and hogs, to a variety of row crops, to even an apple orchard. But, the part of the operation that never wavered were the cattle. The cattle were hardy and were always a consistent source of income. This cattleman always said, “If you take care of your cattle, they will take care of you”.

Through the hardest of times, the cattle carried them through. Thomas Briggs, along with his resilient family, took initiative to pursue their dreams and they succeeded. In the generations that followed them, that spirit of grit and perseverance lives on and the love for cattle still reigns true.

My name is Alison (Ali) Wright and I am proud to be their 4th generation granddaughter. My family still operates on and near the same land that our ancestors homesteaded almost 100 years ago. My brother and his family run on the home place with a sizeable cow herd, feedlot and farming 12

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operation. My husband, Colton, and I purchased a more moderate size farm/feedlot near Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 2020. We also run a cow herd, feed cattle in our feedlot and farm corn/hay for feed. We have recently adopted the business name Cross W Cattle. We have a registered brand that is a cross with a W hanging off the bottom of the cross. Our Cross W brand reflects our faith, family, and love for cattle.

Much like my great grandfather, I am incredibly passionate about agriculture – specifically cattle. I jumped head first into showing cattle when I was twelve and there was nothing I loved more than pulling cattle through a ring. I was the first of my family to show, so I received much help and support from outside influences. One family took me under their wing, and took me along with them to put their Herefords on display at some of the biggest cattle shows in America. These experiences opened my eyes to the world of pure bred cattle and stock shows.

I found myself at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado in 2014. While I was there, I happened upon a stall with Speckle Park cattle.

The color of these cattle was unlike anything I had ever seen. What was more intriguing was how phenotypically eye catching these cattle were.

Just from a glance, they aligned with my cattle standards that aren’t easily met. I grabbed a business card from

the stall’s table and from there a dream was born. After months of online research, I became passionate about the potential of this breed. Not only the potential for my family, but for this breed’s potential to impact the entire beef industry. So began an initiative to bring Speckle Park cattle into my family’s operation and beyond.

A wide span of time passed after that initial Speckle Park sighting. I graduated from Chadron State College, married my high school sweetheart, brought our daughter into the world, and purchased our first property. Life was busy, but that fire for the Speckle Park breed never left my heart. In the fall of 2022, I came across an ad for the very first American Speckle Park Association show and sale. I combed over every last detail of the sale book and came to the conclusion that I just had to dream from afar. I didn’t want to take a leap of faith until I had a little help from my dad. It was December 9th and that day just so happened to be his dad’s (my late grandfather’s) birthday. He believed it to be a sign that I needed to pursue what was on my heart and encouraged me to call someone. River Hill Farm was a familiar name from my prior years of online research. I was able to connect with Barry and Cory Ducherer that day.

After our phone conversation, I was confident that this breed was something I wanted to pursue.

A few weeks later, my husband and I made our way to Oklahoma City. It had been almost a decade since I had seen a Speckle Park in person and the quality of cattle once again did not disappoint. Stall by stall we shook hands with the breeders, exchanged information and talked about the animals on display. We were impressed with the cattle, but we were more impressed

with the people. They were welcoming, knowledgeable, and it was evident they were a tight knit community. The Speckle Park breeders were all for one, and one for all… something that is rare in today’s competitive industry.

We were humbled to become a part of this family at the very first American Speckle Park Association sale. We went home as the winning bidder of the high selling bred female; our very first Speckle.

The following year, we were able to attend the second annual show and sale in Oklahoma City. We reconnected with people we now consider friends and brought home two more bred heifers. My dad and I were also able to attend Agribition held in Regina, Saskatchewan last year. This is the largest showing of Speckle Park cattle in North America; the Super Bowl of our breed.

Every stall had the best of the best there on display and every breeder behind the animal was just as top notch. We have been given opportunities in this breed that all stem from meeting someone at a cattle show. We continue to stay in contact with breeders that we’ve met along the way. Almost two years later, we have a combined total of twenty four head of registered Speckle Park cattle that includes cows, bulls and calves. We also have a handful of fifty percent Speckle Park calves that we are raising out of commercial cows. We are set up for success because of the incredible people that make up the Speckle Park breeders.

Attending shows always re-ignites the fire within me, and also has a way of reminding me why I started this pursuit in the first place. I believe in the potential of this breed and have since day one. We took another leap of faith

and bought bulls last year to use them on our commercial cow herd. We plan to use Speckle Park and Speckle Park percentage cows in our operation. Our goal is to feed these cattle ourselves to collect data for our use and others. We are deriving plans to market future fat cattle and Speckle Park meat. We don’t know all that lies ahead, but we believe this breed has all the right traits that align with our standards.

The same standards of cattle have worked and sustained multiple generations here in our part of the country.

The cow herd must require minimal inputs, be structurally sound during a long lifetime, and have the milk and genetic ability to raise big calves. The

range here is wide open and feed can be scarce. The cows must be able to withstand harsh conditions and must perform consistently year after year. In order to meet our criteria the cows we are running must be profitable.

We feed our own cattle with the help of our families. Our feedlot has seen just about everything, from small calves all the way up to fat cattle. No matter what class of animal we feed there are always traits that are desirable. We need cattle that have good immune systems, are structurally sound, and have big rates of gain with a moderate frame. Docility and hybrid vigor in cross bred cattle also come to mind.

All in all the most important factor is for the cattle to be profitable.

In the beef sector, the traits that are of importance are carcass weight, yield and grade. Speckle Park cattle are proving to finish out faster than normal and have an ideal carcass size.

Data is showing exceptional yields and above average grades. These cattle can put more pounds on a hook in a desirable carcass size with a higher percentage of Prime grades. Packers and producers alike want carcasses with these traits because it will lead to more profit.

Speckle Park cattle can be used to capitalize on profit in every type of operation. They meet the criteria that every sector of our industry is looking for. No doubt, they will continue to exceed the expectations of those in the beef industry.

The pivotal factor will be how well we market our breed of cattle. Marketing affects how our beef industry ultimately determines payment to the cattle producer. Consumers, producers, packers and other influences play into this very specific and volatile factor. If this breed is going to be sustainable and profitable, the end product must be marketable.

My great grandfather taught me a few things: take initiative to pursue your dreams, to be successful you must be resilient, and lastly if you take care of your cattle, they will take care of you.

If we apply this wisdom, the Speckle Park breed undoubtedly will thrive.

My family and I are incredibly honored to be a part of the Speckle Park family. Join us in the initiative to bring Speckle Park to their full potential in the United States of America and beyond. ◊

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greenwooD speckle park

GREENWOOD SPECKLE PARK DALTON PAYNE

lloyDmInster, aB, can

+1-780-808-6882

DALTON@greenwoodspecklepark.com

OUR MISSION: A trans-pacific partnership committed to sourcing and sharing the finest, true-to-breed genetics, resulting in Speckle Park cattle of superior quality and performance.

Greenwood Lavender 10L 2023 STOCKADE ROUNDUP

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Pathfinder Cora DLE 3C 2020 Speckle Park Miss World

Battalion Heartbreaker R16 14

$100,000 World record-selling Speckle Park female CENTER STAGE | 2025

Ivery Downs speckle park

IVERY DOWNS SPECKLE PARK Dale & Stacey Jones

colInton, QlD, aUs

+61 407 679 660

dale@iverydowns.com.au

the partnership between greenwood and Ivery Downs is built on a foundation of respect and belief in the enormous strengths of the speckle park breed. the principals of both operations continue to demonstrate their commitment to speckle park and actively share this passion across the world.

Battalion Upper Class 2021 Scone Speckl e Par k Sal e

$20,000 high-selling bull

Greenwood Coal Train 84J

TRIPLE CROWN Champion Bull in 2023:

2023 Stockade Roundup, farmfair international & Canadian western agribition

2023 Speckle Park Champion of the World

Greenwood

Jealousy 83J $66,000 HIGH-SELLING FEMALE

2021 HOMECOMING SPECKLE PARK SALE

2021 Speckle Park Miss World

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SPECKLE PARK

t s e t n o C o t o h P TOP 10

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A SEEDSTOCK PRODUCER’S

QUICK-START GUIDE TO MARKETING

By Laura Handke

There’s no shortage of work and commitment that goes into producing the seedstock animals that carry forward the genetic merit of a breed. As a seedstock producer, you’ve done your due diligence: your records, utilization of technology and well-developed herd attributes set you apart.

But how do you convey that message to other seedstock producers looking to compliment their genetic pool or commercial producers who are selling feedlot performance and maternal opportunity?

Whether you’re selling bulls, cows, or bred heifers, effectively showcasing your genetics and operation is, arguably, one of the greatest profitability drivers in your operation.

IF A PICTURE IS WORTH 1000 WORDS…

Showcase the phenotype you’ve invested in with pictures that do both the animal and your work justice.

High-quality photos are essential for marketing seedstock cattle. With the rare exception, livestock photographers and family mini-session photographers are not cut from the same cloth. Invest in a photographer who will invest in the quality of your images

WHO IS YOUR CUSTOMER

An often-overlooked step but huge contribution to successful advertising is identifying what makes your operation unique. Most ranches and cattle operations don’t have a written motto or slogan, but every cattleman should be able to talk about what sets his or her cattle apart from the breed and from the industry. These attributes may be regional or related to specific challenges producers in your area might face.

For example, if I’m buying bulls to cover cows running at a high altitude, I want to know if those bulls have been Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) tested. And if I’m buying replacement heifers to add to my southern Missouri herd, I want to know that those animals were developed on fescue.

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with their expertise.

Professional images will make a significant difference in how potential buyers perceive your animals.

Follow these tips to ensure your animal is camera ready: • Ask to see their work! Don’t hire a photographer without seeing their cattle photography portfolio • If you don’t intend to wash and fit your animals, choose a time when the lots are dry, and the animal is relatively clean • Choose an uncluttered background that complements the animal • Ensure the photographer captures both side and profile and rear photos • Ask your chosen photographer about their preference for lighting, and don’t

dismiss those gray, dreary days this fall.

…A TESTIMONIAL IS WORTH A MILLION WORDS

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the success story of a customer who has seen success using your genetics is worth a million! Short, simple and to the point, a customer who is willing to let you share what they have to say about the animals they’ve purchased from you and those animals’ impact on their herd is priceless.

Many would be happy to share their stories with you, you just have to ask, and then be prepared to use it.

• Identify 3 to 5 customers, ideally one new customer and one longtime customer, who may be willing to share their success.

• Jot down what they have to say. If they agree to it, record the conversation with your smart phone to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Here’s an example of a testimonial for the Speckle Park breed from association president, Cole Keyser: “What impresses me the most is the feed efficiency! They are moderate framed but don’t lack weight. They pack on more pounds with less feed.”

• Keep them short! No more than two or three (short) sentences for flyers and no more than a paragraph or two for your sale catalog.

• Let your customers review and approve their contribution and identify where it will be placed before anything is published. Do this via email so you

DEVELOPING A YEAR-ROUND MARKETING STRATEGY

have record of their approval.

• Only use the testimonial for the materials your customer has approved and ask for permission before using elsewhere, including your sale catalog the next year.

SALE ADVERTISEMENT

Your operation is likely a mix of old and new – carrying on tradition while incorporating new technologies and equipment that make your life easier. Your advertising strategy shouldn’t be any different.

Effective advertising utilizes a mix of traditional and digital marketing channels. Does yours?

Below are a few tips to reach your target customer: • Place ads in breed publications and regional agricultural newspapers.

• Develop a professional sale catalog.

• Leverage social media platforms to

showcase your offering and reach a wider audience by sponsoring posts.

• Consider targeted direct mail campaigns to past customers and prospects.

• Don’t forget to look at online listing services, they can be a very affordable way to reach new customers.

While sale day is where the pencil meets the paper, marketing should a year-round endeavor.

Have a plan and develop a calendar so nothing falls through the cracks – fill the seats on sale day.

Consider implementing these strategies to maintain buyer interest and engagement throughout the year: • Host field days or open houses to showcase your operation and animals.

• Participate in industry events, shows, and exhibitions to increase visibility.

• Ramp up your social media presence.

Share what’s happening on your operation. Throughout the year, give your customers a sneak peek of what they may have the opportunity to purchase Just like raising cattle, there is a lot that goes into a successful sale. Maximize every investment you’ve made in your herd by putting a marketing plan in place, following it and noting what worked and what didn’t work.

Remember no two operations are alike and the attributes that set you apart are the same attributes that attract YOUR customer – make it your own! ◊ CENTER STAGE | 2025

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VALUE ADDED

ECONOMICS

the amount by which the value of an article is increased at each stage of its production

Longevity. Efficiency. Carcass Quality.

Speckle Park cattle are setting a new precedence for beef production across the world, in all environments and at all stages in production with unrivaled calf vigour, feed conversion, longevity & meat quality.

SAVE ON YOUR BOTTOM LINE. FEED, GROW & FINISH WITH INCREASED EFFICIENCY **visit the "About" tab on our website to read more about the breed's feed conversion, carcass data, relevant studies & testimonials**

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www.canadianspecklepark.ca 403.453.9544

Registered Speckle Park Cattle and Genetics for Sale 295 White Road - Goshen, AR 72735 Bill (479) 871-0281 CENTER STAGE | 2025

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SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Keith Kissee Memorial Scholarship Awardees Mackenzie Harris “Growing up on a farm has taught me many things including time management, responsibility, and leadership; however, the most important thing this life has taught me was to work hard.

The work ethic I developed through being a “farm kid” is responsible for all of my life’s accomplishments as well as the ones I will achieve in the future.”

Brayden Sonnentag “One quality that I possess that I feel has and will continue to aid me in my future is my determination. I have been very successful academically in high school as well as athletically.

But, as most successful people know, becoming successful does not happen overnight. Becoming successful takes

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determination while performing day to day tasks to the best of your ability.

The dedication you show on the small day to day tasks or decisions is what ultimately decides your future success.”

Brynlee Sonnentag “I truly enjoy raising and working with our Speckle Park cattle. I am ambitious, responsible, hardworking, and feel that I do more than most other kids my age. I also know the importance of networking as we participate in all the activities that we go to.

Raising and showing cattle means no days off. They need to be fed, walked, brushed, and washed daily. I know that if I do all this and believe in myself that I can be successful. Each year I invest what I earn back into more Speckle Park females, then I show them off at the shows we go to. Growing my herd, even though small, with some of the breeds best genetics is my goal.” ◊

OPEN FARM DAY & PRIVATE TREATY SALE OCTOBER 12, 2024 | RIVER HILL FARM, SK | CANADA

THIS IS

THE FUTURE riverhillfarm@hotmail.com Cory | 780 870 7584 Barry | 780 205 2478

www.riverhill.ca

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

THE NEXT GENERATION OF SPECKLE PARK BREEDERS Junior Spotlight: Brynlee Sonnentag

Just outside of Boyd, Wisconsin, Brynlee Sonnentag is helping to ensure that the next generation of Speckle Park breeders know the merit and contribution the breed delivers to the beef industry. As an eighth grader, attending Cadott Junior-Senior High School, Brynlee is enthusiastic about the beef industry and shares, “I want everyone to know just how great the Speckle Park breed is.”

Speckle Park heifer in 2020. She would go on to buy a heifer from Greenwood Speckle Park in 2021, that’s when she knew she wanted to compete beyond the county fair show ring.

National sale and entered four animals in the National Show. The work ethic, dedication, and passion that this girl brings to this stage of the game is very admirable.

“I had a lot of fun with my heifer I bought from Greenwood, and that’s when I knew that I wanted to show at the next level. This past year, my dad

BEYOND THE SHOW RING

A PASSION FOR CATTLE

Hay Creek Speckle Park was born in 2020, when the Sonnentag family made their first Speckle Park purchase. Brynlee, who was ten at the time, says that the connection was immediate.

“I fell in love with Speckle Park as a breed right away.

They are so calm and beautiful to look at…plus they have these amazing square hips,” the middle schooler with an eye for good cattle says.

Since 2020, the family has grown their herd ten-fold with some of the most elite genetics the breed has to offer, an accomplishment Brynlee is proud of.

Her interest in the breed also creates special opportunities with her dad, including partnering on exceptional show cattle.

“Every year, I invest what I earn from my cattle sales back into more Speckle Park females,” she explains. “I want to grow my herd with some of the best genetics I can afford.

The Cadott youth has also excelled in the show ring, showing her first 24

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and I split a heifer I called Kalysta. I took her to a lot of jackpot shows and to the Minnesota Beef Expo. This year, Dad and I bought calves out of Canada to show, and I got to take them to Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, where I got Reserve Grand Champion with the heifer I called, Lady.” Brynlee shares. “It was a big deal for me and made all of my hard work worth it.”

In 2023, Brynlee was one of the first Speckle Park Association junior members to bring a bred and owned heifer to the first annual Speckle Park National Show in Oklahoma City. In 2024, Brynlee consigned another bred and owned heifer (HC Lucy) to the American Speckle Park

Brynlee manages to juggle her growing Speckle Park herd with her school studies to maintain a straight-A report card.

She is also involved in FFA where, as a middle school student, she competed on the livestock judging team.

At regionals, the team placed in the top five and were advanced to the state competition where Brynlee brought home an impressive fifty-second placing out of more than 150 high-school aged competitors.

“FFA has taught me so much about being a leader and agriculture,” Brynlee says. “I was the only seventh grader on the high school team, and I was really proud of doing so well at state.”

The cattle enthusiast has big plans for putting that leadership to work for the Speckle Park breed! ◊

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ADVERTISERS INDEX B

Blue Ridge Farms..................................................... 21 British White Trouble Speckle Park...................... 22

C

Canadian Speckle Park Association...................... 20 Cross W Cattle......................................................... 27

G

Graham Creek Ranch............................................... 7 Greenwood Ivery Downs........................................ 14

H

Mallet River Speckle Park....................................... 30

N

National ASPA Show & Sale.............................19, 30

P

Polzin Cattle - Speckle Park................................... 25

R

Ravenworth Cattle..................................................... 3 Riverhill Farm.......................................................... 23

Hay Creek Speckle Park............................................ 9 Heavenly Acres..................................................... IBC

T

I

U

Inc Cattle Co...........................................................BC Integrity Speckle Park Female Sale....................... 11

26

M

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The Big Chill Speckle Park Sale...........................IFC

Underhill Specs.......................................................... 5

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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ARKANSAS

KANSAS

Kade Scheller 730 Fairdale Rd Apt 7 Salina, KS 67401 682-201-8488 kade.scheller@yahoo.com

Chad Ward Roscoe Cattle 110 Elm Lane Livingston, MT 59047 406-539-7393 roscoecattlelivingston@gmail.com

COLORADO

Marlayna Vieselmeyer M&DCattle 4758 S 295th St W Cheney, KS 67025 316-772-8904 marlayna.vieselmeyer@gmail.com

Fred & Doreen McMurry McMurry Cattle 2027 Iris Lane Billings, MT 59012 406-254-1247 beckymcmurry@yahoo.com

KENTUCKY

NEBRASKA

Bill & Angie Hewat Blue Ridge Farms PO Box 211 Goshen, AR 72735 479-871-0281 blueridgefarms5h@gmail.com *Lifetime Member

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IOWA

Sam Harrington Horseshoe H Corral 848 Woodchuck Drive Postville, IA 52162 319-361-2583 Dan & Katie Patten Rockin’ P5 Ranch 2307 190th Ave Algona, IA 50511 515-341-1710 danpatten2@hotmail.com

ILLINOIS

David & Crystal Bumbarner DCB Farm 2325 Co Rd 515E Xenia, IL 62899 618-977-0497 crystal.bumbarner4607@gmail.com

Bradley A Turner 775 W Main St Gamaliel, KY 42140 270-427-7606 baturner1969@gmail.com

MAINE

Danielle Pelkie 55 Fairview Drive Fryeburg, ME 04370 207-441-5503 jennysue4@gmail.com

MICHIGAN

Amy Curtis Hidden Marsh Farm 7493 Maple Dale Road Jackson, MI 49201 517-262-6101 amy@hiddenmarshfarm.com

MINNESOTA

Jennifer Olson Golden Banty Farm 15752 Co Rd 33 Villard, MN 56385 320-491-5663 jolson101@gmail.com

MONTANA

Cliff & Nancy Marks Runamucka Ranch 574 Sweathouse Creek Road Victor, MT 59875 406-360-6607 runamucka@yahoo.com 28

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Colton & Alison Wright Cross W Cattle 170035 County Road 24 Gering, NE 69341 605-254-2747 cawright2018@gmail.com Dustin Myers 401 Oak Street/PO Box 86 Sumner, NE 68878 308-870-3830 15speedy23@gmail.com Michele Ray Empire Cattle Company 1066 S 4th Road Douglas, NE 68344 402-416-1426 micheleray202@msn.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE Webster N Jones Whispering Wind Farm 2440 E Conway Road Center Conway, NH 03813 603-662-8418

NEW YORK

Cole Keyser 436 Sanitarium Road Esperance, NY 12066 518-469-5099 heavenlyacresswiss@gmail.com *Lifetime Member

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY Megan Hartway Canal Side Cattle 3411 Hindsburg Road Albion, NY 14411 585-880-5736 maochal88@gmail.com

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OHIO

VIRGINIA

Travis & Marissa Hake Black Label Farms 2338 County Road I Edon, OH 43518 419-212-0675 blacklabelfarms2020@gmail.com

OKLAHOMA

Tina Williams Trouble 11602 N 1940 Road Sayre, OK 73662 580-821-4327 trensand@hotmail.com

SOUTH DAKOTA

Robert & Crystal Harris Golden Leaf Speckle Park 4031 Marion Road Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-0248 harrisfarmsva@gmail.com *Lifetime Member Jennifer Wilson Moxie Ranch, LLC 31 Lyles Church Lane Palmyra, VA 22963 434-373-5149 moxieranchllc@gmail.com

Erik D Holum, DVM Holum Farms 202 S Main Street Dimock, SD 605-656-1334 holum@sweetgrassvets.com

Ronald & Barbara Carty Timely Manor 449 Hunters Lane Blairs, VA 24527 timleymanorva@gmail.com *Lifetime Member

TENNESSEE

WASHINGTON

Chris & Ashton DiPasquale Iron Ridge Speckle Park 2681 Maysville Road Dickson, TN 37055 850-376-9925 ironridgespecklepark@gmail.com Amber Green 8225 Reb Hill Road Pall Mall, TN 38577 913-704-1846 amber_danielle21@hotmail.com

TEXAS

Stan Baucum White Rock Speckle Park 200 ND Ranch Road Waxahachie, TX 75167 214-392-6430 sbaucum@gmail.com

Willy Sheriff PO Box 67 Hobart, WA 98025 206-795-0352 nikkisheriff1@gmail.com

CANADA

Corey Ducherer River Hill Farm Box 37 Neilburg, SK S0M 2C0 780-205-2478 riverhillfarm@hotmail.com *Lifetime Member

JUNIOR MEMBERS Danielle Pelkie Fryeburg, ME jennysue4@gmail.com Colton Polzin Polzin Cattle Darwin, MN polzinembryocenter@gmail.com Molly Burns Jay View Farm Dover Plains, NY mollyburns311@icloud.com Brynlee Sonnentag Hay Creek Speckle Park Boyd, WI bjsonnentag@gmail.com Lainey Olson Golden Banty Farm Villard, MN jolsons101@gmail.com

WISCONSIN

Brad Sonnentag Hay Creek Speckle Park 30823 50th Ave Boyd, WI 54726 715-313-3640 bjsonnentag@gmail.com

WYOMING

Adrianne Mascaro DA Speckle Parks 518 Rd 47 Ten Sleep, WY 82442 801-554-5883 daspeckleparks@gmail.com CENTER STAGE | 2025

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The Beasts from the East Frozen Genetics Available Young Breeding Stock Available

Cole Keyser // Esperance, NY 518-469-5099 CENTER STAGE | 2025

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PROUDLY PROVIDING

ELITE BREEDING & GENETICS TO THE SPECKLE PARK BREED

SINCE 201 5

ROB HARASYMCHUK 306-290-7040 Robh@Maxies.ca

JANICE HARASYMCHUK 306-260-6200 32

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