Spotlight On Speckle Park Issue 3

SPOTLIGHT ON

SPECKLE PARK

SPOTLIGHT ON SPECKLE PARK TEAM

EDITOR & PUBLICATION MANAGER

Cayley Boychuk-Brown

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Keltey Whelan

SPOTLIGHT ON SPECKLE PARK PUBLICATION SCHEDULE

SPRING DEADLINE PUBLISHED Feb 15 March 1

FALL DEADLINE PUBLISHED Sept 15 Oct 1

x 11” plus ¼” bleed

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SANDY RUSSELL

Sandy Russell has been involved in the cattle business her entire life, growing up on a cow/calf ranch near Outlook, SK where she still resides today with her family. Sandy was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council in October 2021 and has since focused on driving value back to the membership through increased representation and engagement of the seedstock sector with all segments of the Canadian beef production.

DR. ROY LEWIS

Roy lewis has been a large animal veterinarian in Alberta for the last 42 years and has spent a lot of his time working in the purebred cattle sector. His articles pertain to all aspects of animal health.

MONA HOWE

Mona Howe is the owner and operator of Mo Angus, a ranch in Southeastern Alberta raising purebred and commercial Angus cattle, Quarter horses and Border Collie and Corgi dogs. She began freelance writing in 2018 in her spare time as an opportunity to share her passion for all aspects of the livestock industry.

$1,150

Half Page 7.5” x 4.7” no bleed

$600

Quarter Page 3.6” x 4.9”

$425

Business Card 2.125” x 1.5”

$150

Premium pages will be priced upon request and sold first come, first served. If an ad is placed in both the Spring & Fall editions, a 15% discount will be applied to the second ad rate. For more information and to book space, contact Cayley at info@canadianspecklepark.ca

Spotlight on Speckle Park Mission

Our mission is to educate and inform our membership, to build enthusiasm and create community within the breed, whilst continuing to market and showcase the Speckle Park cattle to their maximum potential - with emphasis on the breed’s efficiency, longevity & quality beef production.

CATHERINE BROWN

Catherine is an avid writer with a lifelong passion for cows. Her day-to-day life involves cattle management in both commercial and purebred enterprises. She has a special interest in subtle energy, particularly as it relates to cattle and cattle handling. She has written for and edited several Canadian livestock publications for over 35 years and will soon launch her first book project.  She and her husband currently manage a cattle ranch in the southern interior of BC.

NICKI WESTERSUND

Nicki Westersund was raised on a commercial beef farm just outside of Blackie, AB. She spent 8 years involved in the Alberta 4-H Program with beef steer, replacement heifer and horse projects. Nicki attended the Univeristy of Lethbridge where she graduated with a bachelors degree in agriculture economics. Throughout university Nicki held summer postions at Farm Credit Canada, Western Feedlots and BASF. After graduation Nicki accepted a position with DuPont where she was the Account Manager and Grower Specialist managing over 80 strategic accounts within southern Alberta for pesticide products. Nicki now occupies the role of Western Canada Territory Manager for Neogen Canada managing beef genomics. Nicki enjoys helping with operations on the farm, mountain biking/hiking and training her working cow horse to get back into the show pen. It is an excting time to be involved in genomics with evolving technology and a diverse product portfolio, Nicki is looking forward to helping producers manage their genetics and to be part of the Canadian beef industry.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

CSPA CORNER

Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Spotlight on Speckle Park!

Across this great nation dust trails follow convoys of grain trucks hauling in the harvest from countless fields and calves by the thousands are coming home off the grass. These are the results of so much hard work, worry and unwavering determination by the proud few that are Canada’s farmers and ranchers.

The falling leaves and shorter days are signs that the show season is nearly upon us. For the first time in our breed history there will be a Speckle Park Show at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Like many, to show at the Royal has always been a dream of mine, to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps when he brought his string of heavy horses to the Winter Fair back in the 1930’s. Each of us must do our best to make this inaugural event a success and to ensure its longevity.

To add to this show season’s excitement, our breed has reached another milestone. Never before have three different mature Speckle Park bulls earned spots in Canadian Western Agribition Supreme and certainly this has never been accomplished prior to official start of the fall show schedule.

Commodity prices remain strong and this gives us an opportunity to make our herds better. It’s far easier to do a hard and necessary cull in our programs when these animals are bringing top dollar.

There’s no denying it, there are still times when producers are experiencing unfair colour coat discounts at the yards for our calves. As President of the Canadian Speckle Park Association I am putting a lot of effort in addressing this problem. I’ve spoken to many producers to see how they are adapting.

Producers are finding different ways to market their product. There are many who deal directly with consumers and are marketing their high-quality beef right to the customer’s doorstep.

Other breeders are working together to assemble bigger groups of calves/yearlings. Be it 50 head or 200 head, feedlots want to fill their pens in a single purchase. Often the discount is the result of simply not enough animal’s available at any given time. I’ve talked to producers who have banded together, grouping all their calves in larger groups and this strategy is paying off. Often these packages are bought right off the farm with no need to ship them to town.

Of all that I learned from listening to my fellow breeders the most important is this - by working together we can overcome most anything, including a skewed marketplace. There’s an old adage that is more than apt in this situation. “If you want to go fast go alone. If want to go far, go together.”

Janice Harasymchuk CSPA President

Bienvenue à la troisième édition de la revue “Spotlight on Speckle Park” !

À travers notre grand pays, des écrans de poussière suivent des convois de camions de grain qui transportent la récolte de tous les champs cultivés, alors que des milliers de veaux reviennent à la maison à leur sortie des pâturages. Ce sont les résultats de tant de travail acharné, d’inquiétude et de détermination inébranlable de la part des quelques fiers agriculteurs et producteurs de boeuf du Canada.

Les feuilles qui tombent et les jours plus courts sont des signes que la saison des expositions approche. Pour la première fois dans l’histoire de notre race, il y aura un jugement Speckle Park à l’Exposition Royale d’hiver de Toronto. Comme plusieurs personnes, cela a toujours été mon rêve de présenter des animaux à la Royale, afin de suivre les traces de mon grandpère quand il a présenté son groupe de chevaux lourds à la foire Royale d’hiver dans les années 1930. Chacun d’entre nous doit faire de son mieux pour faire de cet événement inaugural un succès et assurer sa continuité.

Et, pour ajouter à l’excitation de cette saison d’exposition, notre race a atteint un autre jalon historique. Nous n’avons jamais eu trois taureaux Speckle Park adultes qui ont gagné des places dans le Championnat Suprême de la “Canadian Western Agribition” et certainement cela n’avait jamais été accompli avant le début officiel du calendrier des expositions d’automne.

Les prix des bovins demeurent élevés, ce qui nous donne l’occasion d’améliorer nos troupeaux. Il est beaucoup plus facile d’effectuer une réforme sélective difficile et nécessaire dans nos programmes lorsque ces animaux rapportent autant d’argent.

RAPPORT DU PRÉSIDENT

On ne peut pas le nier, il y a encore des moments où les producteurs subissent des rabais injustifiés par rapport à la couleur des veaux dans les encans. En tant que présidente de l’Association Canadienne Speckle Park (ACSP), je fais beaucoup d’efforts pour solutionner ce problème. J’ai parlé à de nombreux producteurs pour voir comment ils s’adaptent.

Les producteurs trouvent différentes façons de commercialiser leurs animaux. Il y en a beaucoup qui vendent directement aux consommateurs et commercialisent leur viande de boeuf de haute qualité directement à la porte du client.

D’autres éleveurs travaillent ensemble pour regrouper de plus grands groupes de veaux et de bouvillons. Que ce soit cinquante ou deux cents têtes, les parcs d’engraissement veulent remplir leurs enclos en un seul achat. Souvent, la réduction du prix est le résultat d’un manque d’animaux disponibles à un moment donné. J’ai parlé à des producteurs qui se sont concertés pour regrouper tous leurs veaux en grands groupes, et cette stratégie leur rapporte. Souvent, ces groupes de veaux sont achetés directement à la ferme sans avoir besoin de les expédier à l’encan.

De tout ce que j’ai appris en écoutant mes collègues éleveurs, le plus important est ceci - en travaillant ensemble, nous pouvons surmonter la plupart des choses, y compris un marché biaisé. Il y a un adage qui est plus que vrai dans cette situation. « Si vous voulez aller vite, allez-y seul. Si vous voulez aller loin, allez-y ensemble.

Janice Harasymchuk

Présidente de l’ACSP

CSPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Janice Harasymchuk

Saskatoon, SK 306-260-6200

janiceh@maxies.ca

VICE PRESIDENT

Peter Watson

Branchton, ON 519-242-0933

petemar162@gmail.com

DIRECTORS

Curtis McAleer

Unity, SK 306-228-3689

ctmcaleer@sasktel.net

Harv Fehr

Hague, SK 306-290-6780

highmark.hf@gmail.com

Craig Brown

Wetaskiwin, AB 780-360-3276

maplelanestockfarm@gmail.com

MEMBER AT LARGE

Art Pruim

Warman, SK 306-222-8455

ajpruim@sasktel.net

DIRECTOR/YOUTH PROGRAMS

Makenzie Olson

Tisdale, SK 305-921-3402

youth@canadianspecklepark.ca

CSPA CORNER

Since our last issue of Spotlight on Speckle Park, we have had a summer full of activities and events for our Speckle Park Breeders. Our Annual General Meeting was hosted in Cambridge, Ontario. This was an event that demonstrated every aspect of our industry including tours, educational workshops, a junior show and of course our AGM meeting. Our board and members in attendance took home a wealth of information and networking connections acquired over the weekend.

As we work towards the future of EPD evaluations for our animals, it is pertinent that our members enter as much data as accurately as possible into the system. Whether it be Birth Weights, Weaning Weights, Yearling Weights or Carcass Scanning Data, we appreciate everything that is shared to assist in accuracy.

There are several ways to enter your Weaning and Yearling Weights into the system; Under the Resources tab on the website, there are step by step instructions that will walk you through entering your Weaning and Yearling weights quickly and easily. If you are unable to enter your data this way, you can email the office an excel worksheet with the animal IDs, Weights, Date weighed and control group number and we can have them entered for you.

Carcass scanning data must take place between 320-460 days of age for females and 320-440 days of age for males in order for it to be recognized as valid test results.

As we quickly approach show and sale season with some already starting to take place, be sure to send the office an email with the list of animals set up in the system whose samples you are sending to the lab prior to sending them in. From receipt of email to test set up of the digital request at our office, we typically have a 24-hour turnaround, if the animal is already entered in the system. Your samples can be sent anytime after you have notified us. Ensuring you let the office know prior to sending will speed up the process at the lab so that they can start testing as soon as the sample arrives, having already received the digital request and reducing any possibility that your sample could be sent to storage rather than testing upon arrival.

We look forward to a great season on the road for those attending shows and sales and look forward to the opportunity to visit with many of you in person at upcoming events.

Regards,

Ciara Mattheis Business Manager Canadian Speckle Park Association

CANADIAN SPECKLE PARK ASSOCIATION

5160 Skyline Way NE Calgary, AB T2E 6V1

Hours of operation: Monday to Wednesday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Tel: 403-453-9544

info@canadianspecklepark.ca

canadianspecklepark.ca

Depuis notre dernier numéro de la revue « Spotlight on Speckle Park », nous avons eu un été rempli d’activités et d’événements pour nos éleveurs de bovins Speckle Park. Notre assemblée générale annuelle a eu lieu à Cambridge, en Ontario. Il s’agissait d’un événement qui a démontré tous les aspects de notre industrie, y compris des visites de fermes, des ateliers éducatifs, un jugement pour les juniors et, bien entendu, notre réunion annuelle. Notre conseil d’administration et les membres présents sont revenus chez eux avec une mine d’informations et de nouveaux contacts effectués au cours de la fin de semaine.

Alors que nous travaillons à mettre en place des évaluations génétiques ÉPD pour nos animaux, il est très important que nos membres saisissent le maximum de données possible dans le système. Qu’il s’agisse de poids à la naissance, de poids au sevrage, de poids à l’âge d’un an ou de données sur les carcasses mesurées par ultrasons, nous apprécions recevoir toutes ces données partagées qui nous aideront à améliorer le niveau de précision.

Il y a plusieurs façons d’entrer vos poids au

RAPPORT DU CHEF D’ENTREPRISE

sevrage et à l’âge d’un an dans le système. Sur le site Web, sous l’onglet Ressources, il y a des instructions qui vous guideront étape par étape pour entrer rapidement et facilement vos poids au sevrage et à l’âge d’un an. Si vous n’êtes pas en mesure d’entrer vos données de cette manière, vous pouvez envoyer par courriel au bureau une feuille de calcul Excel avec les numéros d’identification des animaux, les poids, la date de pesée et le numéro du groupe de contrôle, et nous pouvons les faire entrer pour vous.

Les données de mesures des carcasses doivent avoir été recueillies chez des femelles âgées entre 320 et 460 jours, et entre 320 et 440 jours pour les mâles afin d’être reconnues comme résultats valides.

Alors que nous approchons rapidement de la période des expositions et des ventes, au moment d’écrire cet article, certaines commencent déjà à avoir lieu. Par ailleurs, avant d’envoyer au laboratoire les échantillons de poils des sujets devant être gardés dans le système assurez-vous d’envoyer au bureau un courriel contenant la liste des animaux concernés. À partir de la réception du courriel à notre bureau

à la mise en place de la demande numérique du test, nous avons généralement un délai de 24 heures, si l’animal est déjà entré dans le système.

Vos échantillons peuvent être envoyés à tout moment après que vous nous avez informé. En vous assurant d’aviser le bureau avant l’envoi, cela accélérera le processus au laboratoire afin qu’il puisse commencer les tests dès que les échantillons arriveront. Puisqu’ils auront déjà reçu la demande numérique, cela diminuera toute possibilité que votre échantillon puisse être placé de côté plutôt que d’être testé dès son arrivée.

Nous sommes optimistes de connaître une excellente saison sur la route pour ceux qui assistent aux expositions et aux ventes d’animaux, et nous avons de rencontrer plusieurs d’entre vous en personne lors des événements à venir.

Salutations,

Ciara Mattheis Chef d’entreprise, Association canadienne Speckle Park

SPECKLE SPOTS

CSPA 2023 AGM

Thank you to everyone who made the 2023 CSPA AGM a success!

Thank you to our AGM sponsors Farmers Depot, TD Agriculture Services, National Bank of Canada & Upper Grand Veterinary Services.

Thank you to our junior show sponsors Red Maple Speckle Park, Watson Land & Livestock Inc., Settlers & Andchris Farms.

Thank you to our farm tour hosts Underhill SPECS, Martinstar Farms & Watson Land & Livestock Inc. A special thank you to the Watson family for all the work they put in to organizing so many aspects of the AGM & Junior Show.

We would also like to say a big thank you to Cory Ducherer and Heather Brundige, who have now stepped down from their service on the CSPA Board of Directors after many years of service. Thank you for the countless hours you have both put in as members of the CSPA National Board and thank you for all that you have done for the Speckle Park breed, association and membership.

We would like to introduce you to our 2023-2024 CSPA Board of Directors!

President: Janice Harasymchuk • Vice President: Peter Watson • Director & Treasurer: Harv Fehr • Director & Chair of the Commercial/Breed Improvement Committee: Curtis McAleer • Director & Youth Coordinator: Makenzie Olson • Director: Craig Brown • Member At Large: Art Pruim.

2024 CSPA AGM

The 2024 CSPA AGM will be held in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba from Friday, June 14th - Saturday, June 15th. We look forward to seeing you there!

2023 SPECIAL SPECKLE PARK FEEDER CALF SALES

PROVOST, AB :: OCT 30 TH Contact Curtis McAleer for more information ctmcaleer@sasktel.net

YORKTON, SK :: NOV 1 ST Contact Josh Vogel for more information legacysp@xplornet.ca

SASKATOON, SK :: NOV 14 TH Contact Janice Harasymchuk for more information janiceh@maxies.ca

WESTLOCK, AB :: TBA Contact Craig Brown for more information maplelanestockfarm@gmail.com

From left to right: Craig Brown, Art Pruim, Ciara Mattheis (Registrar & Business Manager), Janice Harasymchuk, Peter Watson, Harv Fehr & Curtis McAleer

QUEEN’S JUBILEE MEDAL AWARDED TO ART PRUIM

Art Pruim, our CSPA Member At Large (for the second consecutive year), was recently awarded a Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his commitment to agriculture. Congratulations Art! We appreciate all that you do for the CSPA and the agricultural industry at large.

Art and Elaine Pruim live on their farm near Warman, SK. They own and operate PlumBlossom Farms Ltd which is their dairy farm where 380 cows are milked 3X a day. They also own Peak Farms Ltd which has their Speckle Park herd as well as their grain operation.

Brad and James oversee most of the day-to-day operations of the above businesses and John has now started Twin Peaks Creamery making and retailing ice cream as well as retailing their beef and pork products.

They moved from BC in 1998 and began farming near Osler, SK where the present dairy farm is located.

Boards and other commitments are as follows:

9 years on the Saskatchewan Holstein Branch

6 years on the Genetic Evaluation Board for Lactanet

10 years on the Westgen Board

2 years on the Semex Board

6.5 years as a councillor for Corman Park

Numerous terms for their Church Board

1 year completed for the Speckle Park Association

NEW CARCASS SCANNING TIME WINDOWS

Attention Breeders! Moving forward, all carcass scanning must take place between 320-460 days of age for females and 320-440 days of age for males in order for it to be recognized as valid test results.

SHOW RING ATTIRE!

Reminder to CSPA Members that the CSPA dress code must be adhered to at The Royal Winter Fair, FarmFair International and Canadian Western Agribition. The dress code is as follows: white shirt and black vest (you may substitute a plain black vest if you do not have a vest from the association).

AGTALK SUPPORT SERVICES

The Do More Agriculture foundation has launched AgTalk, a peer-to-peer support platform powered by Togetherall, this summer.

AgTalk is available 24/7 to those 16+ who live, work and play in the Canadian agricultural industry. The platform provides a safe and anonymous space for individuals to connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who truly understand their unique experiences.

We understand that mental health journeys are deeply personal, and everyone progresses at their own pace. AgTalk is designed to support individuals in their next steps toward improving their mental wellbeing, allowing them to share and connect when they are ready. The clinically moderated environment provides an added layer of support and wellbeing for our community.

This platform, powered by Togetherall, provides a free and secure environment for open discussions on mental health, both in English and French.

AgTalk is tailored to ANYONE working in the greater agriculture industry, and not exclusively for primary producers. To register or learn more, please visit domore.ag/ agtalk.

-Eugenie Officer, Public & Media Relations, Do More Ag

SPECKLE SPOTS

EXPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR BOVINE EMBRYOS TO NEW ZEALAND FROM CANADA

By Dr. Rob Stables, Bow Valley Genetics

New Zealand has recently changed its requirements to allow bovine embryos to be brought in from Canada. This document provides a general outline of the requirements, but they are subject to change by New Zealand authorities at any time. These are only general guidelines and are not meant to be used for the purposes of qualifying embryos for export to NZ. These are only intended to be a guideline for breeders to use when looking to export embryos. Ultimately, the responsibility for meeting the export requirements is up to the breeder and the embryo veterinarian.

1. The embryo collection team must be CFIA approved for the production of exportable embryos and under the supervision of a Canadian Embryo Transfer Association Certified Practitioner.

2. Only conventional in-vivo derived embryos are allowed. IVF embryos are not allowed.

3. Embryo donors must be housed in the embryo collection herd for 28 days prior to the flush. The embryo collection herd is the herd/location where the flush is occurring. Either at your farm or at a donor centre.

4. If the donor was imported to Canada then she must have been resident in Canada for 60 days prior to embryo collection and could only have come from the USA, EU, United Kingdom, Australia, or Switzerland.

5. On the day of the embryo collection the veterinarian from the export approved embryo collection team must inspect and certify that the donor(s) are free from clinical evidence of infectious disease that can be transmitted via embryos.

6. Some of the disease testing requirements can be fulfilled with pre-flush testing. If this is done, then the donors must only be housed with other animals meeting the same requirements, essentially forming a quarantine herd.

7. There are several different disease testing options on the export certificate. Which options are chosen needs to be a discussion between the breeder and the certified veterinarian. Testing is done for BVD virus, Q-fever, and Mycoplasma bovis.

8. The donor must have never had a positive Q-fever test. If she tests positive, then no further embryos can be exported to NZ from her.

9. The donor must come from a country free of Tuberculosis and the embryo collection herd must be free of TB.

10. The donor must be treated with a single injection of Oxytetracycline at a dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight intramuscularly between 2-10 days prior to the flush date.

11. The semen used must be at least exportable to the USA or higher standard.

***Please note that New Zealand could change these requirements at any time which would render this document out of date. Always talk to your ET Vet for the latest requirements.***

2023 CSPA SUMMER SALE ON ICE

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2023 CSPA Summer Sale On Ice!

Thank you to our consignors:

Andchris Farms

Downs

• Colesdale Farms

• Grand Specs

• Highmark Stock Farms Ltd.

Peak Farms Ltd.

Underhill SPECS

• Greenwood

• INC Cattle Co.

• Rafter JL Livestock

• Greenwood/Ivery

• Marblen Farms

• Red Maple Speckle Park

• Watson Land & Livestock Inc.

• Skye Line Farms

• Wolf Lake Speckle Park.

Thank you to those who supported the association with donation lots:

INC Cattle Co.

• Rafter JL Livestock

Watson Land & Livestock Inc.

• Skye Line Farms

• Underhill SPECS

• Wolf Lake Speckle Park.

And a big thank you to buyers:

SND Signature Speckles

Acres

• Specklehaus Genetics

• Trestle Creek Cattle Co.

Lane Stock Farm

Hollycott SP

• KFC Farms

• JC Cattle Co.

• Chestnut Hill Ranch

• Shadow Ranch

• Hiller Hay Farms

• Far From Sandy

• Mansfield Amaroo

• INC Cattle Co.

• Chestnut Hill Ranch.

• Maple

• Mirrenna Farms

VISION intentional

Written by Catherine Brown

Dalton Payne’s fresh & promising start in the Speckle Park breed

Meet “Greenwood Coal Train 84J”. He’s an up-andcoming bull of profile in the Speckle Park Breed who has garnered attention across all breeds. He was named Supreme Champion over all breeds at the 2023 Prince Albert Exhibition. He’s straight black and he had the Angus people in the show barns talking. They figured he was direct competition. But alas, he was, indirectly, in the big picture.

Coal Train was the one resulting pregnancy of four embryos purchased from Ontario breeder Carl Walker by Dalton Payne of Greenwood Speckle Park. When Coal Train was born, Dalton was concerned that a solid black bull might not be popular within the breed. But a half share of the bull calf was ultimately sold for $17,000, to the Meakins, of Wrangler Farm in Westlock, Alberta and he was shown successfully that fall. After suffering an injury, he wasn’t shown as a yearling but in the space of one year, his new owners marketed $20,000 worth of Coal Train semen. After conversations between the Meakins, Dalton and Australian breeders, the Jones family of Ivery Downs, it was agreed that Ivery Downs would buy out Wrangler’s half share of Coal Train. Long story short, the bull is now Agribition-bound.

and Jaxon started the Angus division in the early 2000’s. Dalton was largely behind the Speckle Park division with his parents Mark and Doris, which was founded in 2017. Dalton now manages it exclusively, though the whole family is equally invested across all herds.

Now 24-year-old Dalton holds a steady vision for the Speckle Park breed, which he embarked in with enthusiasm and skill. He is one of the youngest Speckle Park breeders in all of Canada and has already found success, having won many division championships at Agribition, as well as overall championships at local shows.

During high school, Dalton played competitive hockey but gave that up to go straight into farming after graduation. His partner, Colby Beek, comes from a commercial cattle operation near Lloydminster. She has been in a nursing program and is now studying to qualify as an x-ray technician. The couple’s latest addition is “Duke” the dog, which Dalton agreed to, as long as he was speckled! Duke – their Australian Shepherd – is featured in the photos on The Greenwood Speckle Park website and fits right in with the herd!

Dalton has one sibling - his brother Brendan - that is eight years his senior, who took an independent path off the farm as a power engineer.

Young Dalton Payne is no stranger to purebred cattle circles. His family, operating under the Greenwood name, on two locations West and North of Lloydminster, Alberta, is now five generations strong and is steeped in producing and marketing top breeding stock across multiple breeds. In 1978, his grandparents Bernard and Mona, along with their six boys, started their world-renowned Limousin program.

Dalton’s uncle Scott and his wife Jackie now manage that program. Their two boys Jayden

The farming operations of the Payne family consist of 800 acres of grain land – mostly oats and green feed, in rotation with canola. They don’t actually produce very much hay for themselves as most of their grassland is used to pasture cows.

Dalton works full-time at home with no off-farm income. While he and his cousins help with the farming operations,

Dalton’s herd started small and grew slowly but has already garnered global interest with sales into 15 countries.

Opposite: Greenwood Coal Train 84J as a yearling

Right: Greenwood Coal Train 84J, 2023 PA EX Supreme Champion Bull

Dalton mainly manages the Speckle Park division of the cattle herd, complete with all of the marketing and paperwork involved. His dad Mark and uncle Scott run the grain operation. And his cousins Jayden and Jaxon manage the Angus and Limousin programs and host the annual Evolution Sale in October and their bull sale in February. Their mom, Jackie, helps them manage the Angus and Limousin herds along with the associated paperwork.

Dalton’s foray into the Speckle Park breeding had no single defining moment. He was simply exposed to the breed, over time, at cattle shows and in nearby operations and noticed the depth and quality of the breed as it developed.

The rest is history, with a good dose of powerful, focused attention, putting one foot in front of the other. Founded in 2017, Dalton’s herd started small and grew slowly but has already garnered global interest with sales into 15 countries, including Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia and Czecnia.

His first year showing Speckle Park at Agribition resulted in winning Heifer Calf Champion, which was ultimately named the National Reserve Grand Champion Female.

There is opportunity here, for young people getting involved with the Speckle Park breed.

But ask Dalton what he likes most about the breed and he immediately says “the people in the breed”.

“They are a unique group – like a big family,” he says. And unlike larger breeds, he thinks there are fewer factions within it and many have similar goals in mind for the breed.

“A big plus is the welcoming of new breeders with open arms,” says Dalton. “Bigger breeds don’t tend to be as open to helping and welcoming competition.”

Top: Double S Belva 154B Right: Battalion Upper Class Q43

What the cattle themselves have to offer, he says, is “meat quality that is right up there with the Waygu breed.” He says if a person is selling freezer beef, this could be one breed that sets them apart, in terms of consistent meat quality and marbling.

“Fertility is great and above all, they are feedefficient,” he says. “They aren’t much smaller than Angus or Limousin cows but they are way more efficient.”

Dalton has a laser sharp vision for the Speckle Park breed – for it to be on the same platform as Canada’s other main beef cattle breeds. This challenge, along with ensuring more consistency of phenotype across the board, is what keeps him engaged and interested. He, himself, is achieving true consistency in his own operation by working with specific, predictable cow families.

The Double S Belva 154B cow family put his herd on the map and five daughters are now working in his herd. Wren of P.A.R. 70E was the breed’s Champion of the World in 2019. Pathfinder Cora DLE 3C was named Champion of the World - “Speckle Park Miss World” - in 2020. Greenwood Jealousy 83J was named Champion of the World – “Speckle Park Miss World” in 2021.

The year 2021 was Dalton’s third in the breed and in the fall Homecoming sale, held at the Stockade Roundup, he sold the Greenwood Jealousy 83J female for $66,000 to Australian breeders, Ivery Downs. The occasion was bittersweet as he had lost his grandpa Bernie Payne just two weeks previous. But the sale resulted in a serendipitous ongoing friendship and novel strategic partnership for both Greenwood and Ivery Downs.

Two years later, there are still several phone calls weekly between the operations and more cattle were invested in together. A formal partnership was established to work for the benefit of each. There were a lot of skeptics at first, according to Dalton, who describes this partnership as one of his

biggest “wins” to-date, in terms of his friendship with Dale and Stacey Jones of Ivery Downs. “It’s a win-win,” he says. And the Jones’ are now like family to him.

“Dale and I had an instant connection, agreeing on a lot of things,” says Dalton, who honours the fact that they have full trust in one another.

Earlier in 2021, before they knew one another, Dalton had made inquiries about the Battalion Upper Class bull, owned by Ivery Downs, for which he did ultimately purchase semen rights. And though it took a couple years to get the semen to Canada, he now describes this bull as one of his “best breeding pieces”.

Their business model gives each partner access to the best genetics in their respective herds. The Greenwood females which Ivery Downs purchased and now owns outright are managed by Dalton at Greenwood, in this arrangement. Other Canadian breeders have access to Ivery Downs genetics via Dalton’s exclusive right to market them. And likewise, the Jones of Ivery Downs are exclusive marketers of Greenwood Speckle Park genetics in the Australian market.

From left: Brendan Payne, Rowan Payne, Bryn Payne, Renn Payne, Doris Payne, Mark Payne, Duke (dog), Dalton Payne & Colby Beek

From left: Halley Adams, Jaxon Payne, Scott Payne, Jackie Payne, Jayden Payne & Leah Beeching

Greenwood Jealousy 83J - Reserve Champion Feamle CWA 2018

The partnership opened up opportunities within the breed as a whole, Dalton points out. Previously, it was tricky for many Canadian breeders to ship genetics internationally. But now Canadian breeders can take advantage of tanks moving back and forth to Australia. And Dalton says the quality of the breed, several generations removed from the Canadian gene pool, is second to none in Australia. It adds a new flavor to the breed. While markets are quite different between Canada and Australia, Dalton says breeders can easily find the kind that work here.

Dalton is now scheduling travel back and forth to Australia twice annually. And likewise, the Jones’ make the trek to Canada twice annually.

The Jealousy 83J female was ultimately lost one week after she had her first calf – a result of her casting herself. This happened before her new owners were able to flush her. Yet they were understanding, knowing the risks involved.

“It’s the coolest breed to be involved in right now,” says Dalton. “There is so much growth potential into multiple international markets.”

There is opportunity here, for young people getting involved with the Speckle Park breed, in Dalton’s opinion. Interest and youth involvement is pretty strong in the breed, he says. The association works to support youth, partly through fundraising initiatives.

The drawing card for Dalton himself was to be involved in a unique breed that stands out and “the opportunity to bloom into a new program,” in his own words, describing his experience, to-date, like that of “opening a door

to expanding the breed.”

Asked what he would advise other youth considering building a herd in this breed, Dalton said “Start small and go slow.” That could be Dalton’s motto. “Focus on quality over quantity. A strong foundation will last forever.” Dalton says his grandpa taught him this.

“Some people think they need to be big to be impactful,” says Dalton, adding that that is not the case. The Greenwood Speckle Park herd is small, he points out. It consists of 35 breeding females.

Embryos are marketed overseas and some are kept in-herd.

Dalton underlines that promotion is important and it’s something he loves to do, having built his own website and made sure it’s easy to navigate and that it’s populated with top-of-the-line photographs and videos. He says he has spent hours teaching himself how. An online presence is particularly important for the Speckle Park breed which is growing internationally, he says. Dalton makes sure that people can easily find him and that the website is kept up-to-date.

A big key to his success, he says, is promotion and good photos. In June and July, he is sure to take a lot of photos of his cows on pasture. And he doesn’t hesitate to invest in professional photography to capture his top bulls and females.

See Greenwood’s influential herd foundations online at www.greenwoodcattle.com and www.greenwoodspecklepark.com

“Focus on quality over quantity. A strong foundation will last forever.”

GREENWOOD IVERY DOWNS PARTNERSHIP

Founded in November of 2021, after the Jones, of Ivery Downs, purchased the late Greenwood Jealousy 83J for $66,000 CAD, by auction, the partnership has since catalyzed new opportunities and growth in the Speckle Park breed, globally.

Ivery Downs is a 1,000-cow strong purebred and commercial cow-calf operation located in Colinton, in Queensland, Australia.

Stacey and Dale Jones take a lot of pride in breeding cattle that are resilient to environmental extremes. Dale, son to a farmer and government stock inspector, now manages day-to-day operations at Ivery Downs. Stacey is a proficient horsewoman who once competed in rodeo-like cattle cutting competitions. She now owns a law firm and property investment firm based in Brisbane, Australia.

The couple originally ran grass cattle on 150 acres while both working full time off the ranch. Their first daughter, Avery, was born with a serious heart condition, requiring one of her parents to be with her at all times. What precipitated was a decision to buy more land, expand the herd and make the ranch one of their primary businesses, so that Dale could work from home. That herd consisted of Brangus and Waygu on 550 acres which was named Avery Downs, after their first daughter.

When the operation outgrew the second landbase, another ranch consisting of 3,500 acres, was purchased and was named after their now two daughters, Avery and Ivy – thus, Ivery Downs.

They had used Speckle Park bulls for their commercial herd. But so intrigued they were with the opportunities for the breed that they started their own stud – as purebred breeding operations are called in Australia. Primary among their intentions has been to grow the Speckle Park influence throughout the commercial sector of the cattle industry in Australia, the Queensland area being a strategic location to start, since 40 per cent of Australia’s beef cattle population is in that state.

The Australian Speckle Park breeders outnumber Canadian breeders, with over 600 association members and 12,000 registered breeding females.

The Sydney Royal show recently featured 120 head of Speckle Park, making it one of the largest Speckle Park showcases in the world.

Dale and Stacey just recently built a new sale complex to establish a marketplace which they found to be missing in their region. Their first sale this fall featured 17 consignors. They are active on Facebook under: The Hot Spot Multi-Vendor Auction. This year’s sale featured purebred and commercial Speckle Park cattle.

In Dale and Stacey’s travels to Canada, they have learned that there are whole family lines in Australia which are now multiple generations removed from Canadian pedigrees. Stacey believes the Australian Speckle Park are moderately larger framed, as a rule, than Canadian Speckle Park. The extra height, she says, helps their herds travel well in the harsh grazing conditions in Australia. She says the breed really shines in terms of its efficiency on ranges where resources are sparse.

The Jones’ breeding goals align well with those of the Greenwood herd. The goal of the partnership has been to better serve and diversify their home markets. Their trust in Dalton Payne gives them a sense of security when ample hair on Canadian beasts paired with exceptional fitting standards and livestock photography made it too risky for them to buy in Canada, sight-unseen.

Stacey likens Dale and Dalton to long lost brothers and that solid relationship, she says, allows them to enter the Canadian market with confidence.

“They complement one another and have similar views,” she says. And their partnership has served to give both direct access to world-class animals and to widen their respective genetic pools.

Written by Catherine Brown

The Greenwood Ivery Downs transpacific partnership is one of a kind in Canada’s seedstock industry, as far as this writer’s knowledge goes.

Top: Cows at Ivery Downs Right: Dalton Payne, girlfriend Colby Beek and Stacey & Dale Jones

SPRING 4WARD JR. BEEF EVENT

C.R.Y. JUNIOR STEER & HEIFER SHOW

April 15, 2023 Olds, AB Judge Doug Roxburgh Photographer Kim Groeneveld Matthews

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

GRAND CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

SENIOR SHOWMANSHIP

1st - Mackenzie Martin • 2nd - Emily Watson

INTERMEDIATE SHOWMANSHIP

1st - Lily Brundige • 2nd - Earl Watson

JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP

1st - Brielle DeGraaf • 2nd - Paige Hanes

GRAND CHAMPION SHOWPERSON

June 16, 2023 Branchton, Ontario Judges James & Ellen Blenkiron Photographer Emily Watson

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION SHOWPERSON

Logan Miller

Lacey Miller

Lily Brundige

Mackenzie Martin

NATIONAL JUNIOR SPECKLE PARK SHOW SUMMER SYNERGY

Wolf Lake Jog-A-Long 11J Luke Brundige

Wolf Lake Kick-A-Long 11K Melody Brundige

Heidi Fradette

Amy Fradette

PRINCE ALBERT AG EXHIBITION

August

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

INC Carnival Ride 67J INC Cattle Co.

1-5, 2023 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Judge Eric & Terra Boon Photographer Prairie Rose Graphic Co.

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

Colgan’s Lazar Lily 104L Colgan’s Cattle Company & Lazar Livestock Ltd.

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK BULL

INC Valley Of The Kings 6K INC Cattle Company

Greenwood Coal Train 84J Greenwood & Ivery Downs

SUPREME CHAMPION BULL & CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK BULL

PARIS FAIR

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

August 31 – September 4, 2023 Paris, Ontario

Judge Greg Pugh Photographer Emily Watson (with exception of Reserve Female photo)

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

Watson Leopard Trillium 7J with calf at side

Watson Leona’s Tulip 38L Watson Land & Livestock Inc.

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK BULL

MartinStar Luscious 5L MartinStar Farms

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK BULL

Andchris Just Crushin’ It 20J Andchris Farms

US Dust Up 20K

Mallet River Speckle Park

LINDSAY EXHIBITION

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

September

Lindsay, Ontario

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK FEMALE

Edgewater Jewel 2J Katarina Paustch

RESERVE CHAMPION SPECKLE BARK BULL

It

20J Andchris Farms & INC Cattle Co.

PROVINCIAL WINTER FAIR

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK

PROSPECT HEIFER

September 22-25, 2023 Kamloops, BC

Judge Jon Fox Photographer TopLine Photography

CHAMPION SPECKLE PARK

PROSPECT BULL

Marblen Lydia 6L Mirrah Webster

Marblen Locksmith 5L Mirrah Webster

Canadian Beef Breeds Council:

CHALLENGING COLLABORATION

Written by Sandy Russell, Canadian Beef Breeds Council CEO

Historically, the seedstock sector has struggled with unified representation within the beef industry for many reasons, one of which is the considerable amount of diversity that exists within beef cattle genetics. I have often said that our diversity is our biggest challenge but is also our biggest opportunity. The absence of unified representation at times though has often resulted in the important role that cattle breeders or ‘genetic influencers’ play in beef production not being acknowledged by the entire production chain. It has also led to the seedstock sector not being engaged in some of the critical conversations and decision making that drives the industry forward.

The Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) works hard to represent the interests of our collective membership and support constructive, collaborative conversations between the diverse interests of the seedstock sector to ensure that the collective voice is heard within the entire Canadian beef industry. Whether it is through representation at industry events, active engagement and participation with other national industry organizations or through the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN), our increased efforts to engage in collaborative efforts has clearly started to capture the attention of some within our industry as more and more organizations are reaching out to connect or engage in advancing the awareness of the value of genetics in beef cattle production and sustainability. Increasingly, CBBC is being invited to participate in critical conversations for our industry and that collective representation for the seedstock sector is absolutely essential as the beef industry faces some of our biggest challenges including declining cow herd numbers, skyrocketing costs and validating sustainable production methods.

Whether it is the individual sectors (seedstock, cow/calf, feeder, packer, retailer) or individual breeds, tackling these issues independently is often

not as effective and can even be detrimental to consistent communication and achieving solutions. We are more powerful when we work collaboratively. Advancing the utilization of genetic data and innovative technologies within the beef industry is no different. It is something that has been pursued for a very long time by many with minimal success. I believe the only way to accomplish this very difficult goal is collaboratively. That being said, collaboration is not easy.

It has been known for some time that the beef industry has lagged other livestock sectors in adopting innovative genetic tools and capturing the full value potential of genetic selection. And while we don’t want to become pork or chicken, we do want to fully utilize all the tools that we have to remain competitive and capture value for breeders, producers and the

entire beef production chain. It is for this reason that CBIN is such an important initiative for the Canadian beef industry.

While I know, and we work hard to promote, the fact that Canadian beef producers offer some of the highest quality beef cattle genetics in the world, other countries are investing and driving genetic improvements in beef cattle at an aggressive pace and are making considerable gains. If we are too busy competing amongst ourselves or become complacent in driving tangible investments in genetic improvement, we will be surpassed by others. Our competition should not be others within the Canadian beef industry… our competition is other countries and other protein options.

Continued on page 34

We are more powerful when we work collaboratively.

Continued from page 32

While some collective efforts across our industry with various partners are underway, we know we have a long way to go. Collaboration is not easy and it does take compromise and cooperation but there is no doubt that we will go much farther as a seedstock sector if we can focus on healthy competition while also collectively driving the ultimate goal of providing top quality genetics to beef producers both domestically and internationally.

One example of this important collaboration was this past July when CBBC hosted the Beef Improvement Federation’s Symposium in Calgary. Leading experts in beef cattle genetics and guests from around the world gathered in Calgary to discuss advancements in genetics while seeing the quality of Canada’s diverse beef industry. CBBC will continue to work hard to support collaborative opportunities like this for all our members.

The idea of capturing value from data driven genetic selection decisions is no doubt advancing within the industry as many are trying to find the key to unlock this substantial opportunity. We can each choose to work independently and duplicate investments and resources in the ongoing pursuit of this goal or we can work collaboratively to leverage our collective investments and resources. I for one believe that collaboration is the key to cracking this incredibly difficult issue and that breeders and producers should be in the driver’s seat in order to fully reap the benefits.

There is no doubt that beef production will continue to evolve and data is the currency that can truly inform decisions to increase value in our production chain. I have heard it said that determining how best to capture that value from genetics can be done by us, can be done with us or will be done for us. I believe it should be done by us collaboratively and CBBC will continue to work on behalf of its members to ensure that occurs. This is why it is so important to be a CBBC member actively engaging in those challenging conversations and working collaboratively to continue to ensure Canadian beef cattle genetics and Canadian beef continues to be sought after and maintains its rightful place as the highest quality, most sustainable product in the world.

We invite all our members, cattle breeders and industry stakeholders to engage, be sure your voice is heard and participate in these challenging conversations at our Annual General Meeting in conjunction with Canadian Western Agribition in Regina on Monday, November 20, 2023.

Our competition should not be others within the Canadian beef industry… our competition is other countries and other protein options.

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

Hello members and breed enthusiasts! I would like to start off by thanking the association and the membership for the opportunity to join the board as the new youth director. It is a true honour to have been elected. It has been a great couple of months working with this amazing board and I am very much looking forward to the rest of my term. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize our past youth director, Heather Brundige, for all the work she has done previously and for helping me transition to this position.

My mission this term is to empower and assist junior members in gaining additional knowledge, resources and attitudes that will further their development as self-reliant, contributing, productive and successful key members of the Speckle Park Breed.

My strategies to achieve this are as follows

1. Create a functioning youth association to run beside the breed association boa rd to get the youth more involved in the Speckle Park breed.

2. Provide youth with more scholarship opportunities to promote getting further education to better our industry.

3. Manage a youth exchange program for our older youth members, allowing them to experience the diversity of our breed.

4. Facilitate multiple educational opportunities for the youth members at multiple youth attended events throughout the year to provide more hands-on learning.

5. Continue supporting 4-H members showing a Speckle Park project with breed merchandise.

6. Exercise new means of promoting the National Youth Show to reach maximum participation.

Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss any of my current plans or anything you feel I have missed. I look forward to working with you all!

Lastly, if you plan to attend Agribition in November, we are currently planning a junior event of sorts, so stay tuned for more information!

Warm Regards,

Makenzie Olson

CSPA Youth Director

NATIONAL JUNIOR SPECKLE PARK SHOW / SUMMER SYNERGY YOUTH CREW!

Thank you to all sponsors who made the 2023 National Junior Speckle Park Show possible!

SPECKLE PARK YOUTH REPRESENTING AT THE VERMILION FAIR JUNIOR BEEF SHOW!

Back row Lillianna Brundige, Heidi Fradette, Mason Zwicker, Luke Brundige, Amy Fradette Front row Melody Brundige, Andrea Fradette, Bronwyn Zwicker

From left Bronwyn Zwicker, Melody Brundige, Lily Brundige, Austin Cartwright, Mason Zwicker, Luke Brundige

CAM ORMISTON

I am 10 years old and live on a beef farm with my family – Mom, Dad, two sisters, and two brothers.

Last summer, I planted a vegetable garden and sweet corn to help earn enough money to buy my first calf. We didn’t get much rain, and my vegetable garden didn’t do well because of the drought. My Mom helped me with a new idea to build birdhouses. I found enough lumber around our farm and had additional donations from a chicken farmer who had wood cut offs from redoing their floors. My Mom helped me cut the wood and drill holes, and I did all the sanding and painting. I came up with many designs to make each birdhouse unique, including ones in the shape of a barn, watermelon and camper trailer. I got orders from all over Canada and even all the way from Tennessee. I sold about 150 houses in total!

I researched beef breeds and decided I wanted a Speckle Park (Canadian beef breed). With my Dad and Grandpa’s help, I was able to purchase two Speckle Parks to start my own herd. They are named Katie and Kayla. I hope they both have calves next year, and my herd will double in size!

My dream is to have my very own beef farm one day. I love working with my animals and can’t wait to show them off at fairs this year. It’s gonna be so much fun!

Cam Ormiston, young Ontario Beef Farmer located in Ontario (story originally published by the “Faces Behind Food” Facebook page. Follow them on Facebook to read more unique ag stories like Cam’s)

4-H & SHOW RING SPOTLIGHT

BEAVER

Addisen Nygren

Kay-Lee Nygren

Arielle Thiessen

Jesse Thiessen

Katie Thomson

Lily Brundige, Steer

Lily Brundige, Heifer

Raya Dowe with US Rich Strike 1K

Ari Dowe with D.A.M. Dots Kit Kat 353K, Champion Heifer at 4-H Achievement Day

Ari Dowe accepting award for Champion Heifer at 4-H Achievement Day

RIVER 4-H BEEF CLUB

FORT SASKATCHEWAN 4-H BEEF CLUB

YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

SPRINGSIDE 4-H CLUB

WELDON 4-H CLUB

Blakely Strautman

Bohdi Strautman

Jaxon Olfert

Jordan Olfert

Weldon 4-H Beef Club Speckle Park Entries

Elli Buffalo, Steer

Elli Buffalo, Heifer

Flint Gears

Mara Meadow, Steer

Mara Meadow, Cow/Calf pair

Mirrah Webster Top Speckle Park Female Chilliwack Fair

Mirrah Webster Top Speckle Park Steer & Champion Homegrown Steer Chilliwack Fair

McKenna Webster Reserve Champion Junior Showman Chilliwack Fair

McKenna Webster Honorable Mention Carcass, Valley 4-H Beef Club

Harvest Howes Commercial Speckle Park Heifer Calf, Reserve Champion Young Beef at Barriere, BC Fall Fair

Elevate Genetic Insights with New Sequencing Technology

Written by Nicki Westersund

The technology of DNA is in a constant state of advancement, continually striving for improved data quality and precision in results. The Bovine genome is composed of around 3 billion base pairs, which play a pivotal role in defining their DNA and characteristics. Over the last few decades, we’ve witnessed an industry transition from Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) technology to Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) technology. The key distinction lies in how STRs measure repetitions of genetic sequences at specific locations, whereas SNPs represent mutations in individual nucleotide bases, the fundamental building blocks of our DNA code. Unlike STR DNA, SNP DNA exhibits stability across generations, carrying any mutations forward indefinitely within the descendants of the individual where the SNP originated. This property renders SNP DNA testing particularly valuable for distinguishing between different genetic lineages. The next frontier in DNA testing technology is whole-genome sequencing, and Neogen® now has the technology available for this purpose.

Introducing InfiniSEEK™™, a revolutionary, cost-effective solution that combines whole-genome and targeted high-coverage sequencing into a single technology. InfiniSEEK™ offers advanced analytics in turn enabling you to make informed selections of superior individuals within your breeding population with confidence. Sequencing technology is available that provides comprehensive genomic insights, facilitating reliable predictions of genetic progress both now and in the future. What sets InfiniSEEK™ apart is its unique approach, combining two types of sequencing—low-pass and targeted. This means you can capture the causal variations in your population. Furthermore, InfiniSEEK™ offers low-pass whole-genome sequencing analysis to swiftly grasp new traits and defects. The system is designed for efficiency, generating more data on each animal, more easily and allowing breeders to manage their herds at the genetic level.

So, what does this mean for Canadian Speckle Park Association (CSPA) breeders? It presents an opportunity to “future-proof” your herd and breeding programs, elevating them to an unprecedented level of improvement. InfiniSEEK™™ represents an innovative solution that combines low-pass whole-genome sequencing with targeted SNP analysis. InfiniSEEK™ is a groundbreaking technology that offers the bovine industry an affordable and revolutionary solution, providing enhanced genomic insights to advance and market the growing breed.

With the wealth of data now available, you can discover new traits easily. InfiniSEEK™ delivers ready-to-use results on key traits that drive your breeding program, enabling you to make reliable predictions regarding genetic progress. InfiniSEEK™ provides genomic insights into desired phenotypes through genome-wide sequence data, genetic traits, and parentage markers. This empowers you to maximize breeding predictions and value in a rapid and cost-effective manner. When an animal is genotyped using InfiniSEEK™, you will receive a report containing 2.2 million SNPs, formatted for GP 100K, as well as information on parentage and defects/genetic conditions.

So, why should a CSPA breeder opt for this test over the GGP 100K? The answer lies in the convenience it offers in meeting the genomic conditions required by CSPA. InfiniSEEK™ provides the same results as the GGP but with more affordable and manageable bundles for the required breed traits. When you order the conditions panel, you’ll receive all the necessary information for registering each animal. InfiniSEEK™ is the key to “future-proof” the breed with confidence and affordability.

Speckle Park adds the Royaltouch

Thisyear marks a major milestone for the Speckle Park breed as it prepares for it’s inaugural show at the 101st Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. Speckle Park will join the prestigious ranks as the 7th major beef breed hosting their own show at the 2023 Royal alongside the Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Charolais, Simmental and Limousin breeds. ‘The Royal’, as it is affectionately known in ag circles, began in 1922 as a tribute to Canadian agriculture and has been considered the world’s largest indoor agricultural fair.

As Speckle Park cattle become more prominent in Canadian pastures, the addition of the breed to this calibre of show ring comes as no surprise. “With over 100 years of history, the Royal Winter Fair has so much notoriety around

Written by Mona Howe

the world. Speckle Park cattle being added only further legitimizes the breed on a large stage and builds on the momentum the breed has,” emphasises Greg Martin of MartinStar Farms, who has been one of the main drivers behind the breed’s move to the big stage in Toronto. Discussion of having a Speckle Park breed show at the Royal began way back in 2015, shares well known Speckle Park breeder Andrew Metcalfe of Andchris Farms. Metcalfe is no stranger to what getting an event like this off the ground entails, having played an instrumental roll in adding a Speckle Park show at the Paris Fair seven years ago. “It has been a tremendous amount of work for both past and present Speckle Park Board committees to get to this point,” he adds. Martin and Metcalfe agree that this move to the Royal will give new and established breeders a chance to get to know each other better and connect

with customers and fellow exhibitors alike.

With anticipated entries of 65+ head from across the country, the show is looking to encompass a nice cross section of Speckle Park breeders from seasoned veterans to first time exhibitors. Andchris Farms, Andrew and Christina Metcalfe, are no strangers to the show ring but they are just as enthusiastic as any of the newcomers on the scene. Their show string of four to five head will include Andchris Just Crushin’ It 20J who was named Grand Champion Speckle Park bull at Paris Fair earlier this Fall, qualifying him as the first bull of the breed to participate in the Supreme at the Royal. “Our animals have been shown by our granddaughter in the 4-H Junior Show ‘All Other Breed’ categories of the Royal before, but this is extra exciting for us,” shares Metcalfe.

First time exhibitors Christina and Tim Benjamins of Mallet River Speckle Park located in southern Ontario plan to have 3 head at the show. They are relatively new to the breed and plan to take what they learn at the Royal and use the experience to continue to improve their herd that they began building five years ago. Christina goes on to say, “It’s so exciting to raise the profile of the breed here in Ontario, especially at such a historic show. This event tells the beef industry here in Ontario that Speckle Park is here to stay and really showcases what this breed has to offer.” With the recent addition of yearling herd sire US Dust Up 20K to their operation, the Benjamins are pleased with this new potential to expand genetic sales nationally and internationally with frozen genetics they have produced. Ultimately their goal is to improve with every show and the Royal gives them a huge opportunity to do just that.

Nova Scotia Speckle Park breeders Chelsey and Scott Allen of FortBrook Farms along with their two young daughters, Raya and Ari will also be hitting the road to the Royal. The girls have shown the FortBrook string throughout this year’s show season and they fully intend to be in the ring at the Royal as well. “It’s great news for the breed to be welcomed at the 2023 Royal,” Chelsey tells us. “It will be the experience of a lifetime as we will be gone for 10 days to attend the show,” she continues.

Speckle Park cattle from the Prairies will also be making the long trek to the Royal. North Central Saskatchewan based INC Cattle Company have three to four head in the works to make the trip. Janice Harasymchuk, president of the CSPA, and her husband Rob got into the breed in 2014 as seedstock producers. Since then, their Speckle Park operation has grown exponentially, now encompassing an extensive embryo and AI program and calving out over 200 cows annually. “Initially it was the eye appeal of the Speckle Park breed that attracted us,” mentions Janice, “We soon learned that they had many more attributes to contribute to the mainstream cattle industry including carcass quality, longevity, hardiness, feed to gain ratios and docility to name a few,” she adds. Having recently had a hand in getting two large Speckle Park breed shows going in western

Canada, Harasymchuk has a solid base from which to provide expertise and support as the breed embarks on this momentous undertaking at the Royal. “It excites me that the Speckle Park breed will now be represented in one of the most prestigious, well known worldwide agricultural shows in the country. The breed is still in its infancy so whenever you can gain this type of exposure it creates a positive upswing propelling the breed forward,” notes Harasymchuk.

Like each breed organization that has come before it, Speckle Park is tasked with ensuring its growth and prominence in the beef industry. As Greg Martin states, “There is always lots of interest in Speckle Park cattle. The Royal will give cattle people a chance to see just what the Speckle Park breed has to offer as compared to other more established breeds.” In addition, exhibitors will have a chance to work together and learn from each other, a chance to build camaraderie with fellow breeders, if you will. One aspect where Speckle Park cattle truly shine is that their uniqueness intrigues everyone, especially the younger generations of cattle people. “The Speckle Park breed needs to develop some of the Junior opportunities that the more established breeds offer and we hope to build on the open show and add future junior shows in conjunction with the Royal to provide the youth in our breed those important opportunities,” says Martin. He points out that his own positive show experience as a young man through 4-H and the Limousin breed is the main reason he has cattle today. He is passionate about creating and promoting these opportunities for the next generation, including his own two daughters. “For many young cattle people it’s their first time to a major city like Toronto,” says Martin. And what better opportunity is there than to be able to go and show the breed of cattle they love.

It is Martin’s hope that the Royal will provide breeders from across Canada with great local, Canadian and international marketing opportunities. “No where else in the area are there as many cattle people in one place for multiple days,” suggests Greg, making it the perfect place to socialize, connect and conduct business. Not only that, but the show is also held in close proximity to our American neighbors, which Martin mentions holds a huge amount of potential for Speckle Park breeders. Andrew Metcalfe, who in the past ten years has marketed their Speckle Park genetics nationwide as well as internationally, echoes Martin stating that the event will do nothing but create more interest enabling the breed to continue its growth worldwide. It goes without saying that Speckle Park breeders take great pride in being part of this world-class show and relish the opportunity to join thousands of others who have felt the rush of competing at the Royal over its centurylong history.

SALE RESULTS

CALICO CREEK SPECKLE PARK

HERD REDUCTION SALE 2023

Total head sold 14

Sale Gross for Live Lots $39,700

Sale Average on Live Lots $2,850

UNDERHILL SPECS 18TH EDITION

FUTURE FORWARD HERD BUILDER

SPECKLE PARK SALE 2023

Total head sold 12

Sale Gross for Live Lots $94,100

Sale Average Live $7,850

Total Frozen Lots Sold 17

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $29,050

EDGEWATER FARM SPECKLE PARK

HERD DISPERSAL SALE 2023 -

Total head sold 10

Sale Gross for Live Lots $38,700

Sale Average on Live Lots $3,870

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $11,355

GRAHAM CREEK RANCH/CALICO

CREEK SPECKLE PARK ONLINE BULL SALE 2023 -

Total head sold 7

Sale Gross for Live Lots $33,700

Sale Average on Live Lots $4,800

LEADING EDGE SPECKLE PARK BULL & FEMALE SALE

Total Registered lots sold 28

Sale Gross for Live Lots $155,450

Sale Average $5,550

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $4,850

THE SUPREME SPECKLE PARK

ONLINE BULL & FEMALE SALE 2023

Total head sold 15

Sale Gross for Live Lots $58,150

Sale Average $3,880

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $17,650

P.A.R. RANCH & MX RANCH “SPRING TURN OUT” SPECKLE PARK BULL & FEMALE SALE

Total head sold 10

Sale Gross for Live Lots $35,000

Sale Average $3,500

RANGELAND ACRES SPECKLE PARK PRODUCTION SALE

Total head sold 5

Sale Gross for Live Lots $19,450

Sale Average $3,890

MOMENTUM SPECKLE PARK AND ANGUS BULL & FEMALE SALE

Total Live Lots sold 44 Sale Gross for Live Lots $223,000

Sale Average $5,100

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $22,375

KFC SPECKLE PARK PRODUCTION SALE

Total Registered Lots Sold 21 Sale Gross for Live Lots $101,700

Sale Average $4,850

INTEGRITY SPECKLE PARK 4TH ANNUAL BULL SALE

Total Registered Lots Sold 17 Sale Gross for Live Lots $71,500 Sale Average $4,200

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $6,910

SUMMIT 3 SPECKLE PARK BULL & FEMALE SALE

Total Live Lots sold 55 Sale Gross for Live Lots $326,150

Sale Average $5,930

Sale Gross for Frozen Lots $3,275

VACCINATION RUN-DOWNS & REMINDERS

Fall Vaccinations &Processing

Written by Roy Lewis, DVM

Cattle producers have access to some key tools to control stress and maximize resistance to disease in their herds, particularly when timing of weaning is under their control.

It is well-proven that pre-immunized (vaccinated) calves experience lower rates of morbidity (% getting sick) and mortality (% dying). Preventing disease by vaccination is far better than treating illness and absorbing death losses, particularly with high-value purebred calves.

Producers would be well-advised to immunize young calves before spring turnout for the following pathogens and diseases:

• Blackleg (7, 8 or 9-way)

• IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis – inflammation of upper respiratory tract)

• PI3 (Parainfluenza-3 virus)

• BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea)

• BRSV (Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

• Mannheimia (another respiratory disease which causes pleuritis, pneumonia or bronchopneumonia)

Your veterinarian may also recommend using the Pasturella Multicida and/or the Histophilus vaccine, depending on the risk level in your geographic area and depending on the vaccine combinations you use. In fact, all above diseases can be covered in a combination of just two vaccines.

They come under names like Vista Once, Bovishield, Pyramid and Express. There are a few other trade names out there. All are pretty good. They just have slight differences in the diseases they protect for, duration of immunity and/or administration. If supplies become short, boosters can be selected from a different company, and that is fine. Just make sure that if you need protection for either redwater or tetanus, that you have clostridial vaccines included, as part of the mix. Calves will require a booster vaccine post weaning.

For purebred producers hoping to export live cattle, embryos and/or semen into markets which do not accept blood titers for IBR, I suggest using intranasal vaccines at spring turnout. Just remember that BVD is not covered in the intranasal vaccines so should be covered in other vaccines given. There are also standalone BVD vaccines.

Stressors such as castration or tattooing, are best done ahead of weaning. But if that isn’t possible, ensure these procedures are avoided until after calves are fully weaned. The only stress at weaning should be the actual weaning event itself.

Minimizing stresses at weaning is always reflected in better production (growth of calves). But it also minimizes sickness, treatment costs and chronic illness going forward.

For those using two-stage weaning with nose flaps, give your calves their booster shots at the same time as fitting them with the nose flaps. In a week’s time, they should be removed. Removing the nose flaps later than one week can be another source of stress for calves and can result in sores, defeating the well-intended benefits.

If purebred calves are on creep feed already, this also reduces weaning stress and orients them to the type of feed they will be receiving once fully weaned.

An increasing number of producers are experiencing success using intranasal vaccines on newborns and older, for protection of respiratory diseases. Some contain the main viral antigens in them, other than BVD. Others contain pneumonic pathogens such as Mannheimia, which helps prevent pneumonia in young calves.

Remain diligent, checking for signs of respiratory disease and digestive upsets during the first couple weeks post-weaning.

The core vaccines and others necessary for your herd should be worked out between you and your herd veterinarian.

I recommend giving the parenteral vaccines (administered via injection rather than nasally) to the mature cowherd and using combinations which minimize the number of shots necessary.

If using live vaccines on the cows, use your veterinarian’s protocol. There are slight differences between modified live and killed vaccines which affect the timing of administration. The decision will involve determining which are considered safe to give during pregnancy.

I recommend consulting with your veterinarian for parasite control protocols. Deworming treatments can be administered at fall processing. There has been a rise in the incidence in lice the last few years and internal worms are the great unknown, unless fecal samples are taken and examined,

which is becoming more routine across Canada. Parasite control helps ensure vaccine efficacy in calves so is an especially good thing to do.

As a rule, try to use subcutaneous vaccinations wherever possible, to maximize beef quality. It is easier and reduces the chances of needle breakage. It is also wise to keep an emergency kit at the chutes that includes epinephrine, in the rare event of an allergic reaction.

Keep an eye out for the latest advancements in vaccination technology. There are two new vaccines on the market for mycoplasma pneumonia, which is more common in feedlot environments. Nevertheless, fall is a great time to review your vaccination protocols. Always handle and administer vaccines carefully, according to manufacturers’ instructions. Regularly check expiry dates and dispose of expired vaccines. Your local vet may have responsible, environmentally-friendly disposal options. And include your herd vet in your strategic health protocols.

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

& Tammy Buisse // Bryan & Katrina Lynch Redvers, SK

EMPTY SADDLES

Dale Robert Chibri

Dale Robert Chibri passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, with his loving family by his side.  He was 77 years of age.

Dale is lovingly remembered by his wife, Lynda; his sons, Chip (Wanda) Chibri and Roland (Hughanne) Chibri; grandchildren, Amanda, Aimee, Mitchell (Tannis), Faith (Cam) and Torrie (Dex); great grandchildren, Keegan, Cohen, Leland, Keston; brother, Richard (Margaret) Chibri; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Dale is predeceased by; his parents, George and Helen Chibri.

Donations in memory of Dale may be made to Kinsmen Telemiracle or the charity of donor’s choice.

Last year the CSPA presented Dale and family with the CSPA Lifetime Achievement Award. The Speckle Park community and cattle community at large will mourn the loss of Dale’s presence. His legacy will live on through the cattle, in stories and of course, through his family. On behalf of the CSPA board, office and membership, we send our deepest condolences to the Chibri family.