Speckle Park International Magazine - Issue 04 2023

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SPECKLE SPECKLE PARK PARK INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

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Issue Issue 04 04 2023 2023

IN IN THIS THIS ISSUE ISSUE

Youth Youth Feature Feature Carcase CarcaseResults Results

Member Member Spotlight Spotlight Performance Performance Reports Reports Sustainability Sustainability Focus Focus

1 Photo by 'Created by Kiwi'

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Issue 04 | 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DON'T MISS A THING!

SPI UPDATES Emails are SPI's main form of communication with its members and industry partners.

2023 Chairman's report

3

Board of Directors

4

Member Services Stats

5

Youth

6

Marketing SC

14

Technical SC

16

Beef SC

24

Show results

26

Special interest

42

Stud Sales

48

Carcase

50

Member spotlight

58

CSPA

70

ASPA

74

Performance

76

SCAN HERE

Sustainability

84

BREEDPLAN

94

To sign up to the Speckle Park International Mailing List!

MSO FAQ

98

Calendar of Events

100

Winner of the SPI Magazine Cover Photo Competition 2023 Superb Speckle Park, with a photo of Superb T-Bone Photo credit by 'Created by Kiwi'

Make sure we have your current details to stay up to date with all things Speckle Park!

Speckle Park International Limited ACN 635 982 839 Phone: 1800 221 271 Address: PO Box 439, Pittsworth QLD 4356 Website: www.specklepark.org Email: info@specklepark.org

Disclaimer: While all reasonable care is taken, neither Speckle Park International Limited, its Directors, Sub-Committee members (collectively, 'SPI') or those involved in the production of this publication accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions or the contents of material prepared by third parties. SPI reserves right to amend any part of this publication as it sees fit. The views expressed in the contents of this publication are not necessarily the views of SPI. SPI expressly disclaims liability for any loss or damage sustained by any person as a result of, or in connection with, the information contained in this publication, including any errors or omissions.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN " Welcome to Volume 4 Speckle Park International Magazine 2023."

Mitch Warrener CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Speckle Park International Ltd

It has been a real excitement to work with industry groups throughout 2023, where there is clear anticipation to see the continued growth of Speckle Park cattle in the industry. This excitement extends to the society - SPI, now emerging in the top 10 registered breeds in Australia.

With strong registration integrity, this supports continued growth in genotyping and as the society continue to encourage performance recording and phenotype data capture, this ultimately ensures genomic reliability and offers selection confidence. 2024 programs aimed at improving breed credibility such as feed trials, emission trials, meat tasting quality tests, etc. will all support the enhancement of our beef brand within the industry and throughout the downstream supply chain.

Throughout 2023 we have continued to see Speckle Park infused cattle perform in the store sales across Australia and see Speckle Park genetic sales advance in New Zealand. Generally speaking, Speckle Park infused yearling and feeder Steers are fetching reasonable prices and solid yield (c/kg cwt) relative to the market. Recognition for the growth traits and average daily gains (ultimately RBY), is assisting producers to achieve entry specifications for the domestic and export markets. These are all elements which are attractive to the commercial producer.

Notwithstanding the recognisable carcass qualities in higher-than-average MSA, fats and IMF, quality and quantity both

play a strong part in the Speckle Park performance story. Striking the balance between solid EMA and IMF figures lends itself toward achieving terminal market thresholds for entry, sooner. The good news for commercial producers is the easy doing characteristics of Speckle Park, mean net feed intake (NFI) is typically less, as are days to finish. What more would you want in the dry conditions when feed is scarce and input costs are high. The testimonials and case studies we receive are enough to substantiate the conversion rates – Speckles do more on less!

Seedstock producers are recognising the highly fertile and maternal characteristics of Speckle Park cattle in self-replacing herds. Reproductive soundness and heritability of highly fertile cattle is not necessarily something our seedstock producers need to look hard to find in our breed.

When considered in the context of sustainability, it quickly becomes apparent that Speckle Park cattle achieve a high sustainability score when compared to other Bos Taurus breeds due to these factors. Quick to fall in calf (or back in calf), good gestation length, good milk to support weaning age, fast to finish with good NFI, whilst meeting market entry specifications sooner = more profit!

We analysed the feedback and results of our recent commercial survey and it was evident that the larger commercial producers continue to seek Speckle Park sires which improve their herds performance and produce better progeny to enhance their profit drivers. It was clear that this gave the Speckle Park seedstock producer confidence in the longevity of the breed. When gross margins are increased from lower cost of sales, meaning less feed and faster to meet specifications (without compromising quality), the market takes notice. The ‘commercial relevance’ is realised when commercial producers are increasingly introducing Speckle Park sires into their operations, or they are annually seeking Speckle Park sires in volume buys, to ensure second and third generation progeny are further enhanced from quality sires. When we can testify as a breed society, to the many examples of the first two stages of the beef supply chain working together to improve quality (structure, temperament, yield and carcass) and profitability, excitingly, we are able to market the commercial vitality of our breed across the many environmental landscapes in Australasia and abroad. Adaptable, sustainable, high-end product is what makes Speckle Park commercially relevant in the beef industry and this will only improve now in great scale.

Issue 04 | 2023

With the global movement in the Red Meat industry to lower carbon intensity, the Beef industry recognises sustainable breeds.

Speckle Park cattle are quickly becoming recognised as a sustainable breeding choice, and when we have [hopeful to] a Sustainability Index in place in 2024, we will be providing yet another important tool for joining selections in alignment to key industry relevant criterion.

Our Data Warehouse, launched earlier this year is for capturing results and evidence of the many cases in which we see such results. Sydney Royal Easter Show 2023 saw a group of 3 steers take out the interbred Stan Hill memorial trophy carcass competition, which was then backed up at the Ekka Royal in Brisbane later this year. This underscores the breeds quality, demonstrated through interbred benchmarking. Supermarkets and butchers take note of such results and once again we see Speckle Park advance in market share. We should all be proud and excited for this breed success throughout 2023.

Sydney Easter Show 2023 was a fantastic display of live cattle, the biggest on the planet to date. The cattle, the children, the networking, the publicity, all of which raised greater awareness for the breed and built a stronger community of Speckle Park enthusiasts. You can’t go past the great coat of a Speckle Park animal, which does play a part in enabling diversity in breeding across a range of climates and supports a wider range of joining choices to match the colour palette for the producer. Yes, the carcass is where the real value is, but once again, Speckle Park cattle present such an array of options for a wide range of production systems, even via its coat. In 2024 the society is endeavouring to release a Speckle Park Commercial Register (SCR) aimed at performance recording commercial (nonregistered, purebred) cattle – starting

with reds. This is designed to extend in time to broader parameters as we seek to enhance the tools on offer for our commercial members who place selection emphasis on data, and to enable alternative selections for the commercial producer.

Enjoy this well prepared and sponsor supported magazine and we thank our financial supporters, writers, and editors for their valued contributions to what is another great publication.

Having introduced Single Step Genomics for the breed in 2023 we unlocked an ability for earlier selection options for those placing emphasis on certain EBVs and we also gained the advantage of improving the overall herd traits accuracy, quicker. This has been a great achievement for SPI in 2023. We will soon be releasing four SPI Selection Indexes which enable educated sire selections to improve progeny profit traits from chosen maternal and terminal sires. Again, this will enhance our breeds significance in the commercial market.

Mitch Warrener

SPI will place higher emphasises in 2024 on the strategic imperatives which will further our reach and aims towards achieving a price point commensurate to our quality. These include research and development programs and trials, sustainability focus groups, lifting our marketing to more tactical levels, leveraging content from the Data Warehouse records, etc. The more consumer demand for Speckle Park prime and secondary beef cuts, the higher the demand upstream in the supply chain.

We achieve all this by participation, trials, sharing information and working together. There is not a singular approach to our continued success, it is generated from the collective passion and drive of our members, board, sub-committees, and industry support groups all working together. It’s an exciting and rapidly changing time in the beef industry 2023/24 and we look forward to all the future holds for Speckle Park and SPI.

Kind Regards,

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF DIRECTORS Speckle Park International

Office Contact

Heather Apps MEMBER SERVICES OFFICER Speckle Park International Ltd Contact 0491 226 990 mso@specklepark.org Office Hours Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 1:30pm (ADST)

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SUB-COMMITTEES

Stacey Jones

Vaughn Johnston

Gary Reidy

CHAIRMAN sjones@specklepark.org

VICE CHAIRMAN vjohnston@specklepark.org

SECRETARY greidy@specklepark.org

Dean Missingham

Mitch Warrener

Mark Tiller

TREASURER dmissingham@specklepark.org

DIRECTOR mwarrener@specklepark.org

DIRECTOR mtiller@specklepark.org

Robbie Clark

Tim Bell

Paul Guy

DIRECTOR rclark@specklepark.org

DIRECTOR tbell@specklepark.org

DIRECTOR pguy@specklepark.org

Marketing & Events

Technical

Youth

Beef 2024

Renee Fagan (Chairman) Belinda Endres (Secretary) Brooke Paff (Treasurer) Allison Potter Debbie Black Samantha Woods Jade Baker Stacey Jones (Board Liaison) Mark Tiller (Board Liaison)

Naomi Hobson (Chairman) Phil Wright (Secretary) Nick Endres (Treasurer) Tim Weller Mitch Warrener (Board Liaison) Vaughn Johnston (Board Liaison) Paul Guy (Board Liaison)

Claudia Humphries (Chairman) Mikayla Black (Secretary/Treasurer) Angela McGrath Suzie Lockwood Troy Hepburn Matt Black Robbie Clarke (Board Liaison)

Stacey Warrener (Chairman) Mikayla Black (Secretary) Brooke Paff (Treasurer) Belinda Endres Stacey Jones (Board Liaison) Tim Bell (Board Liaison)

*Current as at 15 November 2023

Issue 04 | 2023

MEMBER SERVICES STATISTICS

641

6

Speckle Park International Total Members

Countries with SPI Members

Western Australia

Queensland

2 Associate 1 Junior 5 Ordinary 2 Life

14 Commercial 67 Associate 12 Junior 49 Ordinary 1 Life

Northern Territory

New South Wales Queensland

9 Commercial 60 Associate 73 Junior 115 Ordinary 7 Life

Western Australia

South Australia New South Wales

1 Commercial 9 Associate 3 Junior 24 Ordinary 2 Life

South Australia Victoria

Victoria Tasmania

7 Commercial 8 Ordinary

Ze a

Tasmania

Ne w

15 Commercial 51 Associate 4 Junior 63 Ordinary

lan

d

8 Associate 2 Junior 14 Ordinary

New Zealand

International Members ASSOCIATE

COMMERCIAL

ORDINARY

INTERNATIONAL

1 Canada

1 Canada

2 Canada 1 Qatar

5 Canada 1 Ireland 2 USA

*Current as at 15 November 2023

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

YEARLY WRAP UP Claudia Humphries

CHAIRPERSON OF THE SPECKLE PARK YOUTH SUB COMMITTEE

" Wow! What a great year it has been for the Speckle Park Youth Sub Committee!"

34

102

2022 Youth Members

2023 Youth Members

We started the year with some heavy planning for the Sydney Royal Speckle Park Feature Show where we had over 100 competitors in our youth events. With all youth competitors in white shirts and their Speckle Park youth caps, it was a sight to see and something we are very proud of as a committee.

With the whirlwind of the events of Sydney coming to an end, the committee took a well-earned break. The planning of our QLD Education Day then started in progress. The event was held on the 24th of September in Colinton QLD at the home of Ivery Downs Speckle Park. The event was a great day to showcase the Speckle Park breed and hear from some experts in the beef industry.

With the year coming to a close, we will be creating another youth calendar for 2024 and the committee has started to plan events for the next few years with some Education Days being planned for 2024 and a youth camp for all our junior members and non-members in 2025.

Throughout the year we have seen a large increase in the number of youth members with the count currently sitting at 102 youth members. We have also seen some changes in the committee itself with some of our previous committee members leaving us. The Speckle Park Youth Sub Committee is currently comprised of: · Chairperson: Claudia Humphries

· Suzie Lockwood

· Treasurer/Secretary: Mikayla Black

· Troy Hepburn

· SPI Board Representative: Robbie Clarke

· Matt Black · Angela McGrath

We would like to thank everyone in the Speckle Park community for their ongoing support throughout the year and we look forward to hosting some fantastic events in the near future to further promote the future of the Speckle Park breed.

Youth | 2023

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

QLD EDUCATION DAY COLINTON, QUEENSLAND Mikayla Black and Suzie Lockwood On 24 of September 2023, the Speckle Park Youth Committee held their Queensland Education Day, kindly hosted by Ivery Downs in Colinton, Queensland. The day was a great success and experience, with over 40 people attending from all over the country!

The first session of the day was a clipping demonstration by James Dockrill from Pinedock Fitting. This was a hit with all ages and provided a good insight into the intricacies of cattle show preparation and the months of preparation that are put in well prior to a show.

In the second and third sessions the adults and youth split into different groups for the activities. The youth group were given a lesson on leading/parading of cattle and had the opportunity to put their learnings into practice under the watchful guidance of some of the Youth Sub-Committee members who are intimately involved in cattle showing year round. The adults attended a presentation by Col Hammond from the Catagra Group on pregnancy scanning and handling methods for cattle. Col provided practical demonstrations of both the ReproScan and Silencer Crush units in use and discussed how they can add value to cattle operations. There was significant engagement from both groups in the pregnancy scanning and animal handling sessions which was fantastic to see.

First up after lunch was a session presented by Matt Black from SunnyDale Speckle Park and Troy Hepburn from FoxTail Hill Speckle Park on butchering and meat cuts. This session was very well received by the combined group.

The combined group were then given an overview of the Wattle Grove Accredited Book and how it can be utilised in the assessment of cattle, presented by Claudia Humpries from Wattle Grove. This session gave attendees a thorough understanding of various considerations to be had when assessing the suitability of an animal for a particular purpose or program.

To finish off the day, Johnny Lockwood from Coldwood Pastoral shared some insights in relation to the preparation and set up of cattle for recipient programs. Johnny also talked about the process of setting cattle up for flushing and the flushing process itself.

We received some wonderful feedback following the event and are really pleased to know the attendees enjoyed the day and found it to be a great learning experience. We look forward to presenting more Education Days in 2024 and working toward our Youth Camp in 2025.

Youth | 2023

NEED PREG TESTING PHOTO

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SYDNEY ROYAL FEATURE SHOW 2023 SPI YOUTH EVENTS Claudia Humphries

CHAIRPERSON OF THE SPECKLE PARK YOUTH SUB COMMITTEE

In April this year the Speckle Park breed was fortunate enough to be the feature breed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show for 2023. As part of this event the Speckle Park Youth Sub Committee hosted a number of youth events throughout the week.

On the 5th of April, Speckle Park Youth Junior Judging and Paraders’ competitions were held with over 100 entrants!!!

Our 100 competitors battled it out in their white shirts and Speckle Park Youth caps. These competitions were judged by Hannah Powe from Goondoola Red Angus who did a fantastic job and was very impressed with the quality of paraders and junior judges as well as the large number of competitors. Ultimately, Grand Champion Parader was awarded to Olivia Delaforce and the Grand Champion Junior Judge was awarded to Thomas Anderson.

Throughout the week we also ran a Herdsperson Competition. The Herdsperson Competition saw 50 competitors with each entrant being required to meet a number of requirements throughout the week. This competition was judged by Dale Humphries who was extremely impressed with the level of enthusiasm and skill displayed by the competitors. At the end of the week, 8 entrants were awarded with highly commended and some fantastic advice from our comments. Our Grand Champion Herdsperson was awarded to Jaxson Dolinski who received a scholarship to attend Beef Australia in May 2024 which was kindly sponsored by Wattle Grove Speckle Park and M&M Show Steers and Fitting Service.

As a committee we were extremely pleased with how well the events ran throughout the week and the enormous support for these events demonstrated by the number of entrants involved.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors who are listed below. Without their support, these events would not have been possible, and we are very grateful.

THANK YOU

TO OUR SPONSORS

Black Diamond Speckle Park

KJ Speckle Park Hill

Northern Speckle Park

Southern Cross Speckle Park

Deeargee Speckle Park

Fox Tail Hill Speckle Park

Wattle Grove Speckle Park

Little Grove Speckle Park

M&M Show Steers and Fitting Service

Alinjarra Speckle Park

Royal Melbourne Speckle Park Exhibitors and Supporters

A huge thank you again to our committee members and other members of the Speckle Park breed who showed their support and offered a helping hand.

The events show there is a strong future ahead for the breed with plenty of young Speckle Park enthusiasts. I think we can safely say that the future and promotion of the Speckle Park breed is in some safe hands.

Youth | 2023

Photos by Branded Ag Marketing

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

2024-2025 UPCOM ING

YOUTH EVENTS 3x Education Days

2025 Youth Camp

Dates, locations and times TBC. If you have any questions please contact us:

youth@specklepark.org

Youth | 2023

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MARKETING AND EVENTS SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Belinda Endres & Brooke Paff

MARKETING AND EVENTS SUB-COMMITTEE

The Marketing and Events Sub-Committee once again embarked on an eventful year filled with newsletters, magazines, and special events.

The largest undertaking for the MESC for the year was undoubtedly the feature breed events at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show. The MESC, comprised of Tania Paget, Belinda Endres, Brooke Paff & Stacey Jones collaborated closely with the Sydney RAS sub-committee and successfully orchestrated the most extensive Speckle Park gathering in the world to date. Hosting this event was a monumental task, with 218 purebred bulls, heifers, and cows in attendance, hoof and hook competitions, youth events and hospitality functions. While the cattle represented the breed impeccably, the MESC worked tirelessly to ensure both the breed and SPI were strongly and professionally represented to the masses.

The Sydney Specktacular event at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park was a resounding success, with 228 Speckle Park enthusiasts from all over the world coming together to share stories and celebrate successes. It was an entertaining evening filled with reflection on how far the Speckle Park breed has come, where it is going, wonderful music, great food, even better company and plenty of comradery and laughs. The atmosphere in the room was amazing – it was a truly fantastic celebration of such a large culmination of achievements over so many years. To top off a fantastic night, the Charity Auction raised a remarkable $67,000 for Rural Aid and future SPI endeavours.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the board and all the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure that this event was as 'Specktacular' as it was.

Our sincere appreciation also goes to the many sponsors who gave so generously across various aspects of the feature breed events to ensure their success.

Looking ahead, the MESC is actively striving to have a 'Marketing pack' available in every state for use by members at relevant events. This pack will include various SPI banners, signs, teardrops, as well as any printed material available at the time.

As the year comes to a close, both Stacey and Tania will be stepping down from their roles with the MESC. Their dedication and countless unpaid hours spent promoting, advertising, and shining a spotlight on the breed are greatly appreciated.

If you're interested in contributing to the promotion of the breed by joining the MESC in the future, please reach out to marketing@specklepark.org. Your assistance would be invaluable, and many hands make light work.

Sydney Hospitality Function | Photo by Branded Ag Marketing

Marketing | 2023

Sydney Hospitality Function

2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Photos by Branded Ag Marketing

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Naomi Hobson CHAIRPERSON

To the SPI Community, Given the current market dynamics and weather systems at play, it can be easy to lose site of progress however, as I sit down to write this update, it is both humbling and exciting to reflect on the depth of progress that has been achieved by SPI and our sub-committee over the past 12 months.

Single Step Genomic Evaluation Single Step Genomic Evaluation was ‘Turned On’ for Speckle Park in July, providing enhanced genomic evaluation that offers greater accuracy and stability of the EBVs that are produced, and is arguably one of the most exciting steps forward in the growth of Speckle Park in Australia and New Zealand, and a step that brings us into genetic parity with almost every major beef breed in our market.

The implementation of single step has been driven by the contribution of performance data to Breedplan, a remarkable achievement by a young breed. Ongoing performance recording will be the key to building and maintaining strength in the analysis as we strive to provide an enhanced level of predictability in Speckle Park genetics for commercial bull buyers.

Membership & Industry Surveys Over the past 12 months our committee has completed two surveys - the Commercial survey and a Breedplan Adoption survey which saw us gather responses and insight from our member base and industry. Phil Wright has kindly provided a summary of the commercial survey results which is included in this magazine and I would encourage you to read through this as it is filled with positivity, and provides a great road map to success for our breed.

With ongoing support from the SPI board, we have already begun implementing strategies to build on the findings from surveys, including the development of the SPI Data Warehouse.

SPI Data Warehouse Respondents to the commercial survey made it very clear that they want and need clear, unbiased evidence to make the case for using Speckle Park bulls. SPI has provided its full support for the implementation of the data warehouse, providing funding to our committee which has allowed us to incentivise SPI members to contribute data to the warehouse, and make it less cost prohibitive for them to send pens of animals for evaluation, and then share the data for the benefit of the breed as a whole. Tim Weller has provided additional information on this program which is included in this magazine for your interest.

Breedplan Education Stemming from the results of our Breedplan survey, it became clear that there was significant interest and acknowledgement about the growing importance of Breedplan and performance recording for our breed, but there was also quite a bit of uncertainty about the process, the cost, how to get started, and what support was available along the way. In the first step to provide support in these areas, the Technical Sub-Committee had Catriona Millen and Dr Boyd Gudex from ABRI extension services host a webinar for our members which went back to basics and stepped through Breedplan fundamentals. More than 65 SPI members joined the webinar, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The webinar was recorded and is available for viewing under the ‘Education’ tab on our website.

Technical | 2023

Commercial Field Day Series The first of the Commercial Field Day series was run on farm at Narrabri in July. Roger Evans from Bovine Scanning Services stepped through a comprehensive structural assessment and spoke on the role structure plays in longevity.

Kitty Sheridan, Assistant Manager at Elders Killara Feedlot, spoke with the group about where they see opportunities for Speckle Park in their feedlot and grass fed programs. This generated great discussion around our breed’s ability to consistently meet market specs, and I (Naomi) touched on the steps to setting and implementing a clear breeding objective, and our experience with performance recording; we also touched on feed efficiency testing and the role it plays in efficient beef production. The day was well attended by both stud and commercial Speckle Park breeders who each commented on the quality of the day and the information presented. Our aim is to run similar events in each state so if you would like to express your interest to host a commercial field day please get in touch.

SPI Selection Indexes The next exciting step forward for our breed! Members of our sub-committee are part of a small working group that is making great strides with the development of price indexes for our breed; watch this space.

In addition to what I have covered above, our sub-committee has a number of programs and initiatives in the works that will assist in building the narrative around the value of Speckle Park, and that will contribute to the ongoing growth of our breed across the Australasian beef industry. If you would like to get involved, please reach out. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions for future programs; you can contact the Technical Sub-Committee via email technical@ specklepark.org I would also like to take a moment to thank the outgoing members of our board, Dean Missingham and Stacey Jones, and Mitch Warrener as he steps down as Chair of SPI; Mitch has been a valuable support and contributor to the Technical SubCommittee in his tenure as Chair. The current board has made great strides in the advancement of our breed over the past 12-18 months, and while the depth of the work that goes on in the background is often unseen, it is done with great passion and conviction for the betterment of the breed and the ripple effect for us all shouldn’t be understated.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MYOSTATIN FREE OR COST? TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

There is a tendency within Speckle Park (as well as other breeds) to refer to animals that do not carry certain recessive genes as being ‘genetically free’ or ‘genetically clear’. This terminology is often used as a positive selling point to indicate the joining possibilities for a particular animal are wider than for a recessive gene carrier.

There are three recessive genes that Speckle Park are required to be tested for as part of registration – horn, red coat and myostatin.

The gene for each of these traits is recessive meaning an animal must have two copies of the gene for the animal to be considered affected and display the trait phenotypically.

Current breed society requirements do not allow registration of animals that carry two copies (homozygous affected) of these genes. This article is a brief exploration of the economic relevance of the myostatin gene in Speckle Park.

Nine myostatin mutations have been identified in beef cattle. One of

these mutations - NT821, exists in the Speckle Park breed. Mutation to the myostatin gene in Speckle Park is known to cause extra muscling compared to animals that do not carry the mutated gene. Animals that are homozygous affected (two copies of the mutated gene) display extreme muscling and are often referred to as 'double muscled'.

Double muscling is associated with increased yield and a reduction in fat and marbling. Double muscling is also associated with increased calving problems. Speckle Park animals that are double muscled cannot be registered.

Animals that are heterozygous affected (one copy of the mutated gene) do not display extreme double muscling however they do display increased performance in a number of post birth production traits.

There is a body of research covering the significant increase in calving difficulty experienced by double muscled animals. Interestingly, there does not appear to be a significant difference in calving ease for animals not carrying the gene compared to those carrying one copy. For more information, readers are referred to: Myostatin Gene and Calving Ease.

There are a total of 2908 animals in the stud book born in 2020, of which 711 are NT821C (carrying one copy of myostatin gene) and the remaining 2197 are NT821F (not carrying the myostatin gene). This is roughly a 25/75% split.

A review of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for 2020 born animals was conducted to assess the difference between those carrying the mutated myostatin gene (NT821C) compared to those unaffected (NT821F). 2020 was used as the reference year to allow time for performance data to be submitted to BREEDPLAN.

The table below shows the ‘average’ EBV for NT821F compared to NT821C animals

Myostatin Gene and Calving Ease: https://bit.ly/46sJJbZ

OCTOBER SPECKLE PARK SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN Gestation Length (days)

Birth Wt (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Mat Day Wt Cow Wt (kg) (kg)

Milk (kg)

Scrotal Size (cm)

Carcase Wt (kg)

Eye Muscle Area (sq cm)

Rib Fat (mm)

Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

IMF (%)

2020 EBV NT821F

-0.1

+1.5

+15.1

+23.1

+30.7

+32.3

+4.4

+0.3

+18.7

+0.5

+0.2

+0.2

-0.1

+0.1

2020 EBV NT821C

+0.1

+2.1

+18.7

+28.3

+37.6

+38.8

+4.9

+0.3

+23.8

+1.0

-0.3

-0.4

+0.5

-0.1

2021 Avg. EBV

+0

+1.6

+16

+24

+31

+33

+4

+0.3

+19

+0.6

+0.2

+0.2

+0

+0.1

Technical | 2023

OCTOBER SPECKLE PARK SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN SUMMARY TABLE

Gestation Length (days)

Birth Wt (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Day Wt (kg)

Mat Cow Wt (kg)

Milk (kg)

Scrotal Size (cm)

Carcase Wt (kg)

Eye Muscle Area (sq cm)

Rib Fat (mm)

Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

IMF (%)

Top Value

-3.9

-3.3

+46

+78

+94

+106

+14

+2.3

+62

+3.5

+3.5

+4.8

+3.2

+1.9

Top 1%

-2.6

-1.9

+34

+50

+67

+77

+10

+1.5

+40

+2.3

+2.3

+3.1

+2

+1.3

Top 5%

-1.8

-0.8

+28

+42

+57

+65

+9

+1.1

+34

+1.8

+1.6

+2.1

+1.4

+0.8

Top 10%

-1.4

-0.3

+25

+38

+51

+57

+8

+0.9

+31

+1.5

+1.3

+1.7

+1

+0.6

Top 15%

-1.1

+0.1

+23

+35

+47

+52

+7

+0.8

+28

+1.3

+1.1

+1.4

+0.8

+0.5

Top 20%

-0.9

+0.4

+22

+33

+44

+48

+7

+0.7

+27

+1.2

+0.9

+1.1

+0.7

+0.4

Top 25%

-0.7

+0.6

+21

+31

+41

+45

+6

+0.6

+25

+1

+0.7

+0.9

+0.5

+0.3

Top 30%

-0.5

+0.8

+19

+29

+39

+42

+6

+0.5

+24

+0.9

+0.6

+0.7

+0.4

+0.2

Top 35%

-0.4

+1

+18

+28

+37

+39

+5

+0.5

+23

+0.8

+0.5

+0.6

+0.3

+0.2

Top 40%

-0.3

+1.2

+17

+26

+35

+37

+5

+0.4

+21

+0.7

+0.4

+0.4

+0.2

+0.1

Top 45%

-0.2

+1.4

+17

+25

+33

+35

+5

+0.3

+20

+0.6

+0.3

+0.3

+0.1

+0.1

Top 50%

+0

+1.6

+16

+24

+31

+32

+5

+0.3

+19

+0.5

+0.1

+0.1

+0

+0.1

Top 55%

+0.1

+1.7

+15

+22

+29

+30

+4

+0.2

+18

+0.5

+0

+0

-0.1

+0

Top 60%

+0.2

+1.9

+14

+21

+27

+28

+4

+0.1

+17

+0.4

-0.1

-0.2

-0.2

+0

Top 65%

+0.3

+2.1

+13

+19

+26

+26

+3

+0.1

+15

+0.3

-0.1

-0.3

-0.3

-0.1

Top 70%

+0.5

+2.3

+12

+18

+24

+23

+3

+0

+14

+0.2

-0.3

-0.4

-0.4

-0.2

Top 75%

+0.6

+2.6

+11

+16

+21

+20

+3

-0.1

+13

+0.1

-0.4

-0.6

-0.6

-0.2

Top 80%

+0.8

+2.8

+9

+14

+19

+17

+2

-0.2

+11

+0

-0.5

-0.8

-0.7

-0.3

Top 85%

+1

+3.1

+8

+12

+16

+14

+2

-0.3

+10

-0.2

-0.7

-1

-0.9

-0.3

Top 90%

+1.2

+3.5

+6

+10

+13

+9

+1

-0.5

+7

-0.3

-0.9

-1.3

-1.1

-0.4

Top 95%

+1.6

+4.2

+4

+6

+8

+3

+0

-0.7

+4

-0.6

-1.2

-1.8

-1.4

-0.6

Top 99%

+2.4

+5.5

-1

-3

-4

-13

-2

-1.1

-4

-1.1

-1.8

-2.6

-2

-0.9

Low Value

+3.5

+7.4

-13

-19

-30

-44

-6

-2.8

-18

-2.1

-3.4

-4.8

-3.1

-1.6

Myostatin animals display a minimal increase in birthweight however go on to perform better across all growth categories. The average for myostatin non-carriers is just below the 50th percentile while the carrier average is at the 35th percentile.

Eye muscle tends to be larger for myostatin carriers which correlates with higher growth rates and reduced fat cover. The non carrier average is at the 50th percentile while the average for carriers is the 25th percentile.

Fat cover is higher for non-carriers with the average sitting at the 45th percentile

while the carrier average is at the 70th percentile. IMF for non-carriers is around the 50th percentile while carriers sit lower at the 65th percentile.

The Speckle Park breed is known for early growth, the ability to finish at younger ages, marble naturally on grass and deliver excellent eating quality.

Myostatin is undoubtedly part of the growth equation which may allow animals to spend less time in feedlots and provide higher yields, especially for high value cuts. The trade off with myostatin may be a reduction in eating quality with a leaner final product that has less natural marbling.

When making selection decisions based on BREEDPLAN data it is important to consider the effect of myostatin. Looking at 400 Day Wt, a myostatin carrier picks up just over 5kg (on average) compared to a non-carrier. This is enough to move an animal from the top 10% to the top 5% of the breed.

The decision on myostatin depends on your individual breeding objectives and target markets. Fortunately, with the genetic testing regime, myostatin is straight forward to manage along with other recessive traits.

19

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CARCASE COMPETITIONS DATA/FACTS ARE KING! Tim Weller

TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

Carcase competitions are a great way to benchmark our breed against other breeds, using MSA grading to find the most ideal carcase, looking at fat cover, EMA, ADG, IMF%, yield etc. Many breeders have used these competitions to promote the breed and their operations to a wide audience - Minnamurra Speckle Park, Texas Angus, Hicks Beef & Blue-E Beef have all created some of the leading seedstock brands using carcase competitions as a tool of awareness.

Across the country, these competitions come in various forms including the individual led show steer hoof & hook competitions. These competitions also provide hundreds of school kids with an opportunity to understand the economics of feeding steers for slaughter. At the other end of the scale are larger feedlot and grass-based competitions where pens of steers are submitted. This style of competition provides a great opportunity for interbreed benchmarking, presenting a more commercially relevant comparison. These competitions are typically organised and sponsored by processors and print magazines, along with some in conjunction with large trade events like Beef and the Ekka.

In recent months the SPI Technical Sub-Committee and SPI Board have created an initiative to collect data from the numerous carcase competitions our members are involved in throughout Australia & New Zealand. The SPI Data Warehouse allows members to submit raw data from various competitions which will be analysed and used for further promoting the Speckle Park breed.

During recent industry networking with various companies, SPI have sought guidance and feedback around initiatives to advance our breed. This exercise has made clear that the industry requires data – substantiated data and facts. Data not only assists our seedstock producers make informed breeding selections, but data also assists our clients in their breeding programs to ensure sire selections enhance progeny traits matching their environment and ultimately enhance their profit drivers.

To further emphasise the importance of these initiatives for our breed, SPI is offering monetary support of $220 (incl GST) per member toward the cost of taking part in approved carcase competitions. To be eligible for the support payment, animals entered must sired by registered Speckle Park bulls. The balance terms and entry process can be found by scanning the QR code below or under the ‘Forms and Resources’ tab on the website.

Carcase competitions are numerous across Australia. Some leading competitions include but are not limited to: • AMPC National Beef Carcase Competition, held at Beef Australia.

• Future Beef Northern Grassfed Carcase Competition • NSW Beef Spectacular Feedback Trial In a testament to the carcase merits of Speckle Park animals, in 2023 alone, Speckle Park carcases have been highly awarded including winning the Stan Hill Memorial Trophy for the interbreed team of 3 steers at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and receiving 1st place for Carcasses from Group of Three Steers at the Queensland Royal Show (Ekka).

SCAN HERE Carcase Competition Support APPLICATION FORM

Technical | 2023

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SURVEY SUMMARIES SPECKLE PARK INFUSED CATTLE Tim Weller

TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

SPI surveyed both members and commercial beef producers late last year to get feedback on Speckle Park infused cattle and how SPI can support producers and improve the service we provide.

We received more than 100 responses in total from across Australia and New Zealand. More than one third of those who responded were solely commercial operations with 85% of all respondents operating commercial programs or studs whose commercial programs comprised at least half of their operation.

93% of respondents were using registered Speckle Park bulls and more than half derived the majority of their operation’s income from cattle enterprises.

We would like to thank those who participated in the survey as the insight provided is very valuable for our future planning.

The responses highlighted a strong belief in the future of the Speckle Park breed and the importance of evidence supported marketing and the continuation of holistic, data driven selection within our herds. A brief summary of a snapshot of survey questions is below: Q: What value do Speckle Park bulls add to your operation?

TOP 3 Temperament, hybrid vigour, calving ease: OTHER Doability, Meat Quality/yield, weaning weights.

"Doability, temperament, early maturity, fertility, vigorous and growthy calves, as well as longevity."

What do you believe are the current limitations of Speckle Park in the commercial beef industry?

TOP 3 Lack of data, insufficient culling, perceived as boutique breed.

OTHER Supply, temperament, marketing of benefits, use of composite/cross bred bulls.

“Lack of knowledge of the qualities of the breed amongst the buyers."

Do you believe there is a strong future for commercial crossbreds in Australasia and abroad?

73%

Technical | 2023

What EBVs do you consider relevant when you select a bull?

Birth Weight Weight Traits IMF% Scrotal Size Milk EMA Carcass Weight Gestation Length Retail Yield Rib & Rump Fat None 0%

20%

What do you look for when selecting bulls?

Temperament 92% Phenotype 86% Carcase/scrotal size data 65% Recessive traits

40%

60%

80%

Do you utilise Speckle Park BREEDPLAN and EBVs when selecting bulls?

Strongly 44% Limited 31% None 25%

58% Raw on farm data e.g. weights 51%

23

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BEEF AUSTRALIA 2024 SUB-COMMITTEE REPORT Stacey Warrener

BEEF 2024 SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Proud Partners

The anticipation is building as Beef 2024 draws near, a pivotal event that promises to be a grand stage for showcasing our premium breed to the Beef Industry. Held every three years, Beef Australia is scheduled for May 5-11 in the city of Rockhampton, Queensland. For those who have attended this event in previous years, we are sure you would recommend fellow breeders to make the trip to Rockhampton which is known as the Beef Capital of Australia.

Speckle Park International is thrilled to announce its partnership with Beef Australia, solidified through a comprehensive supporter package. This partnership will encompass a prominent presence via a spacious exhibition site, strategic advertising, and an engaging social media campaign. As stated by Beef Australia, “A partnership with Beef Australia highlights your support and commitment to the industry, offering a prime opportunity to spotlight your brand before a diverse national and international audience.” It’s an exciting step towards reaffirming our dedication to the commercial beef industry.

Opportunities abound for our members to participate in various competitions, including carcase competitions, commercial cattle showcases, and stud showing. Keep a close eye on the Beef Australia website for updates and nomination deadlines.

Even if you or your cattle aren’t participating in an event, attending Beef Australia is well worth consideration. There are many opportunities for networking, conferences, and social events. By following the Beef Australia social media pages you will be kept well informed about the events, ticketing and other information as it is released. For those planning to attend, we strongly advise securing accommodation well in advance. With attendance figures reaching approximately 120,000 in 2021, early booking is recommended.

Our sub-committee is eagerly preparing further opportunities for your Stud or Commercial operation to take stage at Beef 2024. Stay tuned for updates on promotional materials, launch events, and more as we embark on this exciting journey together. Beef 2024 is set to be an event like no other, and there will be opportunities for members to be involved, even if they can’t make the trip to sunny Queensland next May.

Photo: Beef 2021

Beef | 2023

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS EKKA ROYAL QLD SHOW Paddock to Palate

Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 401-430kgs

TRADE CLASS 70 DAY

3rd M & K Butcher Bros.

Speckle Park x Exhibit

10th Overall Minnamurra Speckle Park Speckle Park x Exhibit Reserve Champion Carcase Minnamurra Speckle Park Speckle Park x Exhibit EXPORT CLASS 100 DAY 3rd Overall Individual Weight Gain Minnamurra Speckle Park Speckle Park x Exhibit ADG of 3.27kgs 14th Overall Individual Weight Gain Minnamurra Speckle Park Speckle Park x Exhibit ADG of 3.03kgs

Led Steer/Heifer Carcase Classes Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 325-350kgs 1st MacIntyre High School Speckle Park x Exhibit Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 351-375kgs 2nd George Massam Speckle Park x Exhibit Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 351-375kgs 3rd Quinalow Prep (Yr 10 State School) Speckle Park x Exhibit MSA Class 3 1st Novae Speckle Park and John Willcocks Speckle Park x Exhibit Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 401-430kgs 1st Hayden Beattie Speckle Park x Exhibit

Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 431-460kgs 2nd Brown Holdings & M & M Fitting Services Speckle Park x Exhibit Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 461-490kgs 2nd Matthew & Peta O’Dwyer Speckle Park x Exhibit Led Steer/Heifer Carcase 461-540kgs 3rd Blue Gene Cattle Co.& Scone Grammar Speckle Park x Exhibit

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Minto Crag Pastoral Speckle Park x Exhibit

Champion Medium Weight Carcase Hayden Beattie

Speckle Park x Exhibit

Led Steer Jackpot Lightweight Hoof 1st Novae Speckle Park & John Willcocks Speckle Park x Exhibit (Tied) Jackpot Medium Weight Carcase 1st Hayden Beattie Speckle Park x Exhibit

Show Results | 2023

Led Steers Class 1A 325-350kgs

Class 10B Carcasses from Group of 3 Steers 1st Speckle Park

1st Ponderosa Stud Cattle & Performance Horses F1 Speckle Park Exhibit “Speckles” Class 3A 376-400kgs 1st John Willcocks & Novae Speckle Park Purebred Steer Exhibit “Novae Tamagotchi” Class 5A 431-460kgs 1st Ponderose Stud Cattle & Performance Horses F4 Speckle Park Exhibit “Spot”

Champion Lightweight Steer John Willcocks & Novae Speckle Park

Purebred Speckle Park Steer “Novae Tamagotchi”

Photo: Class 10B - 1st Place - Carcasses from Group of Three Steers

Purebred Classes JUNIOR HEIFER Heifer 8 months & Under 12 months 1st Celamba Jewel of Justice 2nd Winter Ti Amo 3rd Gotcha Essential 4th KJ Hill Tamara Heifer 12 months & Under 14 months 1st KJ Hill Tabitha 2nd KJ Hill Tess 3rd Superb Tilly Heifer 14 months & Under 16 months

Photo: Novae Tamagotchi

Reserve Champion Medium Weight Steer Ponderosa Stud Cattle & Performance Horses F4 Speckle Park “Spot” Bred by Ivery Downs Speckle Park

1st Foxtail Hill Never Trade Secrets 2nd SND Signature 22D Spice T3 3rd SGS Tinkerbell Heifer 16 months & Under 18 months 1st Toebelle My Fair Lady 2nd KJ Hill Tara 3rd Black Stump L275 Tigerlily

27

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS EKKA ROYAL QLD SHOW JUNIOR HEIFER (CONT.) Heifer 18 months & Under 20 months 1st Black Opal look At Me Now 2nd Black Stump Ness T1 3rd Pinnacle Park Unique Symphony

Junior Champion Bull Celamba Unicorn

Reserve Junior Champion Bull Pinnacle Park Top Spot SENIOR COW OR HEIFER

Junior Champion Heifer Foxtail Hill Never Trade Secrets

Reserve Junior Champion Heifer KJ Hill Tabitha

Cow or Heifer 20 months & Under 24 months 1st Wattle Grove 11F Zag S760 2nd Pinnacle Park Halle Berry 3rd SGS Magic Summer S31 Cow or Heifer 24 months & Under 30 months

JUNIOR BULL Bull 8 months & Under 12 months 1st Celamba Unicorn 2nd Pinnacle Park Top Spot 3rd Gotcha Boom Box T19 4th Black Opal Rip Bull 12 months & Under 14 months

1st Wattle Grove 300X Valley S750 2nd GR8 S13 Great Marlow 25U Lightning Lady 3rd GR8 S3 Great Marlow M1 Unique Cow 30 months & Under 60 months 1st KJ Hill Adena 2nd Aleon Lady Emilly 3rd Black Diamond K21 Quafe Q542

1st Superb Tyrone 2nd SND Signature The Outlaw 3rd Gotcha Tik Tik Boom T16

Senior Champion Cow or Heifer

Bull 14 months & Under 16 months

Reserve Senior Champion Cow or Heifer

1st Foxtail Hill Call Me Daddy 2nd Gotcha Kaboom T28 3rd Dorroughby Charge Forward Bull 16 months & Under 18 months

KJ Hill Adena

Aleon Lady Emilly

Grand Champion Cow or Heifer KJ Hill Adena

1st Sweetacres Tommy 2nd Black Opal Mr T Bull 18 months & Under 20 months 1st

Pinnacle Park Gryffindor

Photo: KJ Hill Adena and her calf

Show Results | 2023

SENIOR BULL Bull 20 months & Under 24 months 1st Bellara Kristoff 2nd Winter Stryker Bull 24 months & Under 30 months 1st Wattle Grove Shoot To Thrill S740 2nd Wattle Grove Mailman S730 3rd KJ Hill Walter

Senior Champion Bull Wattle Grove Shoot To Thrill S740

Reserve Senior Champion Bull Wattle Grove Mailman S730

Grand Champion Bull Celamba Unicorn

Pair of Bulls

Progeny Stakes Group

1st Wattle Grove Moonshine (Superb Speckle Park) 2nd Wattle Grove Ba Da Boom (Gotcha Speckle Park) Breeder’s Group 3rd AAA Mighty Moses (Winter Speckle Park) 1st Wayne & Cindy Tucknott KJ Hill 2nd Steve Atkins Gotcha Speckle Park 3rd Superb Speckle Park

1st Wattle Grove Speckle Park 2nd Gotcha Speckle Park 3rd Maclean High School

29

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS BATHURST ROYAL SHOW JUNIOR BULL

Junior Female 12 months and under 16 months

Junior Bull Under 12 months

1st Ersyldene T121 2nd Ersyldene T114

1st Six Star Southern Aurora Premium 2nd 8 Mile Knieval Junior Bull 16 months and under 20 months 1st Six Star Found The Fame 2nd Six Star Seeking Fame

Junior Female 16 months and under 20 months 1st Wattle Grove L275 Pho-Finish S137 2nd 8 Mile Just A Classy Beauty 3rd 8 Mile Jolieane Lily 4th 8 Mile Jypsy Rose

Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull

Junior Champion Speckle Park Female

Six Star Found The Fame

Wattle Grove L275 Pho-Finish S137

Reserve Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull

Reserve Junior Champion Speckle Park Female

Six Star Southern Aurora Premium SENIOR BULL Senior Bull over 30 months Wattle Grove Newsman R115

Senior Champion Speckle Park Bull Wattle Grove Newsman R115

Grand Champion Speckle Park Bull Six Star found The Fame

Ersyldene T121 SENIOR FEMALE Senior Female over 30 months 1st

Six Star Southern Aurora 105D Teeka R11

Senior Champion Speckle Park Female Six Star Southern Aurora 105D Teeka R11

Grand Champion Speckle Park Female Wattle Grove L275 Pho-Finish S137

Supreme Speckle Park Exhibit Wattle Grove L275 Pho-Finish S137

JUNIOR FEMALE Junior Female under 12 months 1st Southern Aurora R10 Teeka 2nd 8 Mile Kalypso 3rd 8 Mile Kehlani

Show Results | 2023

Most successful Exhibitor of Speckle Park Six Star Speckle Park Interbreed Champion Bull Six Star found The Fame 2nd Interbreed Female Wattle Grove L275 Pho-Finish S137 3rd Interbreed Pair of Females Ersyldene Speckle Park Champion Led Steer and Champion School Steer Kelso High School Speckle Dust

Grand Champion Herdsperson Campbell Dorman SPI Junior Member

Junior Young Rural Achiever Rory Hutchinson SPI Junior Member

Champion Junior Judge Henry Humphries SPI Junior Member

Grand Champion Parader & Young Rural Achiever Paige Hatton SPI Junior Member

Senior Champion Parader 18 − 25 Years Hugo Humphries

Reserve Champion Parader Over 25 years Alexandrea Munday

31

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW Steers

Champion Purebred Steer

Purebred Steers 450kgs & Under

Sowden Goodguyswearblack

1st Sowden Goodguyswearblack 2nd Ewyn TellmemoreT09 3rd Sowden Tubthumpin 4th Black Diamond Tenderloin T1724 5th 8 Mile Jackal

Champion First Cross Steer

Purebred Steers Over 450kgs

Grand Champion Speckle Park Steer

1st Pinnacle Park Extra Special 2nd MPC N119 x Caja 1B Tag 215 3rd White Family Beef & Guy Cattle Co. Tag 816 4th Black Diamond Steven T1553 5th Calrossy Anglican School Tag 816 First Cross Steers 450kgs & Under

T & L Eastwell Steer

Champion Infused Steer St Stanislaus College Tag T57

Sowden Goodguyswearblack

Stan Hill Memorial Trophy Interbreed Group of 3 Purebred Steers

1st Deeargee Spunk 2nd Kinross Wolaroi & Wattle Grove Speckle Park Tag T20 3rd Kinross Wolaroi & Wattle Grove Speckle Park Tag T23 4th Wellington High School Tag SPC R5 5th Saint Gregory’s College Cookie & Cream First Cross Steers Over 450kgs 1st T & L Eastwell Steer 2nd Jackungah Bulldozer 212 3rd Stannies Speckle 9 4th Deeargee Road Runner 5th Slim Infused Steers Under 450kgs 1st Nowra High School & Gary Nelson Speckle Park Tag T40 Infused Steers Over 450kgs 1st St Stanislaus College Tag T57 2nd Oakhill College Tag T44 Open Lightweight Steer 421 - 440kgs 1st Sowden Tubthumpin Open Lightweight Steer 441 - 461kgs 1st Sowden Goodguyswearblack

Speckle Park Represented by Tag 1205 Pinnacle Park Extra Special, Tag 623 Ewyn Tellmemore, Tag 729 Sowden Goodguyswearblack

Reserve Champion Open Middleweight Steer Sowden Goodguyswearblack

Champion Trade Steer Exhibited by St Stanislaus College: Stannies Robin

Show Results | 2023

Purebred Classes

Female over 14 months & not over 16 months

Female 8 months and not over 10 months

1st Gotcha Hannah 2nd Linaubin Fancy Pants 3rd Pinnacle Park Unique Symphony 4th Dorroughby Taylor

1st Pemberton M271 Shanell T22 2nd Rose Hill Spellbound 3rd Wattle Lee 71H Cora T01 4th Hollyhill Louisa Female over 10 months & not over 12 months 1st Epic That’s Amy 2nd Fox Tail Hill Never Trade Secrets 3rd Black Diamond 31E Thumbelina T1795 4th Sowden Wine N Dine Me 5th Hillview Sienna 6th Ersyldene T121 Female over 12 months & not over 13 months 1st Black Diamond P192 Tinder T1660 2nd Epic Truffle T7 3rd Black Diamond 103C Tabitha T 1670 4th Ewyn 11F Sassafras T22 5th Ewyn BP Melita T15 6th Bonkonia Koda 7th Jackungah 11A Lady Pretender Female over 13 months & not over 114 months 1st Ewyn BP Melita T05 2nd Bamawm View Sassa 3rd Flagship Teardops and Roses 4th KJ Hill Tara

Calf Champion Female Black Diamond P192 Tinder T1660

Reserve Calf Champion Female Epic That’s Amy

Female over 16 months & not over 18 months 1st Jackungah 01B Luo’s Secret S52 2nd Deeargee Savy B 3rd 8 Mile Jolieane Lily 4th Deeargee Smart N Sexy Female over 18 months & not over 20 months 1st Black Diamond N67 Surrended S1575 2nd Black Diamond Q534 Sarcastic Finish S1593 3rd Hillview Mindy 4th Hanging Rock Lavender S20 5th Topiram Extreme Destiny 6th Jackungah P22 Isis S39 Two Females not over 20 months 1st Black Diamond 2nd Epic 3rd Gotcha 4th Ewyn 5th Jackungah

Intermediate Champion Female Gotcha Hannah

Reserve Intermediate Champion Female Black Diamond N67 Surrended S1575

Junior Champion Female Gotcha Hannah 33

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS SYDNEY ROYAL SHOW Female over 20 months & not over 24 months

Bull 8 months & not over 10 months

1st Rose Hill Secret Fantasy 2nd Rob Roy Special Effect 3rd Ewyn 01E Melissa S33 4th Fox Tail Hill Lollie Express

1st Rose Hill Harley 2nd Wattle Lee 71H Titan T03 3rd Alinjarra Terminator T019 4th Six Star Southern Aurora Premium

Female Over 24 months & not over 30 months

Bull over 10 months & not over 12 months

1st Black Diamond 827F Secret Engagement S1141 2nd KJ Hill Adena 3rd Great Marlow M1 Unique 4th Great Marlow 25U Lightning Lady

1st Ewyn 11F Transmitter T31 2nd Sowden Heads I Win 3rd Jackungah Texas T26 4th Black Diamond 105D Tomahawk T1747 5th Jackungah Takeoff T10 6th Merom Tombowlar T8

Female over 30 months & not over 36 months 1st Black Diamond Rehearsal Dinner R888 2nd Sowden Skies D Limit 3rd Black Diamond M34 Remix R1070 Female Over 36 months 1st Hanging Rock Heather P01 2nd Wattle Grove G61 Lightning Lady Q124 3rd Southern Aurora Six Star 105D Teeka R11 4th Jackungah Luo’s Secret P19 5th White Acres Lady Pretender

Senior Champion Female Black Diamond Rehearsal Dinner R888

Reserve Senior Champion Female Hanging Rock Heather

Bull over 12 months & not over 13 months 1st Black Diamond 54Z Twelve Gauge T1687 2nd Black Diamond P192 Tokyo Drift T1675 3rd M & G Take Five 4th Topiram Titan T13 Bull over 13 months & not over 14 months 1st Toebelle Iconic 2nd Wellerlou L81 Master T56 3rd Hollyhill Thunder

Calf Champion Bull Ewyn 11F Transmitter T31

Reserve Calf Champion Bull Black Diamond 54Z Twelve Gauge T1687

Grand Champion Female Black Diamond Rehearsal Dinner R888

Bull over 14 months & not over 16 months 1st Six Star Found The Fame 2nd Merom Starbuck S62 3rd Hillview Maverick 4th Cugulla Chief Bull over 16 months & not over 18 months 1st Jackungah Silencer S53 2nd Ewyn M1 Storm S69 3rd Hillview Paddy

Show Results | 2023

Bull over 18 months & not over 20 months

Senior Champion Bull

1st Sowden Save Me A Spot 2nd Hanging Rock Sudden Impact S21 3rd Rose Hill Kenny 4th Black Diamond Q534 Sharpie S1602 5th Jackungah Secret Service S43

Blue Spark Strikes Twice S12

Two Bulls not over 20 months

Blue Spark Strikes Twice S12

Reserve Senior Champion Bull Wattle Grove Newsman R115

Grand Champion Bull

1st Black Diamond 2nd Sowden Cattle 3rd Jackungah

Intermediate Champion Bull Jackungah Silencer S53

Reserve Intermediate Champion Bull Six Star Found The Fame Bull 20 months & not over 24 months 1st Wattle Grove Mailman S730 2nd Greeenhaven Rip 3rd KJ Hill Walter 4th Manning Valley Showtime 5th Black Diamond M34 Sling Shot S1267 Bull over 24 months & not over 30 months 1st Blue Spark Strikes Twice S12 2nd Wellerlou M25 Monte S38 3rd Wattle Grove Live It Up R145 4th Blue Spark Smokey Joe S16 5th Black Diamond 827F Season Opener S1128 Bull over 30 months & not over 36 months 1st Wattle Grove Newsman R115 2nd Rose Hill Secret Service 3rd Fox Tail Hill Balls Of Steele

Sire’s Progeny

Breeder’s Group

1st Black Diamond 60A Prime Time P192 2nd Colgan’s Frasier 3rd Star Bank Lacerta 68L 4th Ravenworth Invictus 103C

1st Black Diamond 2nd Ewyn 3rd Hanging Rock 4th Jackungah 5th Topiram

Dam’s Progeny 1st Waratah Pho Finish L130 2nd Kamarah Majestic 3rd Waratah F15 Spanish Angel J167 Best Exhibit Blue Spark Strikes Twice S12

Most Successful Speckle Park Exhibitor Black Diamond Best Maintained Team of 2 - 5 Head Fox Tail Hills Speckle Park Best Maintained Team of 5 Head Gotcha Speckle Park Best Displayed Beef Breed Speckle Park

35

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS TOOWOOMBA ROYAL SHOW Bull 6 months & Under 12 months

Female 6 months & Under 12 months

1st SND Signature The General 2nd AAA Frontline T06

1st SND Signature 22D Spice T3 2nd Specks On The Hill Tiana Heartbreaker 3rd AAA Checkered Flower T36

Bull 12 months & Under 15 months 1st

Three Way Tell Ya Moma

Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull SND Signature The General

Female 12 months & Under 15 months 1st SND Signature P36 Vickie T2 2nd SND Signature Spice S11

Champion Calf Female Speckle Park SND Signature 22D Spice T3

Reserve Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull AAA Frontline T06

Reserve Champion Calf Female Speckle Park

Bull 21 months & Under 24 months

Specks on the Hill Tiana Heartbreaker

1st

AAA Traffic Jam

Senior Champion Speckle Park Bull AAA Traffic Jam

Grand Champion Speckle Park Bull AAA Traffic Jam

Female 15 months & Under 18 months 1st Pinnacle Park Halle Berry 2nd SND Signature M1 Luna S13 3rd Downlands Everest Miss Wattle S24 Female 18 months & Under 21 months 1st AAA Saab S75 2nd SND Signature 103E Star Dust S2 3rd Wattle Grove 300X Valley S750

Show Results | 2023

Champion Junior Female Speckle Park AAA Saab S75

Reserve Champion Junior Female Speckle Park Pinnacle Park Halle Berry Female 21 months & Under 24 months 1st

Everest Stardust S02

Female 24 months & Over 1st Aleon Lady Emilly 2nd AAA Photo Finish R18 3rd Everest Miss Wattle R24 4th Deeargee Rise N Shine

Champion Senior Female Speckle Park Aleon Lady Emilly

Reserve Champion Senior Female Speckle Park AAA Photo Finish R18

Grand Champion Speckle Park Female Aleon Lady Emilly

Supreme Speckle Park Exhibit Aleon Lady Emilly

Breeder’s Group 1st SND Signature Speckles

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS ADELAIDE ROYAL SHOW Purebred Classes

Senior Champion Speckle Park Female Epic Quincey Q2

Heifer 8 months & Under 14 months 1st Dovin Tara T03 2nd Dovin Tabitha T02 3rd Dovin Tammy T01

Reserve Champion Senior Speckle Park Female

Heifer 14 months & Under 16 months

Grand Champion Speckle Park Female

1st

Epic That’s Amy

Ewyn 01D Sassafras S18

Jackungah HS J309 Eileen T29

Heifer 16 months & Under 18 months 1st Epic That’s Amy 2nd Ewyn BP Paris T24 3rd Kellanne Exquisite 4th Limited Edition True Lavender T01

Junior Champion Speckle Park Female Epic That’s Amy

Reserve Junior Champion Speckle Park Female

1st

Jackungah HS J309 Eileen T29

Bull 16 months & Under 18 months

Heifer or Cow 18 months & Under 24 months 1st

Ewyn 11F Rose S49

Cow 24 months & Under 30 months 1st

Ewyn 01D Sassafras S18

Cow 30 months & Over 1st

Bull 14 months & Under 16 months

Epic Quincey Q2

1st

MH Trouble Maker

Ewyn 11F Transmitter T31

Junior Champion Speckle Park Bull Ewyn 11F Transmitter T31

Reserve Champion Junior Speckle Park Bull MH Trouble Maker

Grand Champion Speckle Park Bull Ewyn 11F Transmitter T31

Breeder’s Group 1st Ewyn Speckle Park

Show Results | 2023

School Purebred Export 544 ‒ 590kgs

Steers

1st Ewyn 24E Toronto T51 Exhibited by Oakbank Area Bred by Ewyn Speckle Park Crossbred Light Domestic 390 ‒ 450kgs

Crossbred Light Domestic 395 ‒ 450kgs 4th Wattle Lee Sky’s The Limit S19 Exhibited by Emily Edwards Crossbred Heavy Domestic 452 ‒ 506kgs 1st Wattle Lee Shot of Darkness S11 Exhibited by Emily Edwards 4th Steve Exhibited by Wudinna Area School Crossbred Export 554 ‒ 594kgs 1st Redwood Range Astro Exhibited by Mt Compass Area School

2nd Redwood Range Capellini Exhibited by Balaklava High School Bred by Redwood Range Speckle Park 4th Bordertown High School Tin Tin Exhibited by Bordertown High School Bred by I & J Pfitzner

Reserve Champion Crossbred Light Domestic Steer on Hoof Redwood Range Capellini Exhibited by Balaklava High School Bred by Redwood Range Speckle Park Crossbred Heavy Domestic 454 ‒ 496kgs 3rd Redwood Range Thunder Exhibited by Riverton & District High School Bred by Redwood Range Speckle Park Crossbred Heavy Domestic 500 ‒ 540kgs

Champion Crossbred Steer on Hoof Redwood Range Astro exhibited by Mt Compass Area School

5th Wattle Lee Tempting Fate Exhibited and bred by Wattle Lee Speckle Park

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SHOW RESULTS MELBOURNE ROYAL SHOW Purebred Classes

Heifer or Cow 24-36 months

Heifer 9 ‒ 12 months

1st Black Diamond 827F Secret Engagement S1141 2nd The Pines Miss Sophia

1st

The Pines Miss Tabitha

Heifer 12 ‒ 16 months 1st Jackungah HS D102 Eileen T93 2nd Black Diamond 24E Tonight T1984 3rd Jackungah HS D102 Eileen T91 4th Bonkonia Taiga T6 5th Black Diamond Q534 Tequila T2112 6th Southern Cross Tequilla Sunrise T2 Heifer 16 ‒ 20 months 1st Epic That’s Amy T12 2nd Black Diamond 31E Thumbellina T1795 3rd Kellanne Exquisite T01 4th Black Diamond 5E Topless Maid T1871 5th Sowden Wine N Dine Me 6th Black Diamond 103C Tabitha T1670

Junior Champion Female Epic That’s Amy T12

Cow over 36 months 1st Sowden Skies D Limit 2nd Jackungah Luo’s Secret R12 3rd Epic Quincey Q2 4th The Pines Miss Pandora

Champion Senior Female Sowden Skies D Limit

Reserve Champion Senior Female Jackungah Luo’s Secret R12

Grand Champion Female Sowden Skies D Limit

Bull 9 ‒ 12 months 1st Loch Ness K10 All In T22 2nd The Pines Big Tonto Bull 15 ‒ 18 months 1st Black Diamond 105D Tomahawk 2nd Jackungah HS Top Deck T30 3rd Jackungah Transmission T12 4th Jackungah Territory T13 Bull 18 ‒ 20 months

Reserve Junior Champion Female Jackungah HS D102 Eileen T93

1st Black Diamond 54Z Twelve Gauge T1687 2nd Topiram Titan 3rd Black Diamond J17 Tom Cat

Show Results | 2023

Junior Champion Bull Black Diamond 105D Tomahawk

Reserve Junior Champion Bull Black Diamond 54Z Twelve Gauge T1687

Best 2 Females under 20 months 1st Black Diamond 2nd Jackungah 3rd Loch Ness 4th Topiram

Bull over 24 months

Best 2 Bulls under 20 months

1st

1st Black Diamond 2nd Jackungah

Black Diamond Q534 Sharpie

Sire or Dams Group 1st Black Diamond 2nd Black Diamond 3rd Jackungah 4th Topiram Breeders Group 1st Jackungah 2nd Black Diamond 3rd Loch Ness

Senior Champion Bull Black Diamond Q534 Sharpie

Most Successful Exhibitor Black Diamond

Grand Champion Bull Black Diamond 105D Tomahawk

Supreme Exhibit Black Diamond 105D Tomahawk

Best 2 Females under 20 months 1st Black Diamond 2nd Jackungah 3rd Loch Ness 4th Topiram

Steers Black Diamond exhibited some Speckle Park X Angus Steers placed well on Hoof & Hook. The purebred Speckle Park Steer team placed 7th.

Jackungah exhibited a purebred steer that placed 7th on the Hook in the Heavy Domestic Class. He also came 3rd in the Steer Bonanza & won his class on the Hoof.

Grant High School exhibited a Speckle Park x Steer that won Champion Domestic Carcass.

Best 2 Females under 20 months

Finley High School exhibited a Speckle Park X Steer that won Reserve Champion School Starr on the Hoof.

1st Black Diamond 2nd Jackungah

There were roughly 10 Speckle Park & Speckle Park influenced steers shown for 8 placings on the Hoof.

Sire or Dams Group 1st Black Diamond 2nd Black Diamond 3rd Jackungah 4th Topiram

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

SPECIAL INTEREST THE MONEY SHOT When it comes to taking photos of livestock there are 2 main pre requisites: PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE & PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!

More often than not, it is better to post NO Photo than it is to post a bad photo!

Points to consider before going out to take photos Why? Think about the reason for taking the photo.

Are you taking it as part of a sale catalogue? If so, using a professional livestock photographer should be given serious consideration – professional photos are typically well worth the investment. Even using a professional photographer, these tips and tricks are designed to assist in ensuring the photographer is able to get the very best pic possible of your animal.

Or, are you simply wanting to take happy snaps of your animals to put on social media? Even in a less formal setting, consider whether it is better to post NO photo than to post a bad one. A bad image will forever remain etched in people’s minds!

What?

Honestly assess the animal you are about to photograph.

Note its good points and its not so good points (no animal is perfect!) You want to be able to accentuate the animals’ good points in your photograph and try not to make their bad points look worse.

Is the animal you are wanting to photograph presented consistently with the impression you want to give of a) the animal and b) your breeding program/reputation etc? A skinny, poorly managed animal will not reflect well on your animal or your operation. Consider, is its body condition acceptable for the prevailing conditions, does its coat look healthy (consistent with good husbandry practices), does your animal require washing and clipping to present it in the best possible light (again, highly recommend this if the photo is for a sale catalogue)?

Where?

Is the area you where want to take photos relatively flat and hazard free?

Sloping or uneven surfaces will affect how your animal looks and will make it appear unbalanced. Also, is the background free from distractions (fences, posts, trees, buildings, rubbish etc)? Consider the impact these background items may have on the finished product (such as a fence post growing out of an animal’s back). If you don’t have the ideal backdrop, haybales stacked up in an area or fencing panels covered with hessian are commonly used options to improve photo backdrops.

Also bear in mind how the background works with the colour of the animal. For example, a darker animal may be less distinguishable against a darker background and a lighter coloured animal more difficult to see against a lighter background.

Special Interest | 2023

When?

Is the weather and lighting appropriate to be out taking photos?

You want to provide yourself with the highest chance of obtaining the best photos possible so, if you can, try to avoid overly hot, cold or windy days – as these factors can greatly affect the way the animals look and behave. Also be sure to take into account where the sun will be positioned at the relevant time of day as it is best to avoid shadows across the animal, the sun in your eyes etc.

How? Is your camera suitable for the results you require?

These days, most modern phones have excellent cameras, which will suffice for your everyday social media-style promotional photos. If you require photos for something more substantive like a sale catalogue or would like to capture photos from greater distances, it might be worthwhile exploring the benefits offered by better equipped cameras. Obviously, if you are engaging a professional photographer, they will have their own whizz bang cameras with all the bells and whistles.

Setting yourself up for a successful photography day

Photo utilising professional photographer.

Setting up your area If possible, it is a good idea to have other herd mates in pens at both ends of the area you will be using to photograph the animal in. Cattle are herd animals and their natural instinct is to want to go to where their mates are. Generally, if they are close by, the animal is more likely to remain settled and co-operative.

Where is the sun?

This makes a big difference to the end result. Check out the area you have in mind in advance at various times of the day. See where the shadows are from other items such as trees and fence lines, and also which direction your shadow falls. You don’t want shadows from anything falling across your subject matter.

Helpers please It is always best to have at least 2 other people helping. 1 several steps Poor sun position and shadow over subject. behind the animal to encourage it to move forward so the legs are in the correct position and 1 a few steps in front of the animal, to assist with the direction the head is facing and to attract the animal’s attention. It is also good to have some “props” on hand to get the animal’s attention (head up, ears forward etc). Suitable items for this include an umbrella to open and close, a squeaky toy, plastic bag to rumple or a can with pebbles in it to rattle to make noise. It is also good to try these items out to see what works and what doesn’t - you don’t want to terrify the animal but you also don’t want it to be totally oblivious. Generally speaking, a nervous or flighty type animal will require much less stimulation to grab their attention (sometimes just the presence of your 2 helpers is more than enough for these animals) whereas very quiet animals will require much more excitement to get their attention.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Can you see what I see?

Get as close as possible (zoom in if necessary) to ensure the animal fills a sufficient part of the frame – this will keep the quality of the image high, without having to crop the image (which will often distort when being reproduced). However, if the photo is for a sale catalogue or similar, it is also important to ensure there is sufficient background in the frame to avoid parts of the animal being cut off if the image needs to be cropped to fit in a particular space. Professional cameras that capture higher resolution images provide greater flexibility in this regard as their images can withstand greater cropping before distorting.

Aim to have the animal fully side on; this will help the true proportions of the animal stay intact (for example, you want to avoid a photo of an animal with its head too close to the camera, making its head look much larger than its body and vice versa). It is also advisable to have your view finder aimed at the middle of the barrel of the animal; for younger/smaller animals this will likely require you to bend over or squat. If you don’t aim for this area, your photo will look distorted (i.e. taking photo from an angle too low will make the animal look bigger, and taking from an angle above the animal will make it appear short legged).

The ideal position is to have the animal standing, with split hindlegs - so the hind leg closest to the camera is slightly Acceptable leg and head position. back from perpendicular and the hind leg on the opposite side is directly perpendicular. This will show off the animals’ testicular development or teat/udder placement/development. From this position, aim to have the head directly facing forwards, or slightly turned towards the camera, so that the edge of the eye and ear on the opposite side of the face are just visible. You should also aim to have the head up above the level of the topline, if possible, rather than below.

Also, try to have the front legs slightly off parallel so that you can see there are 2 in front, otherwise you can have the illusion of a 3-legged animal, which can be rather off-putting. This stance will take some practice and patience to achieve but, is well worth the effort.

To photoshop (edit) or not to photoshop By all means, cropping and editing lighting, shade and clarity are often a part of making a good end product, as is taking out any distractions that you were not able to take care of when setting up for your photo shooting session (i.e. fences in the background, a pile of manure, rocks, flies, sticks or show canes, halters and leads etc.). Any editing needs to be subtle and natural looking.

Very importantly, photo editing should not alter the physical appearance of the animal (particularly its conformation/ structure) as this can result in a prospective or actual buyer (of the animal or its associated genetics) being misled.

In addition to reputational damage, you should carefully consider any potential legal ramifications associated with misrepresenting the true state of the animal.

Special Interest | 2023

Final thoughts As a final thought, before publishing photos, always remember - photos can provide a lasting impression of not only that specific animal but also its’ breeder (yourself or someone else), and the breed as a whole.

As the saying goes ‘a photo speaks a thousand words’ – make sure those words are good ones! Make it a good memory and impression on peoples’ minds is certainly worth the effort!

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Rockin’ at S A L E

8TH MAY 2024 BEEF AUSTRALIA ROCKHAMPTON QLD The best of the best on offer info@wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au • Dale: 0429 360 419 • Bin: 0421 524 856 www.wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au

1

WG STUD PUREBRED BULL SALE 2 WG STUD PUREBRED FEMALE & GENETIC SALE 3 WG COMMERCIAL CLIENTS STEER & FEMALE SALE

ALL ON OFFER - SAME PLACE - SAME DAY YOUR ONE STOP SPECKLE PARK SALE

SALE - FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2024 TOOWOOMBA QLD REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TO BE PART OF THE SALE info@wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au • Dale: 0429 360 419 • Bin: 0421 524 856 www.wattlegrovespecklepark.com.au

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

STUD SALES BORN READY – TO BREAK RECORDS

" When Born Ready Shady (PAF S04) set a new world record price for Speckle Park animal of $150,000 on 2 September 2023, no one saw it coming - least of all his breeders, Born Ready Speckle Park."

After some furious bidding at the East Coast Select Sale, Born Ready Shady was knocked down to Ivery Downs Speckle Park of Colinton, Queensland.

The previous world record for a Speckle Park animal was shared by Six Star Southern Aurora ‘Justice’ R10 owned by Toebelle Speckle Park and Battalion Heartbreaker R16 owned by Ivery Downs, who both sold in 2022 for $100,000.

The black sire from Dyers Crossing grabbed the attention of enthusiastic bidders the day prior to the Auction when his impressive scan results were released. The 25 month old bull tipped the scales at an impressive 956kg, boasting an extraordinary eye muscle area (EMA) of 143 cm2 – one of the largest EMA measurements recorded for the breed.

Brooke and Andrew (Paffy) Paff, owners of Born Ready Speckle Park, are still in disbelief over the record sale price. The couple started their Speckle

Park journey in 2017, and it’s been far from smooth sailing. After a series of failed embryo transfers, followed by a strict culling regimen to ensure they only kept “the best of the best”, this was the couple’s first public sale with 4 bulls catalogued, with 2 selling under the hammer. Mindful of current market conditions, the Paffs went into the Auction with a humble reserve for Shady of $6,000. Brooke said "We knew we were selling in a tough market, but when our first 2 bulls were passed in, I was almost crying. We put our heart and soul into our animals and to not get a bid was devastating. When we got the first bid on Shady it was such a relief, but then it just kept going and going. At one stage Brian (the Auctioneer) was taking $10,000 bids, it was unbelievable.” The 2 passed in bulls sold quickly after the Auction, adding to the Paff’s delight.

Despite not originally being impressed by his sale photos, Dale & Stacey Jones from Ivery Downs Speckle Park made the last minute decision to head to Kempsey after seeing Shady’s details in the Auction supplementary sheet. The couple have long held the view ‘a great black bull will do wonders for the breed’, hence the co-ownership of the black Canadian sire, Greenwood Coal Train 84J, who’s straws recently sold

at the Hot Spot Multi-Vendor auction for $1050 each. “We are so glad we made the trip. We were sceptical based on his photos, but when we saw Shady in the flesh, he was just so beautifully balanced. He was exactly the bull we were after” Stacey said.

In Dale’s opinion, “Shady is the best black Speckle Park bull I’ve seen in the country.”

Both Born Ready and Ivery Downs share the strong belief that a black Speckle Park bull will help break down the barriers between stud and commercial Speckle Park breeders.

“We’ve got big plans for Shady, starting with making his semen readily available at an affordable price all year round. We want to get the Speckle Park breed into as many beef herds as possible” Stacey said.

When Shady was born, a black Speckle Park Bull “we were so disappointed with his colour”.

“Traditionally, black bulls just don’t sell well no matter how good they are; most purebred black bulls are cut and grown out as steers. However, Shady was a stand-out calf so it was decided from an early age we would let him grow out. Despite being on the same feeding regime as the other bulls in his contemporary group, Shady just shone and continued to impress us

Stud Sales | 2023

with his growth rates and structural soundness. We have always been disappointed that Shady was not able to be shown under the current SPI guidelines as he is black.

If it wasn’t for a strong presence on social media, Shady would have just been another black bull in a paddock and his greatness would not have ever been recognized by the world.

We truly hope that by Shady being black and smashing the world record it might help black Speckles earn their rightful place in the show ring along with the full blooded coloured siblings. In looking back on the East Coast Select Sale, the stars certainly aligned to allow Shady to make his mark on the World”, Brooke said.

Having been offered money for Shady several times out of the paddock prior to the Auction, current market conditions certainly made it tempting to sell him. However, it was important to Brooke and Andrew to stick to their word and offer the best bull they have bred to date up at their debut public offering.

Andrew had a fairly major farm accident 4 week prior to the Auction seeing him being flown to the Burns Unit at Royal North Shore. In a touching display of support, the Paffs were overwhelmed with the support from their family both biological and Speckled, who came together to ensure the bulls were taken care of and found their way to the sale despite their initial thoughts that they would have to withdraw from the sale given the circumstances. Andrew’s one request throughout his hospital stay was to “make the sale to see his boys sold” and that’s exactly what happened when he was officially discharged just the day prior to the sale!

“It’s always been our dream to sell a bull to another Stud, but to sell it to one of the world’s leading partnerships, Ivery Downs, at a world record price was next level! We can’t wait to see what Stacey, Dale and Shady do in the future. We are overwhelmed by all the hype, but at the same time we are so incredibly proud. We hope Shady’s influence in the commercial world is strong and provides an important stepping stone for Speckle Park into the beef industry going forward. A win for one is a win for the breed and this is only the beginning for Speckle Park” Brooke said.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CARCASE NOVAE TAMAGOTCHI Nick & Belinda Endres NOVAE SPECKLE PARK

As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on the year that was at Novae Speckle Park (owned

by Nick and Belinda Endres). This year marked our first foray into the world of led steers which culminated at the Brisbane EKKA in August where our led steer Novae Tamagotchi claimed Champion in the Lightweight Led Steer Competition then went on to secure the prestigious blue ribboned MSA Eating Quality Award. Tamagotchi was also selected to be a part of the team 3 for the Ken McDonald Shield, this group gained first place in Class 10B – Carcasses from Group of Three Steers.

Lightweight Led Steer Carcass Competitions Meat Standards Australia Eating Quality Award - Lightweight

Class 3 Winner: John Willcocks & Novae Speckle Park

Where it all started Our Novae herd was founded by acquiring several select females (as well as our current herd sire) from the dispersal of the Steggles stud in 2019. In parallel we ran a number of frozen embryo transfer programs with our commercial Angus recipients to fast track our stud development and gain access to particular family lines.

By July 2021 we were ready to undertake our first flush and direct embryo transfer program. Two of our Steggles females had just earnt their place in the donor pen. Females in the Novae herd must meet a number of strict conditions to qualify as donors which include assessments of confirmation, performance and temperament. The final challenge is to calve unassisted, exhibit strong maternal instincts, produce ample milk in a well attached udder and most importantly get back in calf quickly and with no fuss. Steggles Matilda had met these requirements.

Matilda is a deep bodied, easy doing female in a slightly larger frame. She is the type of cow we would love to have a paddock full of. We considered a number of AI sires for Matilda, each capable of complementing and enhancing Matilda’s traits. The decision to focus on improving carcass traits led us to the NZ super sire Kidmans Cove, the breed leader in IMF.

Matilda flushed very well and gave us 14 embryos. We implanted 5 embryos of which 3 were successful. Fast forward nine months and one bull calf and two heifers joined the Novae herd.

Even at birth, all three calves had one thing in common – thickness!

What we do At Novae we are dedicated to raising grass fed cattle in a commercial environment using regenerative grazing practices.

This means high density strip grazing where our purebred Speckles run side by side with commercial cattle and they are moved to new grazing every 24 hours. There is no special treatments or extra feed for the purebreds. They must prove themselves alongside the commercial cattle.

Carcase | 2023

Daily cattle moves eventually took the herd to our property boundary and not long after that our neighbour called as he had seen some promising contenders for a friend who was chasing led steers for the show circuit in 2023.

A chance visit John and Lisa Willcocks visited one afternoon and after touring our farm, there was one animal in particular that stood out to John – Novae Tamagotchi. We discussed his development to date and agreed that he was definitely growing but it was sideways as much as up and he was never going to achieve the height that we aim for in the Queensland market.

As we had already decided to retain his 2 full sisters (already taller) and we had a number of embryos in the tank, we made the decision for Tamagotchi to become our first led steer. While we had some exposure to the show scene for stud cattle, led steers was a whole new world.

A note from Lisa Novae Tamagotchi, affectionately known as ‘Grasshopper’ was the Lightweight Champion steer on the hoof at Ekka 2023. An outstanding and exciting result for 1st time exhibitors and breeders, Belinda and Nick Endres - Novae Speckle Park, Nobby QLD. They teamed up with John Willcocks (Tenterfield NSW) who has had a lot of success in the steer ring with his parents Keith and Annette (who have both sadly passed away) and is continuing to produce successful led and carcass steers/heifers.

Grasshopper was originally spotted in the herd on Belinda and Nick's property by their neighbour Mr David King (another very successful exhibitor in the steer ring). His quality stood out and he was the ideal shape for a show steer. He was so quiet, as are all the cattle on the Novae farm and this made preparing him easy. Grasshopper was set for the Speckle feature show at Sydney Royal 2023 but unfortunately would not have made the required minimum weight to be exhibited. It was then that Grasshopper was set for Ekka 2023. He attended and placed at a few local shows and continued to thrive. With Johns eye for detail and ability to present a led steer, Grasshopper was ready to shine at Ekka and won a very competitive class and then was awarded the Champion Lightweight Led steer.

He was sold at auction for an amazing $27.50 per/kg (2nd highest auction price of the day) to Mick’s Meat Barn, who are long standing attendees of the Ekka auction. As a testament to the nature and quality of the Novae Speckle Park cattle, he also won the MSA Eating Quality Award. The Speckle Park team won the hook section of the Ken McDonald shield and were 2nd overall.

Belinda and Nick have certainly bred an outstanding animal.

Where to from here?

The Novae and John Willcock team will hopefully have another steer to follow in Grasshopper’s footsteps.

Watch this space!!!

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CARCASE MICK'S MEATBARN Champion Lightweight Steer Each year we attend the Ekka Led Steer competition and have been doing so now for the best part of 20 years (except for those pesky pandemic years!), our customers know us for the eating quality of all of our meats but they also know that each September (after a successful Ekka campaign and then 4-6 weeks of dry aging) there is some truly special meat available and we have a select group of customers that contact us each and every year and they are first on the list to be able to purchase the prime cuts from the Ekka cattle.

The feedback this year was a resounding thumbs up, those that received some of the Speckled steer (which was a few staff members as well) commented on the taste as well as the tenderness. When we saw him on the hoof in the ring, with his excellent conformation, we had no problem bidding as high as we did as we have had many Speckled Parks through the store previously and haven’t been let down by the breed as far as eating quality go. We have always used British Bred cattle in our store over the last 30 years sticking with the tried favourites including Herefords, Angus and Murray Grey’s for a long time and more recently we haven’t been scared to try the newer breeds like Square Meaters and the Speckled Parks.

I’d recommend for other butchers to grab some if they pop up at the saleyard or form a relationship with a local breeder as we’ve only come across good examples in the Speckled parks and with their British bred origins they come from a great foundation.

While we see some buyers at the yards shy away from anything that isn’t black we jump on the front foot when the opportunity to purchase a Speckle is presented. I hope that the breeders don’t rest on the great foundation that the Speckles have in Australia and continue to improve the genetics on offer and improve an already great breed.

He yielded exceptionally well at around 63% and he was obviously a good converter. When we heard about the amount of time he was on feed we were pleasantly surprised the fat wasn’t excessive being only 12mm at P8.

About Micks Meat Barn Micks Meat Barn has been established at 181 Nicklin Way since the early 80’s and has been owned and operated by the Richards family for over 30 years. With the recent partnership involving the Templeman family there are some exciting times ahead for the store.

We supply quality beef and meat products to a number of Restaurants, Clubs and Caterers as well as servicing a very busy retail trade. We are very active within the community, sponsoring various schools, churches, charities and sporting teams on the Sunshine Coast.

Our friendly butchers and counter staff with their welcoming smile are happy to provide you with old fashioned but efficient service next time you visit Micks. Consistent high quality is our business in the retailing of meat and the service to our clients.

Carcase | 2023

CARCASE STEER REPORT Steering the breed into the future…

It’s something we’ve all known and believed for some time now being Speckle Park breeders. However, this year it’s safe to say that proof is in results, with both purebred and infused steers consistently shinning in both Hoof and Hook competitions across the board.

The year has been filled with exceptional results in carcass competitions, but a highlight of the year would have been the Royal Easter Show in Sydney in which Speckle Park was the feature. Heads were turned and Speckle Park left a strong impression where it counts, on the plate.

The hotly contested SPI Promoted Steer Classes on Wednesday evening saw Sowden Goodguyswearblack (Star Bank Lacerta x Black Diamond 60A Popcorn P203) take out the Champion Purebred Steer, from the under 450 kg class and Reserve Champion Purebred steer, coming from the over 450 kg class, awarded to Pinnacle Park Extra Special (Petemar Special Silas x Nunkeeri Park Lauren). Both of these animals, as well as Ewyn Tellmemore (Caja Zeppelin x Fleurieu Sparkle), were selected to compete as part of the trio of purebred steers for the prestigious Stan Hill Memorial Award, which was sensationally won

by Speckle Park in a highlight to the steer competition.

On Thursday morning, the purebred steers competed against other breeds of purebred steers, with Sowden Goodguyswearblack, again, bringing home the honours in the Middleweight section.

Friday morning, the Trade Steer classes were on. Again, we saw Speckle Park perform extremely well, with a Speckle Park infused steer by Wattle Grove Bring It On P502 exhibited by St Stanislaus College winning Champion Trade Steer.

Saturday began with the running of the Schute Bell Badgery Lumby Charity steer Auction, with the Panorama Farms Bred steer (by Caja Zeppelin and out of Minnamurra 6Z Janette N119) selling to Ersyldene Speckle Park Stud, Roberts Meats and Jackungah Speckle Park for a whopping $20,500. This steer was prepared by PLC Armidale.

The carcase competition results were released following completion of the Show and once again Speckle Park continued to perform very well.

Sowden Goodguyswearblack was awarded Reserve Champion Middleweight Carcase in the RAS Classes and Grand Champion Carcase in the SPI Promoted Classes with an impressive 92.12 points out of 100. Champion Virtual Taste Test Trade Carcase was also won by a Speckle Park infused steer (sired by 111 P4) proudly exhibited

by Braidwood Central School and Kikiamah Speckle Park.

third highest average daily gain in the 100 day HGP Export class with an impressive ADG of 3.27kg.

Purebred steer Novae Tamagotchi NBE T7 secured first place in his class, before going on to win Champion Lightweight Led Steer.

Tamagotchi was then selected for the Speckle Park team along with a steer presented by Tom Jarrett and Heidi Nicholls and another by Scots PGC College to compete in the prestigious Ken McDonald Shield. The team won 1st place for Carcasses from Group of Three Steers.

The auction results saw Tamagotchi sell for a whopping $27.50kg before he went on to win a blue ribbon for the MSA Eating award. This award is possibly the highest accolade to be claimed by any beef producer.

Other shows have also seen Speckle Park and Speckle Park Influenced animals shine in the carcass comps, with strong results being seen at both Lismore North Coast National show and Casino Beef Week, just to name a few.

The next highlight on the Speckle Calendar was the Royal Queensland Show (EKKA), which also held strong with carcase results.

Minnamurra Speckle Park entered Speckle Park cross steers in the Ekka Paddock to Palate Competition, with results for the 100 day HGP Export class and the 70 day HGP Trade classes being released prior to the start of the Show. With catalogue number 56G, Minnamurra won the

If 2023 is anything to go by, 2024 is looking bigger and better than ever.

Commercial breeders and butchers across the country are catching on, and the carcase results are ‘steering’ the breed into the future.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CARCASE ROBERT'S MEATS SINGLETON

" The Best I’ve Ever Had!" Insights from an interview with Robert Constable of Robert’s Meats.

What percentage of Speckle Park beef are you selling through your butcher shop compared to other beef breeds?

Robert has been in business for over 20 years and during that time, he has owned and managed multiple butcher shops. His own cattle are bred and backgrounded for use with 2 other breeds being used before moving to Speckle Park in 2007. Robert uses Speckle Park because he considers they improve the commercial herd quality and the quality of beef to market. Nowadays, approximately 80% of the beef sold through Robert’s shop is Speckle Park.

What prompted you to butcher Speckle Park carcases for consumers sales?

This approach allows Robert to utilise the benefits of breeding through to butchering by growing and selling the best of the entire animal.

What are some of the notable benefits of butchering Speckle Park beef?

Robert noted the following: • Early maturing to achieve domestic weights (heavier at a younger age) • Even fat cover • IMF at 9-12 months is really good • Flat and light bone density is a standout – yields higher per animal as a result and faster to finish for the same meat yield. “Why wouldn’t you want to butcher Speckle Park based on that?!”

• Comparisons on femur bones for similar dressed weight carcasses have found the same bone was 800g heavier on the other breed carcase, meaning less retail beef yield than Speckle Park. “If they can be productive on a smaller frame (which they can) and produce more meat yield, there’s the profit!”

What level of consumer confidence are you seeing in Speckle Park beef from sales or feedback received?

Robert notes during drought times Speckle Park beef remains a profit driver for Robert’s Meats as Speckle Park cattle can still be sourced at the right quality given their performance in the tough conditions (feed conversion is strong and quality is maintained), in comparison to what he has seen from other breeds. Importantly, meat tenderness is not compromised during the tough times; therefore, Robert’s Meats seem to hit peak demand from consumers chasing the Speckle Park beef given the quality remains high. Roberts Meats cattle are grain assisted beef to ensure consistency in the product. “We have never been busier during these dry times; I tell you it’s the Speckle Park beef!”

Carcase | 2023

What typical dressed percentages are you seeing in Speckle Park animals and what is the carcase like to work with when butchering?

Robert noted a good level of consistency in yield among Speckle Park carcases with steers typically yielding around 60% and heifers yielding around 56%-57%.

What do you believe Speckle Park seedstock producers can work on to improve Speckle Park quality (generally)?

Robert considers cattle handling to be an issue for the butcher noting tenderness is linked to good handling. Good stockmen vs poor stockmen have a large impact as good handling of the animal leads to good product in the store.

Are consumers seeking quality of prime cuts more so in recent years and where do you think Speckle Park fit in this picture?

In 2014, Robert processed a B-Double truck load where MSA grades held higher than any other breeds and this is what leads to tenderness and quality of prime cuts. Robert sees Speckle Park as the key ingredient for quality for the consumer.

Do you get much feedback on the tenderness and taste qualities of the Speckle Park beef?

Robert noted just this week a regular and older customer walked up to his counter and said, “I just want to tell you, the T-Bone was the best I have ever had”.

Robert works on the concept that taking customer feedback is imperative and helps with understanding his customers expectations, but never in 20 years has he heard – “that meat I bought was chewy!”

For further information, see www.robertsmeats.com.au or contact Robert directly: robert@robertsmeats.com.au

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CARCASE MSA PROGRAM REPORT 2022‒23 David Packer

MSA PROGRAM MANAGER

" This year marks 25 years since the establishment of Australia’s world-leading eating quality grading program, Meat Standards Australia (MSA) to benefit the red meat industry and consumers."

In this milestone year, the program’s value and benefits are reflected through the red meat supply chain, from producers through to end users.

The program delivered a record $259 million in estimated additional farm gate returns to MSA beef producers in 2022–23 and is a direct result of the year-on-year growth of the program and value captured and shared along the supply chain.

MSA graded cattle continue to represent more than half of the national adult cattle slaughter at 54% in 2022–23, similar to 55% recorded in 2021–22.

More than 3.39 million cattle were presented for MSA grading through 39 Australian beef processors in 2022–23, with 3.23 million cattle meeting the minimum requirements to be graded MSA. Producers continue to improve their MSA performance. In 2022–23, the average MSA Index for MSA compliant carcases was 57.52, an increase of 0.15 from the national average MSA Index of 57.37 in 2021–22, and an increase of 0.48 from 10 years ago.

MSA delivered a range of training workshops and information sessions across the country, enabling more than 1,200 beef and sheepmeat producers to participate in 17 workshops or information sessions in 2022–23. This included a range of MLA supported events, supply-chain workshops, webinars, and other producer-focused meetings and activities.

Beyond MSA’s work in the domestic market, expanding awareness of MSA on the international stage continues to be a focus, which is a key component of the MSA Strategic Plan 2020–25.

In 2022–23, MSA worked with six large supply chains in international markets, delivering 20 online and in-person workshops to over 400 participants.

MSA education, often delivered in collaboration with the MLA International Markets teams, focuses on the importance of ensuring eating quality consistency, how eating quality can underpin brands and building confidence of sales and marketing staff to promote MSA and differentiate their product.

Investments into MSA research and development (R&D) continued in 2022–23, with the aim to make all cattle and sheepmeat eligible for MSA, as well as focusing on new technologies and traits to ensure consistent consumer outcomes.

Research into Dairy Beef and Wagyu eating quality was finalised and reports published.

Beef brand owners continue to take an increasingly sophisticated approach to using the MSA program to underpin their brands and deliver value throughout the supply chain, with 194 beef brands currently MSA licensed. The program gives them the confidence to differentiate their brands not only in the domestic market, but also on the international stage.

These international market opportunities further reinforce the vital role the MSA program has in achieving the red meat industry’s 2030 goal of doubling the value of Australian red meat sales and ensuring continued trust in Australian red meat.

Dairy Beef: www.mla.com.au/msa-dairy-beef-eq Wagyu: www.mla.com.au/msa-wagyu-eq

Carcase | 2023

2022-23 highlights

2,882

MSA delivered a record estimated $259 million in additional farm gate returns to beef producers

57.52 national average MSA index

54%

producers became MSA registered

2,870

producers used the myMSA feedback system

14,362 times

of the national adult cattle slaughter were presented for MSA grading, or 3.39 million cattle

2.31M

sheep followed MSA pathways, representing 10% of total lambs processed in Australia

1,200

11,320

beef and sheep producers received MSA education

beef producers consigned cattle for MSA

95.1%

compliance to MSA requirements for beef

194

22

beef brands now MSA-licensed

sheep brands

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SND SIGNATURE SPECKLES Q&A

SND Signature Speckles Owners Names: Shaun & Debbie Black Location: Stoneleigh, Queensland on the Darling Downs Total No. of Head: 25 Purebred Breeders + Progeny & Commercial cattle Size of Property: Home Block 80ac + Agistment approx. 250 acres

Why Speckle Park?

In a nutshell, we chose Speckle Park and continue to breed them for their easy doability, feed conversion and the taste. Also for what we believe they can bring to the commercial market with their quick growth and carcass attributes.

Northern Territory Queensland Western Australia

South Australia

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your Speckle Park breeding program or commercial operation?

New South Wales

Victoria

Tasmania

We have two that particularly come straight to mind.

The first is that this year in particular we have had multiple repeat customers who have returned on the back of being pleased with the job our bulls we have bred are doing and have done in their commercial operations. Hearing our purchases feedback on our animals is very important to us for continued growth on where we can improve.

The second success or notable achievement for us has been our success in the show ring since establishing our stud in 2019.

We have been fortunate enough to receive broad ribbons at multiple Royals across QLD in particular receiving 2022 Grand Champion Speckle Park bull with SND Signature Renegade and 2022 Junior Champion Female with SND Signature Rather Perfect at the Brisbane Exhibition.

What are your studs future goals and aspirations in terms of breeding and promoting speckle park cattle?

Our future goal is to continue increasing our female purebred herd whilst maintaining a high standard. We would like to focus on continually improving on our product to meet the commercial and stud markets.

Ze

While we do show our cattle for our enjoyment our main focus is breeding quality livestock suited predominately for the QLD Environment. Our goal is to turn off cattle that have good temperaments, are structurally correct and can breed on for many generations to come.

Ne w

What are the primary purposes or goals for breeding Speckle Park cattle in your operation?

Member Spotlight | 2023

What advice would you give to someone considering getting started with Speckle Park Cattle whether as a breeder or commercial producer?

Our first piece of advice for people wishing to get into the breed would be to do as many stud tours as possible to help them gauge what style of animal suits them, what genetics those animals have come from and what goals they wish to achieve and how to get there. Different studs have different journeys and experiences, finding like minded people in the breed is a major benefit.

As for the stud/commercial buyer, there are a lot of hidden gems in smaller operations also worth looking at.

We are not supposed to have favourites, but if you had to pick a Favourite animal who would it be and why?

Shaun & I (Deb) differ immensely on the style of animals that we prefer haha! Shaun likes a refined front end in his females and I (Deb) don’t mind a more solid set female who appears to have frequented the buffet one too many times! As far as choosing a specific animal in our herd, one of Shaun’s Favourites would have to be SND Signature 22D Spice T3 and one of my Favourites in our herd would be Everest Tori N16, a Putnam x Upto Specs Tori 10T cow who is the epitome to us of a female that is feminine, easy doing, good uddered and breeds this on in her progeny.

What is the funniest nickname you have ever given to one of your Speckle Park cattle and how did they earn it?

Having two younger children, they tend to like naming the calves which results in some very interesting names. Some stick (even though we wish they didn’t) and others don’t. A couple that we thought were absolutely ridiculous but actually stuck were, Chipmunk & Willy! These were for purebred bulls, when sold to their new owners their nicknames carried on also. And we couldn’t have a daughter without one being called Elsa or Mermaid!

Photo: SND Signature 22D Spice T3

Photo: Everest Tori N16

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT GIN GIN SPECKLE PARK Q&A

Gin Gin Speckle Park Owners Names: Tony & Emily Trainor Location: Gingin, Western Australia Total No. of Head: 60 Size of Property: 160 acres

Why Speckle Park?

For their dressing percentage and the hybrid vigour that they add.

What are the primary purposes or goals for breeding Speckle Park cattle in your operation?

Northern Territory Queensland Western Australia

Beef production and seedstock.

South Australia

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your Speckle Park breeding program or commercial operation?

Victoria

Tasmania

N

Breeding Gin Gin Hulk (AST H1), he was the first ever Speckle Park in Western Australia to win a Supreme Title at a show, which he went on to do several times in his show career.

New South Wales

What are your studs future goals and aspirations in terms of breeding and promoting speckle park cattle?

Focus on quality not quantity and keep our herd at an elite level. Continue to source elite genetics from around the world and add quality to other breeds.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting started with Speckle Park cattle, whether as a breeder or commercial producer?

Choose seed stock that are continually producing quality.

Member Spotlight | 2023

We are not supposed to have favourites, but if you had to pick a favourite animal who would it be and why?

Gin Gin Laney (AST L10).

No matter what bull she is bred to or flushed to, she produces calves that are high quality with a fantastic temperament.

How did you decide on your stud name?

It’s the name of the town that our farm is in - Gingin.

Photo: Gin Gin Laney (AST L10)

What is your favourite Speckle Park cross and why?

Speckle Park x Angus – our clients get exceptional results from this cross with huge weaning weights.

What’s the funniest nickname you have ever given to one of your Speckle Park cattle and how did they earn it? ’Stanley’ because he was equipped with all of his tools.

Photo: Gin Gin Steam Train (AST S35)

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DOVIN SPECKLE PARK Q&A

DOVIN Speckle Park Owners Names: Donna and Vinnie Phelps Location: Edillilie, South Australia Total No. of Head: 50 Size of Property: 800 acres

Why Speckle Park?

We love their look, growth rate and ability to be adaptable in any climate.

Queensland Western Australia

South Australia We are on the West Coast of South Australia and there aren’t many cattle breeders where we are, so we are looking to build on our stud with great genetics and seed stock for our purebred herd. We have been building our stud with the view of producing cattle that show structural integrity, longevity in breeding and docile nature. We are striving to showcase Speckle Park Beef in our area both pure bred and commercially.

Providing bulls that better the herd’s performance through increased efficiencies, profit margin, higher carcase yields and marbling not to mention tenderness and texture that beef purchases desire.

New South Wales

Victoria

Tasmania

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your Speckle Park breeding program or commercial operation?

We recently entered in our first show, “The Adelaide Royal Show” with three of our heifers born last year, taking out first, second and third in the class. It was a fantastic time for us never experiencing this before and living so far away from Adelaide. We were graced with the never-ending assistance and learning experiences from Vaughan Johnston and his family at “Ewyn Beef” leading up to and during the show. We originally purchased the embryos from Vaughn and to have him help us on this venture has strengthened our alliances in business and friendship!

Attending the show helped to bring about more awareness in our community that we are cattle breeders with a passion and we are striving to showcase the breed the best way we can in our area.

What are your studs future goals and aspirations in terms of breeding and promoting speckle park cattle?

This year we are concentrating on our pure-bred embryo program and expanding our herd while promoting awareness through our commercial herd and beef sales.

N

What are the primary purposes or goals for breeding Speckle Park cattle in your operation?

Northern Territory

Member Spotlight | 2023

What advice would you give to someone considering getting started with Speckle Park cattle, whether as a breeder or commercial producer?

I would say, “Jump in feet first, give it a go, you won’t regret it. It is a great breed that needs more ambassadors out there to showcase what a great product it is and can be. Speckle Park have only been in Australia as a breed for a short time compared to other breeds but there is a lot of help from other stud owners if you require it, all with a wealth of information.

Be a pioneer in beef and cattle industry and thrive!”.

We are not supposed to have favourites, but if you had to pick a favourite animal who would it be and why?

That is easy…DOVIN TARA T3 also known as “Threesie” she is like a family pet. She is cheeky and will find you anywhere for a pat, nudging you until you do.

How did you decide on your stud name?

Mix of Donna and Vinnie (DOVIN).

What is your favourite Speckle Park cross and why?

Speckle Park x Angus or South Devon. Both giving good frame size and very maternal. Both have a great class of beef that tastes great!

What’s the funniest nickname you have ever given to one of your Speckle Park cattle and how did they earn it?

“Black Cat” she is a little black heifer and when first born would stick her tail in the air and run like the clappers around the other calves stirring them up…she is feisty!

Photo: DOVIN Tara T3 "Threesie"

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT NETHER GROVE & LUJA SPECKLE PARK STUDS Q&A

Nether Grove & Luja Speckle Park Studs Owners Names: John & Jan Hare, Luke Clarke & Jade Baker Location: Kempsey, New South Wales Total No. of Head: Stud: 150, Commercials: 220 + calves, Feedlot: 100 approx.

Size of Property: 1000 acres

Why Speckle Park?

What are the primary purposes or goals for breeding Speckle Park cattle in your operation?

Northern Territory Queensland Western Australia

South Australia

Our primary purposes would have to be producing good quality bulls suitable for many different markets. We use a large range of genetics to produce a very diverse range of different types of bulls. Our bulls are grown out in the hills North-West of Kempsey where they are exposed to hot temperatures and are made to walk.

New South Wales

Victoria

Tasmania

We also have a large focus on the commercial market; breeding and growing cattle out for different markets including our feedlot.

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your Speckle Park breeding program or commercial operation?

Our biggest achievement for us would have to be seeing the happiness from students from 3 different school break in and showing a couple of our pedigree heifers and 10x F1/F2 steers. We are very excited to see all the results from these steers in the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza at Scone where they are going in the Hoof and Hook Competition.

What are your stud's future goals and aspirations in terms of breeding and promoting Speckle Park cattle?

Future goals are to focus on the commercial market and getting bulls out there and working for the commercial breeders, large and small operations. Keeping steers in school programs to have Speckle Parks in the show ring. We have started a “Paddock to Plate” program, using our own commercial Speckle Park cross steers and purchasing in steers from other studs as needed. Our goal in the future for this program would be to join with a local butcher shop as a supplier of Speckle Park meat.

N

For us it came down to the improvement in meat quality that the commercial steers were having on the hook. In dryer times Speckle Parks perform better than most other breeds, be it cross or pure. Speckle Parks also have an amazing temperament and with young children it was definitely a no brainer for us.

Member Spotlight | 2023

What advice would you give to someone considering getting started with Speckle Park cattle, whether as a breeder or commercial producer?

Definitely give it a go but firstly get in contact with your local Speckle Park breeders. They are all a wealth of knowledge and I’m sure anyone would be more than happy to show you around. If you’re in our area or passing by, please let us know we’d love to hear from you.

We are not supposed to have favourites, but if you had to pick a favourite animal who would it be and why?

Picking a favourite in our herd would be too hard. There are so many wonderful cattle in our breeding program, and all have a unique personality and characteristics.

How did you decide on your stud name?

John and Jan were having a hard time coming up with a name but decided to name the stud after the property where the stud cattle are located, “Nether Grove”. “Luja” is a combination of Luke and Jade.

What is your favourite Speckle Park cross and why?

It would have to be Drought Master and Brahman crosses. The hybrid vigour from this combination is awesome, the F1 progeny gives higher growth rate with more muscle, has helped improve the temperament and also made an even heartier animal. Honestly though, I don’t think you can go wrong crossing Speckle Parks to any breed.

What’s the funniest nickname you have ever given to one of your Speckle Park cattle and how did they earn it?

“U-Haul” - At about 5 days old we were moving the cows, he decided that he wasn’t going to walk with his mother and just laid down in the grass. Luke had to go and pick him up in the buggy and drive him around. Halfway through moving them we got him back with his mother and he walked off in the other direction and laid down again, demanding another ride in the buggy.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT SOUTH PINE SPECKLE PARK Q&A

South Pine Speckle Park Owners Names: Lachy Woodcock and Tamieka Pearce Location: South Raina, Tasmania Total No. of Head: 37 Purebreds, 52 commercial Size of Property: 52 acres

Why Speckle Park?

What are the primary purposes or goals for breeding Speckle Park cattle in your operation?

Northern Territory Queensland Western Australia

South Australia

Our program is focused around producing genetics which can go into commercial or purebred operations. Each year we do an AI and ET program and mop up our ET recipient herd with a speckle park bull. This gives us both a cross-bred product to supply other producers to finish and purebred calves with a range of different genetics. Our ultimate aim is to have an entirely purebred herd to allow us to provide purebred commercial animals. We also see a purpose for our bulls in Tasmania’s growing dairy industry to provide a consistent coloured F1 beef cross that has sufficient carcass yield and quality for producers to take forward and finish.

New South Wales

Victoria

Tasmania

Can you share any success stories or notable achievements from your Speckle Park breeding program or commercial operation?

Not so much a success story but a rare opportunity - When Lachy was on a customer’s farm doing his day job as an agronomist he noticed a Speckle Park cow amongst some Angus cows. After a short investigation he worked out she was one of the first GNK8R embryos brought into Australia. JRS K2 was rescued from going to the meat works and now is one of our matron donor cows.

N

After dispersing our Hereford stud 4 years ago we were looking for a breed to suit grass-fed beef and dairy markets that could thrive under the colder and wetter Tasmanian climate. Speckle Park offered a slightly more moderately framed animal with greater carcass attributes and yield allowing us to turn off and run more beef per Ha.

Member Spotlight | 2023

What are your stud's future goals and aspirations in terms of breeding and promoting Speckle Park cattle?

Our goal is to continue to increase our female numbers while being selective on fertility, udder composition, structure and temperament. It can be difficult to cull hard when you have small numbers and have paid good money for animals/ embryos but it is necessary to achieve longevity for the breed and to meet our breeding objectives. Tasmania’s beef market is traditionally dominated by Angus and Hereford, so we have some work to do to get into these markets. As our cross bred animals from previous seasons are processed, we aim to collect the carcass data.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting started with Speckle Park cattle, whether as a breeder or commercial producer?

Don’t get caught up in the glitz and hype of sales. Do your research, take your time and have a clear vision of the end product you are setting out to produce. Approach breeders and have discussions on what’s working for them. EBV’s are a fantastic tool that can help guide decisions but don’t underestimate the importance of things such a fertility, structure, family lineage and production data.

Photo: South Pine Q09

We are not supposed to have favourites, but if you had to pick a favourite animal who would it be and why?

We have a handful of very nifty females in our herd, but our favourite would have to be Q09; she represents the type of animal we strive to produce and has been a donor cow the last few years. She is a wedgy, moderately framed female yet she carries plenty of carcase, has an A+ udder and the temperament of all her calves (even ET) is amazing. We like her so much we recently purchased her mum and have a registered full sibling to her.

How did you decide on your stud name?

Our farm is in South Riana off a road call Pine Road – so it seemed to fit well!

What’s the funniest nickname you have ever given to one of your Speckle Park cattle and how did they earn it?

We have a speckle park cross bred that our 2-year old had renamed “Chicken” after it spending a couple of days cleaning out the long grass in the old chicken coup and his 5 year old brother convincing him that it was a large chicken!

Photo: "Chicken"

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT A JOURNEY OF LEARNING AND GROWTH Dustin Young

SOUTHERN SPECKLE PARK

In 2008, the world of Speckle Park cattle entered our lives through the generous introduction by Tim and Katy Button of Kaka Point. Their bobby calves left a lasting impression, sparking a passion that would lead to the birth of Southern Speckle Park.

Our journey with these remarkable animals began in 2009 when we introduced Speckle Park semen into our Rissington Stabilizer cattle. In January 2012 when we welcomed three precious embryo calves to the world, marking the start of Southern Speckle Park.

Being captivated by the world of cattle breeding, it was a natural progression for me to take over the reins about four years ago. Southern Speckle Park is not just a herd; they play an essential role in our family's farming operation.

For beef cows to be economically viable within my parents farming operation they are required to turn poor quality pastures into beef calves with no preferential treatment and without hindering the growth rates of their calves. This is a trait I take into consideration with my breeding/culling plan. They efficiently tidy up pastures after ewes and lambs which maintains the pasture quality on steeper terrains where a tractor is unable to go.

Our cattle, effortlessly maintain their condition with minimal feed during our summer months while finishing off their calves and in the winter, they prove their resilience, thriving in our sometimes harsh and cold climates. They are masters at finding shelter and sustenance even in the snowy landscapes. They enjoy a yearround grass-fed diet, with no grain supplementation.

Our cattle need to be prime before 18 months as it is not viable to winter them for two winters. We mate our heifers at 14 to 15 months and together with the mixed aged cows they go away grazing for the winter and come back about 3 weeks before calving. They are currently up a mountain at the back of Waikaia somewhere. They get no special treatment; each member of the herd is treated the same.

Calving begins around the start of September, aligning with the restart of our grass growth. All bull calves are preserved intact, and those not selected as service bulls in October at 13 months then grown out and are processed by ANZCO in February at 17 ‒ 18 months. For the heifers, they are mated, calved down, and those not chosen to stay in the herd are processed in March.

My cattle showing journey began with my primary school's pet days, leading me to local A&P shows.

Thanks to Mark and Lesley Tiller from Aniwaniwa Speckle Park for their support, allowing me to showcase their cattle and for carting my stock to shows. The friendly competition between us all has been entertaining. Competing at

the Canterbury A&P Show and the Canterbury Virtual Show broadened my skills and connected me with fellow enthusiasts and industry experts, fuelling my desire to excel. Southern Rimu showed well at a number of shows. Attending the New Zealand Future Beef Competition in the Hawkes Bay, boosted my confidence and inspired me to embrace new challenges.

Showcasing animals at public events positively impacts the farming and cattle industry, fostering appreciation and understanding.

The opportunity to attend the Sydney Royal Easter Show was pretty awesome, thanks to Mum's suggestion and the warm-heartedness of Murray and Erin from Black Diamond Speckle Park. Although nerves ran high as I embarked on this adventure alone, the experience surpassed all expectations.

Learning from the Australian cattle handlers and witnessing the unique techniques, such as donkeys assisting in breaking in cattle, was both thrilling and enlightening. The friendly Black Diamond team welcomed me with open arms, creating a nurturing learning environment. Adapting to

Member Spotlight | 2023

the different cattle handling methods was a challenge, but I embraced the opportunity to grow my knowledge and skills.

I was fortunate to lead the Black Diamond heifer, Sarcastic Finish S1593, in the handler's section. She is a deep, long, stylish heifer with good width and a graceful walk.

This incredible journey allowed me to meet remarkable individuals who selflessly shared their knowledge and skills, enriching my understanding of cattle and showing. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to Erin, Murray, and their families for their warm hospitality, as well as the entire Black Diamond team and Dale Humphries for their guidance and willingness to teach me.

The experience will undoubtedly benefit my work in New Zealand, fostering a deeper appreciation for cattle and Australia's unique agricultural practices.

My hope is that New Zealand can follow in Australia's footsteps and nurture the demand for purebred Speckle Park bulls and heifers.

Lastly, my sincere gratitude goes to the Speckle Park International Youth Committee for making this extraordinary opportunity possible. Together, we celebrate the beauty of Speckle Park and its bright future ahead.

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SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

CSPA AN UPDATE FROM CANADA: CANADIAN ASSOCIATION READY TO TAKE SPECKLE PARK TO THE NEXT LEVEL Jeff Gaye

CANADIAN SPECKLE PARK ASSOCIATION

Photo: 2023-2024 CSPA Board Of Directors

The Canadian Speckle Park Association (CSPA), and the whole Speckle Park sector of the Canadian beef industry, is getting ready to take some giant steps forward.

With strong prices and encouraging market signs, the CSPA and Canadian producers believe that it’s time to step things up, positioning the breed to be even more competitive in both Canadian and international markets.

According to CSPA president Janice Harasymchuk, this process started with solidifying the association’s head office, allowing the board to communicate back and forth with members and other stakeholders more efficiently and getting everyone working together effectively.

In the past year and a half, the CSPA has been able to hire two people: a business manager and a marketing and promotions manager. They share an office with the Canadian Hereford and Maine Anjou breed associations.

“Our five-year strategic plan has been developed and implemented,” Harasymchuk said. “Our Breed Improvement Committee is working on establishing a trait classification system and our youth director has developed a strategic plan for the youth of the CSPA to encourage increased participation from our younger membership, to keep everyone enthusiastic and to provide more educational events for them.

It’s a pretty exciting time.”

Harasymchuk notes that it’s standard practise that all Canadian dairy cows are classified. “We know we can't enforce this (classification system) among our members, it will be more for educational purposes, a tool for when people are making choices with their animals.”

Speckle Park producer and CSPA board member Curtis McAleer is chair of the Commercial/Breed Improvement Committee. He says communicating with producers is the key to cashing in on the breed’s reputation for outstanding beef while addressing some of the animals’ shortcomings—real or perceived.

CSPA | 2023

“We're working on trying to improve the knowledge of our breeders so that they feel empowered to make good selection choices in their respective programs. We’re always working towards a more phenotypically uniform breed/ animal,” McAleer said.

Some experienced Speckle Park producers in Canada are cautious about losing the animal’s character if they breed for bigger frames. On the other hand, McAleer said that in Canada they’re still working to overcome the lingering perception that the Speckle Park is a breed for the acreage owner or hobby farmer.

“We're trying to make sure that people are educated and that goes away,” he said. “We’re working towards even more consistency within the breed. We believe that education is key when it comes to eliminating some of the structural flaws that are perceived to be there.”

He says the Speckle Park community has been the victim of its own success to a certain extent, and some more-aggressive culling earlier on might have helped the breed to improve faster. But he is already seeing positive change.

“When you look at the cattle on display at shows now versus when we first started, you see a major difference. You used to be able to pick the top four animals out in a class easily, but now it's difficult.

There’s so much quality in these animals now and it’s tremendous to see,” he says.

(This year will be the first Speckle Park breed show at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto—one of Canada’s premier agricultural expositions.)

Improving structure and standardizing carcass size is an important part of making sure Speckle Park producers get a fair return on their high-quality beef, according to Art Pruim. At the same time, he says, the beef industry needs a way to recognize the value that a smaller animal can deliver.

Pruim, Member At Large on the CSPA board, says the Canadian packing industry just sees pounds of meat hanging on a hook—but value begins at the ranch.

“A lot of the latest research is starting to show that it's not the largest cows that produce your most financially economical calves [and] it is probably your averagesized cow that's producing the most environmentally sustainable calf crops,” he said. “It's trying to turn that market so the whole industry understands that concept.”

Pruim agrees with McAleer that the breed would benefit from some aggressive culling, and the time to do that is now, when prices are good.

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CSPA Jeff Gaye

CANADIAN SPECKLE PARK ASSOCIATION

“We’re seeing all-time high meat prices here in Canada, whether it's the cows or the steers in the marketplace. That means for a breed like ours, we’ve got to be bold, and we’ve got to step outside the box and be willing to cull hard to get rid of anything that is a hindrance in the breed,” he says. “Doing that culling is just going to create positivity and help us in this whole process to build a go-to breed moving forward.”

He said the CSPA is looking at having independent adjudicators score animals to establish data on the uniformity of the breed. This, he said, will help the show packers and retailers that the Speckle Park sector is doing its due diligence in establishing a standard, uniform, and reliable product.

Pruim does not share the concerns that the breed will lose its special characteristics as it moves toward standard animal structure and carcass weight. A lot of people, he says, are still attached to what he calls “the pretty little black and white cows,” and that doesn’t have to change.

“Pretty is nice,” he said. “We don't have to lose pretty, and we don't have to lose our marbling and or our carcass efficiency. But at the same time, we must build uniformity in the breed and get it so that the packing plant and the retail side appreciate that the quality of ribeyes and striploins are a lot more uniform coming out of this breed.”

Resolving supply-side issues for the packing and retail sectors can create opportunities for marketing to end users like restaurants and home barbecue enthusiasts.

It’s also important for Canadian breeders to invest time and energy into international relationships.

McAleer says the CSPA is working to make it more efficient to sell and move genetics across borders.

“We’re trying to align operations between our international associations. We're trying to get some paperwork policies in sync across the board for our office and for people buying and selling embryos and semen so that this process can be done with increased ease,” says McAleer.

Harasymchuk says this feeds into the growth of the association and the importance of communicating with members. She said the CSPA board is always trying to be more transparent with members and share more information about what's going on at the board level.

“We’re reporting back to our membership at least bi-monthly as to what the board's carrying out,” she said. “We have also developed an international group that meets regularly. This group includes Speckle Park International, the American Speckle Park Association, along with Ireland, Denmark, and now I believe Argentina is coming on board. Our intention is to have regular meetings to collaborate with one another, sharing as much information as we can and keeping operations and genetic sharing standardized.

Speckle Park producers and their customers know they’re onto something special. Everyone in the sector has their own stories to tell about serving the beef to someone for the first time and seeing how people instantly love it.

McAleer tells of serving some to visitors from Denmark who had never tasted it before and how they were “blown away” by how good it was. And that’s where he sees the opportunities for the breed in the Canadian beef landscape.

As he says, “I think you're being cheated if you can't have the besttasting food you can get, all the time.”

Harasymchuk says the CSPA’s efforts to standardize the breed, and to build acceptance at the packing and retail levels are the key to getting that outstanding beef onto more Canadians’ plates. The trend in North American retail is the “differentiated” product as opposed to commodity beef. But you still have to get your premium beef onto the menu or into the supermarket meat case, and to do that you have to be able to feed the supply system with consistent product.

“The problem with our Canadian grading system is they don't recognize these premium products.

They're just looking for bigger and bigger carcasses all the time,” she says. We need to find those niche markets that are looking for premium product. And that's what we can offer them.”

The CSPA, in partnership with Speckle Park breed associations across the globe, is ready to take on these challenges as they work together to become one of the foremost respected beef breeds in the world.

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Minnamurra Speckle Park “Mount Mill”, 1170 Coolah Creek Rd, Coolah. NSW Dennis Power 0427 734 254 | www.minnamurra.com.au

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

ASPA Becky Miller

ASPA ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

Hello from American Speckle Park Association! This past year has been exciting for ASPA filled with the first annual Sale and Show, membership and herd book growth, and spreading the word across the country about Speckle Park Cattle. This year the Board of Directors welcomed new Board Member Brad Sonnentag from Hay Creek Speckle Park and Member at Large Janice Harasymchuk from INC Cattle Company.

We started 2023 off with the first annual American Speckle Park Show & Sale in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

This first event was a great success, both the sale and show brought a large crowd during the two days. Sold lots went to new Speckle Park producers across the United States. INC Cattle Company, KFC Farms Ltd., River Hill Farms, and Dalton Payne generously donated Embryo lots for a scholarship fund honouring Keith Kissee who passed in October 2022.

As ASPA grows in the United States, more events and expos are being added to the calendar. The 2023 Minnesota Beef Expo will feature a Speckle Park Junior show for the first time. The show is held October 20-22, be sure to check the ASPA Facebook page and website for show results and pictures.

The second annual American Speckle Park Show & Sale will be held December 31, 2023 through January 1, 2024 in conjunction with the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The sale will begin December 31 at 5:00 pm Central and the show will begin January 1 at 8:00 am Central beginning with Junior members. Sale catalogue will be posted and distributed prior to the sale and online bidding will be available again this year.

We are looking forward to 2024!

ASPA | 2023

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BREEDING HERD FERTILITY ‒ KEY PROFIT DRIVER! Tim Weller

TECHNICAL SUB-COMMITTEE

One of the most importance factors affecting profitability in beef breeding operations is as simple as the number of calves weaned compared to the number of cows mated in the breeding window. This is important no matter your breeding strategy combination of Bulls, AI, ET etc.

The financial benefit of more calves born earlier is significant, whether you are looking at kilograms weaned/cow/ year, or the ability for future females to reach breeding weight to keep a seasonal calving pattern in check.

These key points of more calves born early, and more calves weaned can both be impacted by your choices setting up your breeding program/strategy.

Bull selection is critical, irrespective of whether you are looking at natural joining or artificial insemination. These selections will have a significant impact on your herd in years to come.

BREEDPLAN traits like Scrotal Size (which is available within the Speckle Park EBVs) and the soon to be available trait called “Days to Calving” are great tools to use in making informed choices to improve your herd’s potential for achieving the above profitability drivers.

Measuring scrotal is accepted in BREEDPLAN when taken between 300-700 days, ideally completed as part of your 400 day weights along with muscle and fat scanning. Many approved scanning technicians will provide scrotal measuring and structural assessments as part of the services offered.

In the SPI Buying & Selling guide found on the SPI website some minimum standards are suggested - 12 months old >30cm, 18 months old >32cm & 24 months old >34cm.

The Scrotal Size (SS) EBV is a range in centimetres, a bull with a +1.5cm SS compared to a bull with a -1.5cm SS is more likely to produce progeny with larger testicles in males and females that produce earlier maturing females more likely to calve earlier as 2-year-olds.

Performance | 2023

Paul Williams writes in an article on Beef Central from 2 February 2017: Why Measure Scrotal Circumference?

Measuring scrotal circumference can indicate the likelihood that a bull has reached puberty, and whether testicular development is within the normal range. Scrotal circumference assessment is an important part of a Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (VBBSE), which is used to assess whether bulls have normal reproductive function prior to making selection and management decisions.

Scrotal circumference is: • A good indicator of daily sperm production especially in young bulls, which is fairly constant per gram of testis.

• A highly repeatable measure (with appropriate technique) and highly heritable (30-45%).

• Correlated with sperm motility and morphology.

However, these are independently assessed as part of a routine VBBSE. • Genetically correlated with earlier age at puberty in female relatives.

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NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES TO GUIDE US Brent A. Berry, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. CONSULTING NUTRITIONIST

The early part of my career was spent researching management and nutritional interactions in cattle such as feeding regimes to assist with health outcomes sale barn calves, or the contribution of feed ingredients to stress in receiving calves. More recently, as a consulting cattle nutritionist, I find myself thinking through different interactions. I believe the clients in today’s cattle industry need to continue to think about the same kind of nutritional -heath interactions but also need to be strategic with their nutritional planning to succeed.

Australia is always in drought, just coming out of drought our we have a drought in our near future. This makes managing cattle flows and feeds interesting to say the least. We are blessed to live in a time when scientists have given us a good set of tools to guide us. Although there really is no intake requirement for cattle, when we can gain an approximation of how much cattle are going to eat, we can manage around requirements and performance predictions. For example, a steer gaining 1.0 kg/day may require 739 grams of protein per day. If they consume 8 kgs of dry matter, then the protein requirement could be expressed as 9.24% of DM intake. Based on if we limitfed the same cattle with 5 kgs of DM then their protein would need to be 14.8% of DM intake. We can do the same exercise with energy. Based on published tables, we can calculate the amount of energy required to feed an animal to certain gain per day. This allows us to choose feedstuffs and supplementation programs to more closely tailor production to markets. For example, when grass is dormant, I can provide an energy supplement to calves to achieve a better weight gain if I believe that I can sell them into a favourable feeder market.

Understanding genetics may be our biggest key to moving forward. We have seen huge strides from the breeds for all the best traits from marbling to weaning weight to feed efficiency.

Researchers are only just beginning to teach us how nutrition can interact in the best ways with some of these genetic traits so that we can realise their potential. For example, US researchers have shown that we can “activate” the genes for marbling by crepe feeding certain carbohydrates early in a calf’s life.

Further, Japanese researchers teach us that the window to do this is only within the first hundred days of life.

The entire world is working on being more environmentally friendly. Several products are being researched to feed to cattle to reduce methane emissions and a couple are entering implementation. With this push it would be wise to consider how we feed ruminants. Most of the research has been conducted with cattle in confinement. In general, the research points to a reduction in methane from feeding higher lipid feeds

and more processed grain. It is important to understand that methane emissions come from fibre digestion so most of the industry’s emissions result from paddock-fed cattle. This means improvements need to occur in those systems. Cattle in paddocks grazing low quality roughage expend much of their energy requirement maintaining themselves. This is expensive from an environmental standpoint. Supplementing these cattle into a higher plane of nutrition to allow for more rapid growth would be the most beneficial practice possible as it would reduce maintenance days and reduce days of methane emission.

The most obvious interaction opportunity involves the rumen itself. A textbook I had in graduate school said, “we have not yet discovered all of the classes of microorganisms that reside in the rumen.” The scientific community has come a long way from those days, but we still have many exciting discoveries to make regarding the rumen. Ruminal bacteria provide most of the protein that cattle digest in their lower gut through their incorporation of amino acids and nitrogen that enters the rumen into their own bodies. Interestingly, researchers are learning that the rumen biome may play roles in cattle health and production that were previously unknown. For example, researchers know that not only diet, but age of cattle affects the diversity of the microbial community and that cattle within certain populations of cattle seem to have similar bacteria. These findings are helpful to understand how bacteria in the rumen interact with each other and the animal. Cattle producers would be wise to consider the ongoing and nutritional requirements and health of the ruminal bacteria of their cattle as they manage.

Strategic nutrition means understanding that we need to take advantage of opportunities of existing synergies and understand the tools available to us as producers.

Producers today live in a time with amazing genetic breakthroughs and access to the best science ever, this should give us opportunity to see new successes within each sector of the beef industry.

BOVINE DYNAMICS brent@bovinedynamics.com.au +61 7 3374 2726 PO Box 740, Kenmore, QLD 4069

Performance | 2023

Andrew & Alison Havadjia Cambewarra/ Braidwood

Phone: 0418 210 304 Email: hollyhillspeckle@outlook.com

Yearling Stud Bulls and Stud Heifers available

www.hollyhillspeckle.com.au

“BREEDING TODAY TO PERFORM TOMORROW”

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BREEDING BEEFCLASS STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT Roger Evans

ACCREDITED ASSESSOR NUMBER 1018

Structural soundness of beef cattle is one of the most important factors affecting the productivity and success of any beef cattle operation. If cattle are not structurally sound then this can have massive impacts on the animal’s ability to walk, stand for long periods of time either in paddocks, feedlot yards or in transport situations and have the ability to withstand the pressures associated with reproduction from joining to calving.

Up till recent years the onus on identifying structural correctness or faults has been on the breeder/producer.

Although this has been proven to be successful in many operations, thought was given to produce a standardised structural assessment program in Australia. This has seen the introduction of the BEEFCLASS Structural Assessment system being developed and introduced into the Australian beef cattle industry. This system runs along similar lines to other assessment or classification systems that are also being used by Breed societies such as the Santa Gertrudis breed, or phenotypic classification in the dairy industry, as well as other similar systems used in other countries such as the USA. The BEEFCLASS Structural Assessment System is a system that uses accredited assessor’s to be able to assess different cattle using a standardised system. The assessors are tested for both accuracy and repeatability of structural scores for the cattle being assessed. Providing confidence in the score the cattle are assessed as, allowing breeders and producers to use the information for selection purposes.

By assessing a group of cattle using the BEEFCLASS system, animals can be identified for either superior or inferior structural traits. This allows the breeder to identify what structural traits are suitable or not suitable to their or their client’s production systems. Cattle with inferior or less desirable traits can then be identified and removed from the breeding herd.

The structural traits that are assessed are to do with feet claw set, feet claw angle, hind leg structure from the side and rear view, temperament and sheath and navel scores and muscle score as well. The respective measure scale for each of the above traits can be seen in the attached diagrams.

The structural scores obtained can be used for either within group selection, sale description for cattle being sold online, or be used for genetic evaluation once enough structural assessment scores have been collected for that trait within a breed. To use these structural scores for genetic evaluation they must have been collected by an accredited assessor.

Structural assessment of your cattle can successfully identify cattle that are superior and inferior for specific structural traits that can have a massive impact on the productivity and longevity of cattle within your or your client’s herd. The use of the BEEFCLASS system allows independent assessment of your cattle on a standardised system and is a very useful tool in both breeding and supplying cattle that are structurally sound for you and your clients beef operations.

A list of accredited assessors can be found on the BREEDPLAN website. breedplan.une.edu.au

Performance | 2023

BEEFCLASS ASSESSMENT BEEFCLASSSTRUCTURAL STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT

How to use: to use: TheHow Beef Class Structural Assessment System uses a 1-9 scoring system for feet and leg structure:

The Beef Class  A score of 5Structural is ideal Assessment System uses a 1-9 scoring system for feet and leg structure: How to A use score of slight 5 is ideal  4 and 6 show variation from ideal, but this includes most animals. Any animal scoring 4 and 6  4 and 6 show slight from ideal, but this includes most animals. Any animal scoring 4 and 6 BEEFCLASS STRUCTURAL would be acceptable in variation any breeding The Beef Class Structural Assessment System usesprogram a 1-9 scoring system for ASSESSMENT feet and leg structure: would be acceptable in any breeding program  · A3 score and 7ofshows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, 5 is ideal. however 3 and 7 shows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, How to use:seedstock producers should bethis wary · 4 and 6 show slight variation from ideal, but includes most animals.

Anyfeet animal 4 and 6 would be Class Structural Assessment System uses 1-9 scoring system for and scoring leg structure: however seedstock producers should beawary Theacceptable 2Beef and 8 are scoring animals in low any breeding program. and should be looked at carefully before purchasing score is ideal  2Aand 8 of are5 low scoring animals and should be looked at carefully before purchasing · 3and4 7and shows greater variation, butfrom would be acceptable in mostmost commercial programs, 6 show slight variation ideal, but this includes animals.breeding Any animal scoringhowever 4 and 6 A 1-5 scoring system is used for sheath seedstock producers should be wary.attachment. For feet and leg assessment, animals need to be on a would be acceptable in any breeding program A flat 1-5 and scoring system is where used for sheath attachment.

For feet and leg assessment, animals need to be on a hard, even surface animal can move/stand · 2 and 8and are7low scoring animals and should be looked at naturally. carefully before purchasing.breeding programs, 3 shows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial hard, flat and even surface where animal can move/stand naturally. however seedstock producers should be For wary A 1-5 scoring system is used for sheath attachment. feet and leg assessment, animals need to be on a hard, flat and Traits: 2 andwhere 8 are animal low scoring animals and should be looked at carefully before purchasing even surface can move/stand naturally.

Traits:

Scoring

Description

Scoring Description A 1-5 scoring system is used for sheath attachment. For feet and leg assessment, animals need to be on a Range Traits Scoring Range Description hard, flatClaw and even naturally.5 - good; 9 - extreme scissor claw Front Feet Set surface where animal 1 - Range 9 can1move/stand - open divergent; Front Feet Claw Set Set Front Claw Rear FeetFeet Claw Set Traits: Rear Claw Rear Feet Feet Claw Set Set

1‒9 1‒9

Front Feet Claw Set Rear Feet Claw Set

1-- open Open Divergent, 5 - Good, - Extreme Scissor Claw scissor claw divergent; - 9good; - extreme 1 - 19 - 9 1 - 1open divergent; 5 - 5good; 9 - 9extreme scissor claw 1 - 9 1 1-- open divergent; 5 - 9good; 9 Scissor - extreme Open Divergent, 5 - Good, - Extreme Claw scissor claw

Scoring Description Range 1-9 1 - open divergent; 5 - good; 9 - extreme scissor claw 1-9 1 - open divergent; 5 - good; 9 - extreme scissor claw

Reference: Shape (primarily curl) and evenness of the claw set.

Reference: Shape (primarily curl) and evenness of the claw set.

Reference: Shape (primarily curl) and evenness of the claw set.

Scoring Range FrontTraits Feet Angle 1-9 1Description - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel Front Feet Angle 1 9 1steep - steep (stubbed toe); - good; - shallow Rear Front FeetFeet Angle 1 9 1 (stubbed 5 9- -5good; - 9shallow heelheel Angle 1‒9 1 -- Steep (Stubbed Toe), 5toe); - Good, Shallow 9 Heel Rear Feet Angle -9 1 -claw steepset.(stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel Shape (primarily curl) and 1evenness of the Reference: Rear Feet Angle

Front Feet Angle Rear Feet Angle

1‒9

1-9 1-9

1 - Steep (Stubbed Toe), 5 - Good, 9 - Shallow Heel

1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel 1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel

Reference: Strength ofof pastern, depth depth of heel and foot.length of foot.

Reference: Strength pastern, of length heel ofand Reference: Strength of pastern, depth of heel and length of foot.

Rear Legs Side View 1-9 1 - straight (post legged); 5 - good; 9 - sickle hocked Traits Scoringdepth Range Rear Legs Strength Side View 1 -heel 9 and Description 1 - straight Reference: of pastern, of length of foot.(post legged); 5 - good; 9 - sickle hocked Rear Legs Side View

Rear Legs Side View

1‒9

1-9

1 - Straight (post legged); 5 - Good; 9 - Sickle Hocked

1 - straight (post legged); 5 - good; 9 - sickle hocked

Reference: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

Reference: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

Reference: Angle measured at the front of the RearReference: Leg Hind View 1front -hock.

9 of the 1 - hock. bow legged; 5 - good (parallel) ; 9 - cow hocked Angle measured at the Rear Leg Hind View 1 - 9 1 - bow legged; 5 - good (parallel) ; 9 - cow hocked Rear Leg Hind View

1-9

1 - bow legged; 5 - good (parallel) ; 9 - cow hocked

81

Front Feet Angle Rear Feet Angle

1-9 1-9

1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel 1 - steep (stubbed toe); 5 - good; 9 - shallow heel

SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BREEDING

Reference: Strength of pastern, depth of heel and length of foot.

Rear Legs Side View

1-9

1 - straight (post legged); 5 - good; 9 - sickle hocked

BEEFCLASS STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT Roger Evans

ACCREDITED ASSESSOR NUMBER 1018

Reference: at the front of the hock.Description Traits Angle measuredScoring Range Rear Leg Hind View Rear Leg Hind View

1‒9

1-9

- Bow Legged; 5 - Good (Parallel); 9 - Cow Hocked 1 - bow 1legged; 5 - good (parallel) ; 9 - cow hocked

Muscle Score: A -viewed E (includes and -) Reference: Direction of the feet when viewed from the rear.

Reference: Direction of the feet when from+the rear.

A+ = Double-muscled A = Extremely heavy muscle Muscle Score - pronounced creasing between muscles AB- E (INCLUDES + AND - ) = Heavily muscled - well rounded hindquarter A+ = Double-muscled C = Average muscle C = Average muscle · Hindquarter slightly rounded A = Extremely heavy musclerounded - hindquarter slightly · DPronounced creasing between muscles D = Poor muscle = Poor muscle - narrow concave hindquarter · Narrow concave hindquarter B = Heavily muscled E = Extremely poor muscle · Well rounded hindquarter E = Extremely poor muscle - angular · Angular

Reference: Primarily hindquarter roundness convexity, width across the stifle andand width ofexpression stance. across Alsothe Reference: Primarily hindquarter roundness or convexity,or width across the stifle and width of stance.

Also width muscle back,and particularly behind the shoulder and in the Jumpparticularly muscle (about the P8 site)the and shoulder forearm bulge mayinbethe taken into consideration. width muscle expression across theloin. back, behind and loin.

Jump muscle (about the P8 site) and forearm bulge may be taken into consideration.

Traitsand Naval ScoresScoring Description 5 -Range 1 5 - extremely clean/tight to body; 1 - extremely pendulous Sheath Sheath and Naval Scores

5‒1

5 - Extremely Clean/Tight to Body; 1 - Extremely Pendulous

1

Reference: attachment Reference: Sheath Sheath attachment.

Temperament Reference: 1-5 (half scores permitted) using yard test scale below: 1.

2

Docile The animal is easily held in the corner and the handler can get close enough to put their stick on the animal.

Restless The animal can be held in the corner but exhibits some restlessness and flicking of the tail. The handler cannot get close enough to put their stick on the animal before it moves away.

Performance | 2023

Temperament Reference: 1-5 (half scores permitted) using yard test scale below: 1) Docile The animal is easily held in the corner and the handler can get close enough to put their stick on the animal.

2) Restless The animal can be held in the corner but exhibits some restlessness and flicking of the tail. The handler cannot get close enough to put their stick on the animal before it moves away.

3) Nervous The animal is not easily held in the corner even when the handler is some distance back from the animal, continual movement and tail flicking.

4) Flighty (wild) The animal cannot be held in the corner, frantically runs the fence line and may jump when penned individually, exhibits long flight distance.

5) Aggressive Similar behaviour to score 4 but is also aggressive towards the handler, stares at the handler and threatens to charge or charges (Handler is advised to exit the yard before the animal actually charges).

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AUSTRALIAN BEEF SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK About The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) was launched in 2017 to create a pathway of best practice for the Australian beef industry and track performance against a series of critical indicators aligned to the themes of best animal care, environmental stewardship, economic resilience and people and the community.

The ongoing development of the ABSF is informed by globally accepted standards that require the application of principles including stakeholder inclusivity and responsiveness and materiality. Priorities and indicators will continue to be responsive and refined through materiality and stakeholder consultation. Since its launch considerable effort has been committed to improving the indicators and collecting evidence to substantiate industry’s sustainability performance and progress. Currently, the ABSF contains 24 priority issues and 53 indicators to monitor progress against recognised standards and metrics.

The ABSF is used to: · · · ·

Advise industry investment for continual improvement in areas most important to customers and stakeholders; Help protect and grow access to investment and finance by providing evidence of performance and improvement; Foster constructive relationships with stakeholders to work collaboratively on improvement; Promote industry transparency and progress to customers and the community.

The ABSF does not: · Establish or endorse measurement systems at an individual business level; · Provide an accreditation or certification system; · Endorse prescriptive management practice; · Create additional paperwork for individual businesses.

More recently, the ABSF has examined its alignment with international expressions of sustainability, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure the performance of the industry in Australia is able to be understood by trade partners, potential markets, and overseas stakeholders.

Vision A thriving Australian beef industry that strives to continuously improve the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.

Sustainability Sustainability is the production of beef in a manner that is socially, environmentally and economically responsible. We do this through the care of natural resources, people and the community, the health and welfare of animals, and the drive for continuous improvement.

Sustainability | 2023

Animal Welfare

Economic Resilience

The wellbeing and health of animals is paramount for farmers and the broader beef industry. The industry invests in research, development and adoption programs to ensure high standards of animal welfare and continuous improvement.

Australia is one of the world's largest exporters and most efficient producers of beef. However, farmer profits tend to be low, affecting their ability to withstand unexpected shocks such as drought.

In addition. good animal welfare is a legal requirement in Australia and cruelty to animals is a criminal offence.

The Framework seeks to strengthen industry resilience by reducing costs for the industry, which are higher than our major global competitors, and boosting productivity.

The animal welfare theme of the Framework was developed With the five freedoms and, the more recent, five domains of animal welfare in mind.

As global demand increases. expanding the industry's access to global markets Will also help support more profitable, and more resilient, beef businesses.

1 Enhance Animal Wellbeing

Profitability 3 Enhance and Productivity

1.1 Competent livestock handling 1.2 Safe livestock transport

3.1 Profitability across value chain*

1.3 Animal husbandry techniques*

3.2 Farm, feedlot and processor productivity and cost of production

1.4 Humane processing

2 Promote Animal Health

4 Optimise Market

2.2 Minimise biosecurity risk

4.2 Product integrity

2.1 Maintain healthy livestock

4.1 Barriers to trade

Environmental Stewardship As a major land user, the beef industry has an impact on the environment and is particularly exposed to environmental risks such as climate variability.

Without a healthy natural environment, including soil, water, air and a thriving natural ecosystem, the industry is unable to prosper. The beef value chain is committed to ensuring that any environmental impact is minimised, The Framework also highlights the need for the Industry to adapt to the changing environment.

Land Management 5 Improve Practice 5.1 Minimise nutrient and sediment loss 5.2 Balance of tree and grass cover*

and Manage 6 Mitigate Climate Change 6.1 Manage climate change risk* 6.2 Climate change adaption and preparedness 6.3 Efficient use of water

People and The Community A safe, healthy and capable workforce, together with prosperous and resilient regional communities, is essential to the sustainability of the industry.

In Australia well-enforced laws and regulations govern human rights and fair work. As such the Framework stoves for a safe and healthy workforce that can continue to grove' with greater access to skills and labour. The industry also supports the community by providing safe and nutritous beef.

Health, Safety and 8 Produce Nutritious and Safe Food 9 Build Workplace Capacity 10 Ensure Wellbeing of People in the 8.1 Beef is eaten as part of a healthy balanced diet

9.1 Education and training

9.2 Diversity in the workforce

Industry

8.2 Food safety

10.1 Health and safety of people in industry*

8.3 Antimicrobial stewardship*

10.2 Wellbeing of people in the industry

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AUSTRALIAN BEEF SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK In 2020, the Australian red meat sector

reduced CO2e emissions by 64.8%

since the 2005 baseline. This is a reduction in industry's proportion of national greenhouse gas emissions from 22% in 2005 to 10.3% in 2020.

New and improved MERINOSELECT Indexes incorporating key sustainability traits were developed.

First Australian beef collagen supplements shipped to the United States.

68.5%

of Australian natural resource management regions are achieving above healthy ground cover thresholds, protecting soil health and ecosystem services.

The Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) set the blueprint for the Greenham Beef Sustainability Standard.

The Sheep Sustainability Framework garnered strong support at its inaugural stakeholder engagement events – the industry forum and external stakeholder consultative committee forum.

The Australian beef industry

announced new sustainability goals.

MLA invested in Australia’s

first mRNA vaccine, enabling rapid mass production of a vaccine for lumpy skin disease (LSD) once registered for use in Australia (if a vaccine is required).

Sustainability | 2023

A digital carbon calculator

to help producers set up carbon accounts was released.

Carbon eLearning modules are now available to boost producers’ understanding of carbon accounts and markets.

The world-first Australian Feedbase Monitor tool was launched, now supporting more than 1,900 producers (covering 2,400 farms) with their grazing management decisions.

Bioenergy overtook on-site coal use as the third largest source of energy in the Australian red meat processing sector.

Australia remains free of all exotic diseases and has escalated its responsiveness to foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.

Integrity Systems Company released its eNVD Livestock Consignments app, overcoming connectivity and improving transparency and traceability of livestock movements.

CN30 Co-Innovation Program supply chain partners completed their initial carbon baselines.

43.7%

of cattle producing land managed for biodiversity through active management, including weed and pest management, prescribed burning, revegetation and soil remedy work.

Source: Sustainability Impact Report 2023, Meat & Livestock Australia, pp 4-5.

Accessed via: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/extensions-training-and-tools/documents/mla-sustainability-impact-report-23-web.pdf

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GENETICS A STALWART DRIVER OF PROGRESS CASE STUDY Originially featured in MLA Sutainablility Impact Report 2023, reproduced with permission.

Faced with a challenging climate and the myriad of variables involved in breeding cattle, Queensland seedstock producers Tom and Marie Copley are leveraging genetics to map out a productive path for their herd.

Certain in the knowledge that their genetic inputs are entirely within their control, the couple has made gains with a data-driven focus on fertility at their property, ‘Salty’. The result is a robust, well-adapted herd, capable of thriving in harsh conditions with minimal inputs.

Here’s a look at how the Copleys’ astute use of functional analysed genetics and dedication to the long game have been key to achieving their breeding objectives.

Fertility is the cornerstone of their breeding strategy.

“We have a fertility focus to create an efficient and productive cow herd,” Marie said.

“We have a tight joining with all heifers joined and required to calve every year. Unproductive females are culled, no exceptions.

“The breeding herd will eat more than 70% of the annual grass budget, so we need a herd that’s productive and fertile with minimal inputs.”

Despite fertility requiring more time and effort to influence compared to a trait such as growth, which can be altered within a couple of generations, Tom and Marie have persisted with a fertility-first strategy and a balanced approach to growth.

The result is a low maintenance, tropically adapted and highly fertile herd. Their cattle don’t require fly or tick management, a strategy which has reduced input costs.

“You need a consistent and measured long-term view as the gains are incremental,” Tom said.

“In northern Australia, where the environment is harsher, the more important the fertility traits are.

“We’re looking for data that demonstrates cow families with evidence of maternal success meaning numbers of generations of calves.”

As early adopters of BREEDPLAN, the Copleys have fine-tuned their selection decisions over time.

The couple put their entire herd onto BREEDPLAN and conducted extensive genomic testing.

They use HerdMaster to transfer their data through to BREEDPLAN with genomic data and then review the herd’s estimated breeding values (EBVs), plot the genetic gain across various traits, maintain quality assurance and review maternal performance.

EBV targets: · Days to Calving – bulls with lower Days to Calving will produce daughters that conceive earlier in the joining period. · Scrotal Size – this is correlated with early puberty in bulls and thus in their sisters and daughters. · Moderate, Early Growth – for low maintenance, fertile females.

It was important for the Copleys to work with a seedstock producer who also uses BREEDPLAN, has a fertility focus, and operates under a similar management criterion.

“We’re not after pampered cattle. With the seedstock bulls, we’re looking for a lot of analysis, rather than bulls fed lots of grain so they look good,” Tom said.

They attribute much of their success to finding a seedstock producer who analysed their herd, was able to influence and understand their system, and had the data to demonstrate they were making progress.

“Selecting your seedstock producer is almost more important than selecting your bulls,” Marie said.

“Once you have the right seedstock producer, they will have the range of genetics available to you to meet your breeding objectives.”

This data-driven approach has certainly paid off. The Copleys contributed cattle to the MLA and University of Queensland Northern Genomics Project – analysis of their heifers showed strong fertility, well above industry average. More than 60% of the Copleys’ group of heifers which were genotyped were in the top 40% for puberty and body condition score while being moderately framed.

The first group of bulls the Copleys measured in 1986 had an EBV of -1.5 for Days to Calving – which is close to the current breed average (-1.9).

The Copleys have seen this plummet to -19.1 for their 2022 bull team – a testament to their breeding strategy.

These impressive results would not have been possible without Tom and Marie’s dedication to extensive data collection and documentation.

“If you don’t have data, it’s just an opinion,” Tom said.

Sustainability | 2023

“Good management and good record keeping go hand-in-hand.”

For more information about BREEDPLAN visit genetics.mla.com.au

Photo: Marie and Tom Copley.

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REDUCING EMISSIONS A WIN-WIN FOR BUSINESS CASE STUDY Originially featured in MLA Sutainablility Impact Report 2023, reproduced with permission.

The Allens’ south-western Victorian grazing business is proof reducing on-farm emissions doesn’t have to come at a price.

“There’s nothing to lose by reducing your carbon footprint and improving productivity,” David Allen said.

“It’s a real win-win for producers to increase efficiency.

“You’re not only increasing productivity and profitability, but you’re also supporting the environment by reducing emissions.”

The family takes a long-term view to ensure a successful and sustainable business for future generations.

“We’re ensuring the next generation are leading the way,” David said.

“My son Nick has complete control of the farm and is production-focused, whereas I focus on sustainability, carbon and emissions – it’s a very holistic view of the entire operation.”

The Allens focus on two key management areas to ensure their carbon reduction goals feed into their broader business management plans.

These are: · Carbon sequestration through on-farm efficiencies such as maintaining ground cover, rotational grazing, tree planting and a soil carbon project registered with the Clean Energy Regulator. · Emissions reductions through renewable electricity and improved feed efficiencies through genetic selection. This leads to improved turn-off rates, which reduces total methane production.

The Allens use estimated breeding values (EBVs) and advice from their bull breeder to select cattle which are quick growing, efficient and fertile.

“Simply identifying opportunities to improve efficiencies will help deliver a smaller carbon footprint and savings,” David said.

“With improved nutrition, feed efficiency and genetics, we’re turning cattle off earlier,” David said.

“The carbon framework allows us to market our product as a carbon neutral or low carbon status. It’s opened up opportunities for new revenue streams and sustainable management practices.”

“Our conception rates are now 94.5% for cows and 92% for heifers.”

They’ve also shortened the time cattle are on-farm – pulling the previous turn-off age of 24–30 months back to 14–20 months.

“This has a big impact on emissions as we’re achieving quicker returns, a lower emissions output, and a stronger longterm financial baseline.”

The Allens manage a rotational grazing system, with high-density stocking rates that see cattle regularly moved between paddocks – sometimes daily – providing rest periods for pastures of 30–60 days.

“We aim to have 100% ground cover, 100% of the time. Our 150 paddocks are grazed 25.8% of the time and rested for 74.2%.

“All this is lowering our carbon footprint in one way or another.

“Everything is interconnected. If you have healthy soil, you have healthy pasture. If you have healthy pasture, you have healthy waterways. If you have healthy pasture and water, you have healthy stock. Nothing works in isolation.”

Baselining their carbon footprint was the first step to reduce carbon emissions.

These can include supplying grassfed cattle to carbon neutral or low carbon supermarket brands.

“We’ve used various tools over the years – such as the Sheep and Beef Greenhouse Accounting Framework (SB-GAF) and, more recently, the new Australian Feedbase Monitor – to understand and use refined data that’s relative to our production.”

David is keen to use the new MLA Carbon Calculator (see link below) to measure and monitor changes in their business’ emissions.

“As an industry, and personally as a producer, we’re in the fortunate position to be able to mitigate emissions and influence climate change by sequestering carbon into the soil or vegetation.”

MLA Carbon Calculator mla.com.au/carbon-calculator Australian Feedbase Monitor mla.com.au/afm

Sustainability | 2023

“As an industry, and personally as a producer, we’re in the fortunate position to be able to mitigate emissions and influence climate change by sequestering carbon into the soil or vegetation.”

Nick and David Allen on their farm ‘Boorook’, Mortlake, Victoria

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SUPPORTING RESOURCES AND TRAINING Supporting resources and training key to adoption of sustainable on-farm practices, pilot finds.

Article supplied by Greenham, www.greenham.com.au

In a commercial first, Victorianbased beef processor, Greenham has applied the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework (ABSF) to its grassfed supply chain, delivering a new product to market, and both financial incentives and ecological benefits to the farm gate.

Providing a practical set of indicators to enhance and showcase sustainable practices across Greenham’s supply chain, the optional on-farm Greenham Beef Sustainability Standard (GBSS) was developed in response to growing market demand for robust and transparent environmental credentials.

Greenham Supply Chain Manager, Jess Loughland said before rolling out the standard to Greenham’s accredited grassfed NEVER EVER supply chain consisting of 4,000 cattle producers - they first needed to put the GBSS’ practicality, on-farm value, and efficacy to the test.

With support from project partner, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the third-party audited GBSS was piloted in 2022 with 21 cattle producers from a range of production systems across southern Australia.

Producers were audited against the standard to establish a baseline and identify opportunities, onboarded via both a webinar and on-farm meeting, and given five months to implement the standard on-farm.

“Piloting the standard was crucial to understanding what this program we’d spent years developing, looked like in practise, and also in identifying the unique challenges posed across different production systems and business types,” Jess said.

“Thank you to our pilot producers and those that gave their time and expertise as part of the initial working group. Your support and guidance were key to ensuring we delivered a meaningful standard that will stand the test of time.”

“Our goals were two-fold: to deliver consistent premium-quality beef raised in a manner that aligns with our customer’s values, and to drive adoption of best practice management to protect the land and communities in which we operate for future generations,” she said.

Key findings from the pilot included:

“It was also important to us that our program reflected broader industry priorities and provided producers with a clear path to contribute to CN30.”

· accessible and user-friendly training, tools, and templates to support producers measure and record activities and progress is key to adoption. · 82% of respondents said implementing the standard onfarm was not cost-prohibitive, with some commenting that it provided structure and a timeline to already planned activities and spend. · some requirements in the GBSS overlap with other industry accreditation programs across wool, cropping and dairy. · benefits to farm productivity, market access, actionable steps towards CN30 and best practice management, farm resilience, and connection to end markets and consumers were among the main drivers for accreditation.

Finding the right balance Following repeated long-term enquiries from customers to deliver a product with scientifically backed sustainability credentials, development started with a working group of Tasmanian cattle producers to ground the standard in the realities of southern Australian beef production.

Endorsed by agriculture and environmental consultants, Integrity Ag & Environment, Jess said the standard was structured in three tiers, “aiming to take producers on a journey”.

“For us and our customers, it’s not about immediate perfection; everyone is starting from a different baseline with unique business, infrastructure and environmental factors that need to be taken into consideration,” she said.

“We wanted to provide producers with an accessible starting point with clear opportunities for improvement and a focal point on the horizon to work towards.”

Tier one prioritises education and planning and sets a baseline for sustainable management, while tiers two and three focus on continuous improvement, striving for optimum ecological health and carbon neutrality.

With endorsement from Certified Humane®, beef produced from accredited Tier 2 properties is eligible for an on-pack Certified Regenerative® label, underpinning Greenham’s suite of premium brands including Cape Grim and Bass Strait Beef in the US market.

Sustainability | 2023

Industry recognition Greenham was named a finalist in the 2023 Banksia Foundation Sustainability Awards Agriculture and Regional Development, and Ethical Sourcing categories.

“We’re so proud to be nominated as a finalist for the Banksia awards and to represent the innovative sustainability initiatives of the broader red meat industry,” Jess said.

“The nominations will further strengthen the credibility of the GBSS with customers in Greenham’s trusted premium markets and among our cattle supplier network.”

The GBSS will be incrementally rolled out over the next two years, providing another option for Greenham cattle suppliers.

For more information about the GBSS and Greenham’s commitment to sustainable beef production, visit greenham.com.au

alinjarra speckle park

29th April 2024 @1pm Annual Sale

Allan: 0499 576042

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AN INTRODUCTION TO GENOMICS: SPECKLE PARK SINGLE-STEP BREEDPLAN ABRI Extension Services

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

In July 2023, Single-Step was implemented for the Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis. A major upgrade, the Single-Step methodology allows genomic (DNA) information to be incorporated into the Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis, and used, alongside pedigree and performance information, for the calculation of Speckle Park BREEDPLAN EBVs. The introduction of Single-Step BREEDPLAN was made possible through collaboration between Speckle Park International (SPI), the Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU), the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) and the members data capture over time. This article will outline what the introduction of Single-Step BREEDPLAN means for SPI members and the Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis.

What is Single-Step BREEDPLAN? Unlike a conventional BREEDPLAN (no genomics) analysis, which utilises pedigree and performance information only, a Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation utilised pedigree, performance and genomic information to calculate EBVs. In this sense, genomic information is providing an extra source of information for the BREEDPLAN analysis to use.

There are two ways in which DNA information provides additional information for the calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs. Firstly, when an animal is genotyped, Single-Step BREEDPLAN takes account of each animal’s actual genetic relationship with all other genotyped animals in the population (see breakout box for more technical detail). Secondly, Single-Step BREEDPLAN gains extra information by accounting for how the DNA information relates to the performance records for each trait in the analysis.

A key feature of the Single-Step BREEDPLAN approach is that complete use is made of the high density of genotypes recorded by SPI members.

What are the benefits of SingleStep BREEDPLAN? There are several advantage of SingleStep BREEDPLAN, and the inclusion of genomic information in the analysis, that will be applicable for SPI breeders.

If animals are genotyped early in life, and their DNA information included in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN analysis, then this can “boost” their EBV accuracy. Having higher levels of EBV accuracy earlier in life means that SPI breeders can make more informed selection decisions earlier in an animal’s life. In turn, this may assist to drive rates of genetic gain both in the individual herd and for the breed as a whole.

In addition, for SPI breeders with smaller herds or that have undertaken large-scale ET programs, EBV accuracy levels are often limited by small contemporary group sizes even when pedigree and performance records are available. If calves are genotyped, however, they can accumulate additional information – and EBV accuracy – via their relationship to the wider genotyped and performance recorded population.

An advanced algorithm for accuracy calculations was also implemented in the Single-Step BREEDPLAN evaluation provided to SPI. This algorithm represents a “world first” approach to modelling SNP effects in accuracy calculations, given the high density of genotypes that are used in the BREEDPLAN evaluation.

Should Speckle Park breeders continue to record performance information for BREEDPLAN? In short, yes. A successful genomics evaluation like Single-Step BREEDPLAN requires a reference population, or a source of animals with both genotypes (DNA) and phenotypes (performance records), that is closely related to the population being analysed. Therefore, the ongoing recording of performance information (e.g. liveweights, ultrasound scan data) is critical to the long-term success of Single-Step BREEDPLAN. By collecting performance information, alongside genotypes, SPI breeders are directly contributing to the reference population for the breed.

More information on recording performance data for BREEDPLAN can be found in the Recording Performance Information booklet. https://breedplan.une.edu.au/media/1sblz4el/ recording-performance-information.pdf

Conclusion Single-Step BREEDPLAN utilises DNA information, alongside pedigree and performance information, to calculate EBVs for Speckle Park animals. This offers the opportunity for Speckle Park animals to have increased EBV accuracies at a younger age than was possible under conventional BREEDPLAN (no genomics), therefore allowing the potential to make selection decisions at a younger age and drive genetic gain within the breed. For Speckle Park breeders to make the best use of this new technology, it is imperative that the collection of performance information continues, alongside the collection of genotypes.

BREEDPLAN | 2023

SCAN HERE View the Recording Performance Information booklet

When an animal is genotyped, Single-Step BREEDPLAN takes account of each animal’s actual genetic relationship with all other genotyped animals in the population.

This is demonstrated in Figure 1. Under a conventional BREEDPLAN (no genomics) analysis, the example animal is assumed to share 25% of its DNA with each of its grandparents (Figure 1A).

However, genotyping reveals the true genomic relationship between this animal and each of its grandparents. The example animal shares more than 25% of its DNA with both its paternal granddam (red) and maternal grandsire (pink), and less than 25% of its DNA with both its paternal grandsire (blue) and maternal granddam (yellow; Figure 1B).

A. Conventional BREEDPLAN (no genomics) Paternal Granddam

Paternal Grandsire

Sire

Maternal Grandsire

Maternal Granddam

Dam

25% of genes from each grandparent

B. Single-Step BREEDPLAN (genomics) Paternal Granddam

Paternal Grandsire

Sire

Maternal Grandsire

Maternal Granddam

Dam

Variable percentage of genes from each grandparent

Figure 1.

A) Conventional BREEDPLAN (no genomics) assumes that each animal shares 25% of its DNA with each of its grandparents.

B) However, if the animals are genotyped, Single-Step BREEDPLAN takes into account the actual genetic relationship between an animal and its grandparents.

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RECORDING MANAGEMENT GROUPS FOR BREEDPLAN ABRI Extension Services

AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

One of the most important premises underpinning the Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis is that only animals which have had an equal opportunity to perform should be directly compared. To achieve this, Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analyses cattle in contemporary groups. In doing so, the influence of as many non-genetic factors as possible are removed (e.g. feeding regime, age, seasonality).

The Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis automatically creates contemporary groups based on a range of criteria (see the Understanding BREEDPLAN Contemporary Groups tip sheet further information). Breeder defined management groups, supplied by Speckle Park breeders, are one criterion.

Breeder defined management groups allow Speckle Park breeders to act as “eyes” for the Speckle Park BREEDPLAN analysis. By assigning management groups alongside performance data (e.g. liveweights, ultrasound scans, scrotal circumference measurements etc.), Speckle Park breeders are able to inform Speckle Park BREEDPLAN of any on-farm treatment and/or management decisions that may have impacted the performance of their animals. In this way, Speckle Park breeders are assisting to identify those animals that can genuinely be compared together, and those that should not be compared head to head.

There are two types of breeder defined management groups that Speckle Park breeders should be familiar with:

Birth Management Groups

Post-Birth Management Groups

The birth management group allows Speckle Park breeders to describe differences in the treatment of cows prior to the birth of their calves (especially in the last trimester) that may affect birth weight and/or calving ease when the calf is born.

The post-birth management group allows Speckle Park breeders to identify animals that have received different treatment and/or management following birth that may have influenced their performance. This treatment may be intentional (e.g. when some of your young bulls receive supplementary feeding and others do not) or unintentional (e.g. when a calf is sick).

Common examples include: · Pregnant cows being run in different paddocks where feed is of different nutritional value. Calves born into a paddock with low(er) nutritional value should be placed into a separate birth management group to calves born into a paddock with high(er) nutritional value. · A Speckle Park producer owns multiple properties, with pregnant mobs running on each. Calves born on property one should be placed into a separate birth management group to calves born on property two. · Some pregnant cows are out on agistment, while the rest remain on the home block. Calves born to the agistment mob should be placed into a different birth management group to those born to the home mob, even if the agistment mob has been brought home to calve. · An individual calf should also be placed into a separate birth management group if its birth weight and/or calving difficulty score has been affected by special circumstances, such as being premature, or its dam having been sick prior to calving.

Animals should be assigned into different post-birth management groups in any situation where, either individually or as a group, they have not had equal opportunity to perform.

Common examples include: · Where an animal or its mother has been sick or injured and this has affected its performance. · Where a subset of calves are being supplementary fed and others are not. For example, the show and/or sale teams. · Where calves are running in paddocks of differing nutritional value. Please use your judgement when assigning management groups to calves running in different paddocks; if the two paddocks are separated by a fence line and are otherwise very similar, you may decide not to separate calves in these two paddocks into different management groups.

However, calves running in paddocks that are clearly different should be placed into separate post-birth management groups.

BREEDPLAN | 2023

SCAN HERE

SCAN HERE

View the Recording Birth Management Groups short video

View the Recording Post-Birth Management Groups short video

· Where calves are running together as a single mob but were born on different properties. For example, in situations where an individual Speckle Park producer owns multiple properties or where a Speckle Park producer has had a subset of animals out on agistment which have since returned home.

In such a scenario, calves should be split into post-birth management groups that reflect their property of birth as the differences in their early months of life are likely to have affected their later performance. · Where some yearling bulls have been used for mating and others have not. · When some heifers are preg tested in calf (PTIC) and others are empty.

In addition, PTIC heifers should only be placed in the same management group if they are at a similar stage of pregnancy (see the Recording Performance Data from Pregnant Heifers tip sheet for further information). · As the BREEDPLAN analysis assumes that twins are raised as twins, any twin that has been raised as a single calf (i.e. stayed on mum while its sibling was fostered or hand-raised) should be placed into a separate post-birth management group to twin calves that were raised as twins. Fostered and handraised poddy calves should also be placed into their own post-birth management groups. Speckle Park producers with lots of twin, foster and/or poddy calves are encouraged to contact Speckle Park BREEDPLAN for specific advice as management grouping in these situations can be complex.

Other Considerations · Management groups can be up to three digits in length. They can consist of letters, numbers or a combination.

Some Speckle Park producers will choose to use an abbreviation of the paddock or property name, while others will use numbers or letters in a sequential order. You should use whichever combination makes the most sense to you. · Animals should only be split into different management groups when there has been different treatment and/or management that has impacted their performance.

Calves that are running together and exposed to the same environmental conditions should not be subgrouped solely because of their horn/ poll status or coat colour. · Birth management groups only impact on the contemporary group formation for birth traits (i.e. birth weight, calving ease). That is, they have no impact on contemporary group formation for post-birth traits (e.g. 200, 400 and 600 day weights).

· In contrast, post-birth management groups will impact on the contemporary group formation for the trait that the management group applies to and any future post-birth performance traits.

Consider post-birth management groups to be like a tree; once the animals are split into separate management groups, they branch off and cannot come back together.

In the example shown below, the male calves have been split into two post-birth management groups for their 200 day weights, A and B, and will be analysed in separate contemporary groups. Even if no management groups are submitted with their 400 day weights, they will continue to be analysed in separate contemporary groups for their 400 day weights because of their 200 day weight management groups.

For this reason, it is recommended that if you do have to split calves into different mobs, you aim to keep them in the same mob (i.e. avoiding moving calves in and out of different mobs) until you have finished recording all of their postbirth performance.

Male Calves 200 day weight

Management Group A

Management Group B

400 day weight

No management group supplied

No management group supplied

If you are in any doubt as to whether you should assign management groups in a given scenario, please contact Speckle Park BREEDPLAN to discuss your situation.

Further information on recording management groups can be found in the Recording Management Groups tip sheet, and associated short videos, available via the Help Centre on the BREEDPLAN website.

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MEMBER SERVICES OFFICER FAQ DOWNLOADING A PDF OF YOUR REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES

STEP

1

Log in to ILROnline. (you will need to have a log in – email mso@specklepark.org)

STEP

Go to the Registered Animals screen.

STEP

Type in the animal identifier you want the certificate for.

2 3

STEP

e.g. WYN T41

4

The record will be light blue.

STEP

Scroll to the bottom of the page, and click on the bottom right “E-certificate”.

5

The certificate will be downloaded as a PDF.

MSO FAQ | 2023

DOWNLOADING THE SNP PROFILE NUMBERS OF YOUR ACTIVE ANIMALS USING ILRONLINE

STEP

1

STEP

2

STEP

3

Log in to ILROnline. (you will need to be sent an invitation if you haven’t already received one)

From the top menu bar select the “animals” tab.

You can filter which animals you want to be included in your list by clicking on the filter button. (highlighted below), or download all active registered animals.

STEP

4

Click on the download CSV button on the top right, and an excel file will go to your “downloads” folder.

STEP

The file “Active Registered Animals” will be in your downloads folder.

5

The SNP Case numbers are listed for each active animal in column J.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2023 ‒ 2024 November 4TH SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL Annual General Meeting Toowoomba, QLD & online JAD SPECKLE PARK 17TH A Day in the JAD Yards ‒ a Practical Workshop Yeeoval, NSW ‒ On property

January 27TH WHITELINE SPECKLE PARK Whiteline Speckle Park Open Day Winchelsea, VIC ‒ On property TE MOOI SPECKLE PARK 30TH Te Mooi Open Day ‒ Beef Week Londrigan, VIC ‒ On property

February 24TH UNDERHILL SPECS Future FWD Bull Sale ‒ Underhill SPECS - Bulls Canada ‒ On property

March 7TH TE MOOI SPECKLE PARK The Te Mooi Performance Sale ‒ Bulls, females, genetics & commercial lots Londrigan, VIC ‒ On property and via Auctions Plus

12TH - 14TH BATHURST ROYAL Beef Cattle Events Bathurst, NSW 18TH - 20TH TOOWOOMBA ROYAL Beef Cattle Events Toowoomba, QLD ALINJARRA SPECKLE PARK 29TH Annual Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Hernani, NSW ‒ On property and via Auctions Plus

May 5TH - 11TH BEEF AUSTRALIA 2024 See www.beefaustralia.com.au Rockhampton, QLD WATTLE GROVE SPECKLE PARK 8TH Rockin at Rocky Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Rockhampton, QLD ‒ On site and via Elite Livestock Auctions 18TH - 26TH CASINO BEEF WEEK Beef Cattle Events Casino, NSW MULTI-VENDOR 24TH The Blueprint Opportunity Sale ‒ Bulls & females Pine Lodge, VIC ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions

18TH - 27TH SYDNEY ROYAL Beef Cattle Events Sydney, NSW

August

April

OAKEY CREEK SPECKLE PARKS 16TH Oakey Creek Speckle Parks Annual Bull & Female Sale ‒ Bulls, females & commercial lots Namoi River, NSW ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions

5TH JAD SPECKLE PARK 6th JAD Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Yeoval, NSW ‒ On property and via Auctions Plus BATTALION SPECKLE PARK 8TH Battalion Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Glen Innes Showground, NSW ‒ On site and online via TBA

TBA BRISBANE ROYAL Beef Cattle Events Brisbane, QLD

BEKI SPECKLE PARK 18TH Tablelands Better Beef Open Day Kairi, QLD ‒ On property

Calendar of Events | 2023

24TH DORROUGHBY SPECKLE PARK & BETH VIDE SPECKLE PARK Dorroughby Speckle Park Annual Invitational Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Westbrook, QLD ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions MULTI-VENDOR 29TH Roma Spring Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls Roma, QLD ‒ On site and via TBA CORNDALE SPECKLE PARK 31ST Corndale Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls & females Warwick, QLD ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions ROSE HILL SPECKLE PARK 31ST Rose Hill Speckle Park Open Day ‒ Bulls, females, genetics and commercial lots Monivae, NSW ‒ On property

September TBA ADELAIDE ROYAL Beef Cattle Events Adelaide, SA MINNAMURRA SPECKLE PARK 6TH Minnamurra Bull Sale Coolah, NSW ‒ On property and TBA WATTLE GROVE SPECKLE PARK 6TH Triple Treat Sale ‒ Bulls, females & commercial lots Toowoomba, QLD ‒ On site and via Elite Livestock Auctions & Auctions Plus

14TH HAWTHORNE STUD Hawthorne Stud Open Day Coulson, QLD MULTI-VENDOR 21ST Hot Spot Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls, females, genetics & commercial lots Colinton, QLD ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions MELBOURNE ROYAL TBA Beef Cattle Events Melbourne, VIC PERTH ROYAL TBA Beef Cattle Events Perth, WA

October 4TH HILLVIEW SPECKLE PARK Hillview Speckle Park 2nd Annual Production Sale ‒ Bulls, females, genetics & commercial lots Leconfield, NSW ‒ On property and via Elite Livestock Auctions GEELONG ROYAL TBA Beef Cattle Events Geelong, VIC HOBART ROYAL TBA Beef Cattle Events Hobart, TAS

ROB ROY SPECKLE PARK 7TH Rob Roy Annual Sale ‒ Bulls,females, genetics & commercial lots Gulgong, NSW ‒ On property and via Auctions Plus MULTI-VENDOR 13TH Upper Hunter Spring Speckle Park Sale ‒ Bulls, females & genetics Scone, NSW ‒ On site and via Elite Livestock Auctions

101

Getting Started

10Speckle Park Years

Then

WWW.UNDERHILLSPECS.CA

WE ARE JUST

Now

UNDERHILL SPECS • JORDON UNDERHILL • ELORA, ON • US@UNDERHILLSPECS.CA • 519-760-0892

US GENETICS EXPORTED TO 10 COUNTRIES

UNDERHILL SPECS

for Anything, Anywhere, Anytime Brooke 0409 973 491

Paffy 0422 068 358

bornreadyspecklepark@outlook.com

Dyers Crossing, NSW

MONTE a “unique” combination of growth, softness, performance, and docility

WELLERLOU M25 Top 10% Gestation Length -1.3 Top 15% 200D Growth +24 Top 10% 400D Growth +41

Monte S38

Top 10% 600D Growth +54 Top 10% Scrotal +0.9 Top 20% IMF +0.4

THE ONLY AUSTRALIAN BRED SPECKLE PARK BULL TO SELL INTERNATIONAL SEMEN RIGHTS. ADMIRED BY MANY AT SYDNEY '23, 2ND 24 - 30MTHS IN THE WORLDS LARGEST SPECKLE PARK SHOW. A MONTEZUMA SON FROM BREEDING POWERHOUSE KAMARAH MAJESTIC M32.

^DAM: KAMARAH

Majestic M32

Almighty x WG G28 Unique x Unique 8R A balanced frame to dream of, who injects that balance into all her progeny. Progeny sold to $34,000.

Studs who have purchased progeny or embryos include: KFC, River Hill, JAD, Pemberton, Gotcha & Toebelle.

Toebelle .

Majestic’s oldest daughters are breeding the house down and both calved for the 2nd time before they turn 3yrs old.

W E L L E R L OU SP E C K L E PA R K

Tim, Lindy & Toby Weller "Karinyah", Coolamon NSW Tim: 0427 465 490 | Email: wellertj79@gmail.com Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/Wellerlou

ARTWORK: KELSIE HORE

AUSTRALIAN SEMEN: CONTACT; WELLERLOU ALL INTERNATIONAL SEMEN: CONTACT; KFC FARMS & RIVER HILL FARMS