SPECKTATOR
New Year Resolutions
As we kick off the new year, this edition is packed with exciting updates and opportunities for our members. From the first SPI Youth Camp to the announcement of new Committees shaping the future of our breed, there's plenty to look forward to in 2025.
In this edition, we introduce 2 new sections which are intended to feature in each Specktator moving forward‘Speckle Park at the Sale Yards’ which will provide a snapshot of recent sales of commercial Speckle Park cattle, and ‘SPI Notice Board’ which will act as a reminder of recent notices sent out to members.
With the commencement of sale season, this edition also includes details of advertising opportunities and information on how to correctly display EBVs.
We trust you will find this edition an informative and enjoyable read.
FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dear Speckle Park Community
Happy New Year! We hope you all had a relaxing and rejuvenating Christmas/New Year period and wish you a successful year ahead.
We have decided to revamp this section so that it provides a concise snapshot of recent activity and/or upcoming projects and priorities for members to be aware of.
Please reach out to our MSO, Heather, or to any of the Directors with any comments or queries.
Kind regards
SPI Board of Directors
Stacey Jones (Chairman), Vaughn Johnston (Vice-Chairman), Gary Reidy (Secretary), Brooke Paff (Treasurer), Tim Bell, Jason Butt, Mark Tiller and Tim Weller
Recent Activity (post update provided at AGM)
Finalised the opening of the new investment account with ANZ Bank
Renewed SPI’s Professional Indemnity and Public & Products Liability policy and Association Liability policy of insurance on improved terms. It is noted a slight reduction in premiums was achieved without reducing SPI’s cover - as great outcome in the current market
Finalised the SPI Magazine in collaboration with Squish Creative
Continued benchmarking work with MSA and commenced working on marketing strategies to share this information
Amended late registration fees so no late fee applies until a calf is over 24 months, and at a reduced rate of $22/$20
Continued work on the cross-bred analysis project
Social event conducted for South Australian members
Progressed work in relation to the GH project
Finalised new Committee Structure
Upcoming Projects & Priorities
Roll out new Committee Structure, source volunteers to join the Committees and working with the teams to get them operational. This will involve a significant amount of work with each Committee being tasked with achieving various KPIs under the Strategic Plan
Working with Squish Creative on upcoming marketing opportunities including the Speckle Showcase and initiatives in relation to MSA data
Continue work on the cross-bred analysis project
Work on the roll out of social initiatives across the various jurisdictions
Meeting (virtually) with international Associations
Continue work in relation to process changes required to facilitate ideas raised at AGM (such as reduced testing requirements in certain circumstances)
Detailed review of existing service contracts and expenditure
Detailed review of fee structure and associated benchmarking
NEW COMMITTEES
At this current stage, SPI remains reliant on our members volunteering to assist with various aspects of organisational operation and breed development and growth. Speckle Park International (SPI) warmly encourages members to express their interest to join one (or more) of the newly formed Committees.
Being a Committee member provides a great way to positively and meaningfully contribute to the future growth and success of the Speckle Park breed, while also presenting a great opportunity to form new relationships with your colleagues in the breed.
The following new Committees have been established and SPI warmly encourages members to express their interest to join:
Strategic Planning Committee
Breed Development Committee (including GH Working Group)
Extension Committee (including Youth Sub-Committee)
Environmental Sustainability Committee
Organisational Development Committee
Marketing & Communications Committee (including World Congress and Ekka Feature Show Sub-Committees)
Further details about each Committee and the form to express your interest can be found by scanning the QR code.
SPECKLE PARK BEEF
Speckle Park International is compiling a list of places where Speckle Park Beef can be purchased (both retail and wholesale) to make this information available through the SPI website and other avenues.
If you know of a business supplying great quality Speckle Park beef, or supply it yourself (raw or cooked), please submit details via the form which can be accessed viascanningtheQRcodebelow.
You can submit details of your own business, another business as well as update the details of existing listings.
We look forward to launching the compiled list shortly!
SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CAMP - 2025
When: Friday, 6 June to Sunday, 8 June 2024
Where: Hawkesbury Showgrounds - Racecourse Road, Clarendon NSW
What: Hands-on workshops, expert led seminars, mentorship from seasoned professionals, skill building and networking
Planning is in full swing for what is set to be an exciting feature on the SPI calendar for 2025! Further information together with details on how to secure your place will be provided shortly. Make sure you follow the Speckle Park International Youth Facebook Page so you don’t miss any updates!
SPECKLE PARK INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The SPI Youth Committee would like to take this opportunity to invite you to partner with us as a sponsor for the upcoming Speckle Park Youth Cattle Camp.
Your sponsorship will not only enhance the educational experiences offered at the camp but will also showcase member's commitment to the youth of the Speckle Park breed. In recognition of your support, we would be pleased to feature your stud logo on our camp materials, provide special mention during the event and highlight your company on our social media pages.
Scan the QR code for full details of each package:
Thank you to those members who have already committed to partnering with SPI Youth. If you have any queries or would like to discuss alternate ways you can support the Youth in Speckle Park, please reach out to any member of the You SubCommittee.
BULL BREEDER SURVEY
In January, the SPI Technical Sub-Committee released the Bull Breeder Survey to members. The purpose of this survey is for SPI leaders to gain further insights regarding performance and potential progeny forecasts.
It is important for the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan that SPI has a fulsome understanding of performance related matters and progeny numbers to assist with accurate forecasting and operational planning.
The Technical Sub-Committee (new Breed Development Committee will analyse the feedback information to develop targeted education and development initiatives and provide feedback to members on the areas surveyed.
The involvement of our members is critical in ensuring this process produces accurate information. Members are encouraged to help SPI compile this vital data by completing this survey by 28 February 2025. All responses will remain confidential.
If you haven’t completed the survey already, a copy can be accessed by scanning the QR code. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
All members who complete the survey will go into the draw to win a Yeti Rambler and Travel Mug!
ISSUE 5 OUT NOW!
Issue 5 of the Official Speckle Park Magazine is out now! Featuring the submission from the winners of our cover photo competition, Whiteline Speckle Park and Mavstar Photography, this issue is full of interesting articles including:
Top sires & dams
Member interviews
Cross breeding and inbreeding
Weaner nutrition management
Genetic success through IVF
MSA Outcomes Report overview
International association reports
Insights from commercial programs
Butcher praise for Speckle Park beef
New Zealand’s success with Speckle Park
Speckle Park excelling in carcase competitions
Sustainability Framework
Show results
Calendar of events
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
THE SPECKLE SHOWCASE 2025
ACM Agri will once again be featuring the Speckle Showcase as a special lift out in its Queensland Country Life, Stock Journal, Stock & Land and The Land papers (print and digital).
The Showcase is a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the strengths of the Speckle Park breed and to advertise programs and sales.
SPI is working with ACM journalists for the supply of industry relevant content for articles to feature alongside member and industry content.
In the contact details you might notice a familiar nameKylie Buchanan from MAK Speckle Park is Livestock Sales Representative for ACM Agri and would be happy to assist with your advertising requirements, alongside her colleagues.
ADVERTISING WITH SPI
SPI provides members with a number of different advertising and promotional options to access a broad audience, including via the SPI website and mailing lists. An overview of current advertising opportunities with SPI is below (prices include GST):
WEBSITE HOME PAGE ADS
Called ‘SPI rolling banner’ - advertisements on the SPI website home page (an image with a link through to the advertiser’s website)
3 months = $275
12 months = $770
STUDBOOK LISTINGS
In the Studbook section of the website, images can be added to individual animal details page or to a member details page:
Member logo = $22
Animal photo = $6.60
EMAIL BLASTS
Emails with content prepared by the advertiser including text and images, issued via Mailchimp to the SPI data base (approx 1,600 subscribers)
$330
SALES DETAILS
Members can list events in the calendar in the SPI Magazine and website for free. Additional listings available include:
Online sale catalogue - $6.60 per lot
Online semen catalogue - $44 per animal
SPECKLE PARK AT THE SALE YARDS
A SNAPSHOT OF RECENT COMMERCIAL SPECKLE PARK SALE RESULTS
SHEPPARTON SALES - 11 DECEMBER 2024
Speckle x cows sold to $3.026 per kg, for 600-650kg cows
Speckle x Jersey cows, sold from $2.502.70/kg
Speckle x Angus steers sold to $3.70/kg for 460kg steers - amongst the top prices for the day
AUCTIONSPLUS EASTERN STATES CATTLE SALE - 10 JANUARY 2025
Image (above) credit - AuctionsPlus
SOUTH GIPPSLAND - 7 JANUARY 2025 SpeckleParkheiferssoldfor354c/kg
Image (above) credit - Central Queensland LX FB page
Photos (right), credit - Jackungah Speckle Park FB page
Photo (left) credit - Nutrien Leongatha FB page
WESTERN VICTORIA LX - 17 DECEMBER 2024
Image (right top) credit - Western Victoria LX FB page
Image (right middle) credit - Central Tablelands LX FB page
Image (right bottom) credit - Central Tablelands LX FB page
TAMWORTH SALES - 18 NOVEMBER 2024
Speckle Park cows weighing 694kg sold to over $2,000/head - topping the sale off all breeds sold on the day.
ECHUCA PRIME SALES - 29 JANUARY 2025
Speckle X Heifers sold to $3.22/kg 425kg = $1365/hd
(below) credit - Nutrien Echuca FB page
Photo (below) - credit Daniel McCullough FB page
Photo
A BREEDPLAN Guide to Displaying EBVs
TIP SHEET
All BREEDPLAN information displayed in sale catalogues and other documentation (e.g. shed cards) should be presented in a clear and consistent manner. In doing so, this will assist commercial bull buyers with their familiarity and comprehension of BREEDPLAN information. The following tip sheet provides BREEDPLAN users with a guide to the display of BREEDPLAN information.
PRESENTATION OF BREEDPLAN INFORMATION
BREEDPLAN information should be presented in such a manner that:
• The information is clearly identified as BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
• The name and date of the BREEDPLAN analysis in which the EBVs were calculated (e.g. November 2021 Hereford BREEDPLAN analysis) is clearly identified. This is particularly important at multi-vendor or multi-breed events.
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• All available EBVs for a particular animal are displayed, not just a selection of EBVs. The accuracy value (%) for each EBV is displayed either next to or below the EBV. All EBVs are shown with a clear positive (+) or negative (-) sign at the beginning of the number to clearly differentiate the two.
• When presenting Selection Indexes, the name of the Selection Index should be clearly identified. Furthermore, the Selection Index should be reported for all animals that have that Selection Index available.
• If other information (e.g. raw performance data, structural assessments, DNA test results) is also displayed in the sale catalogue, it should be clearly differentiated and made apparent that it is not BREEDPLAN information.
The table below provides an example format for the presentation of BREEDPLAN information.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN SALE CATALOGUES
In addition to the correct presentation of BREEDPLAN information, it is imperative that a number of other pieces of information are also included in sale catalogues. These include:
• The current breed average EBVs. These can be found in your own herd’s latest BREEDPLAN report, online via the relevant web search system or by contacting staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre. Ideally, to assist prospective buyers, these would be displayed on each catalogue page.
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The current Percentile Band Table. Providing this table will allow prospective buyers to identify where each sale animal ranks within the breed for each EBV and Selection Index. The units of measurement (e.g. kg, cm, $) for
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each EBV and Selection Index should remain as part of this table. The percentile table can also be accessed via your own herd’s latest BREEDPLAN report, online via the relevant web search system or by contacting staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre.
Appropriate explanatory notes to clearly explain the BREEDPLAN information (including each individual EBV, associated EBV accuracy and each Selection Index) presented in the sale catalogue. Descriptions of EBVs and Selection Indexes can be found online via the relevant web search system or by contacting staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre.
• A disclaimer incorporated as part of the explanatory notes. The disclaimer may read something similar to:
The BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) contained within this sale catalogue were compiled by the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) from the data supplied by breeders. Neither the <insert breed society name> nor ABRI oversee or audit the collection of this data.
OPTIONAL INFORMATION IN SALE CATALOGUES
To further assist prospective buyers make an informed decision before and/or on sale day, beef producers may wish to include a range of additional information in their sale catalogues. This includes:
• The ‘Traits Analysed’ for each animal, indicated the performance information that has been analysed by BREEDPLAN for that animal. For those with Single-Step BREEDPLAN analyses, a ‘Genomics’ flag will also appear when an animal’s DNA information has been included in the analysis.
• The ‘EBV Percentile Graph’ for each animal (see above right). This graph provides prospective buyers with a visual representation of how the EBVs of an individual animal rank in comparison to the rest of the breed. EBV Percentile Graphs for each animal can be accessed online via the
relevant web search system. Please contact staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre if you require further assistance in locating these graphs.
The BREEDPLAN logo may be used where results from a BREEDPLAN analysis are displayed. This can be downloaded from the BREEDPLAN website.
A ‘Completeness of Performance’ (CoP) star rating logo to demonstrate how much performance data you have submitted to BREEDPLAN. Your herd’s current CoP star rating can be found in your CoP report, and logos can be downloaded from the BREEDPLAN website.
Graphs of your herd’s genetic progress compared with the genetic progress being made in the breed (see below). This provides prospective buyers with insight into how your herd is performing relative to others in the same BREEDPLAN analysis.
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QR codes. Used in sale catalogues and/or shed cards, these can be used to link through to the individual animal’s page on the relevant web search system This provides prospective buyers to easily access the most up to date information. This includes current BREEDPLAN EBVs and Selection Index values (with most BREEDPLAN analyses run on a monthly basis, the BREEDPLAN EBVs and Selection Indexes shown in sale catalogues can and do change as more data is submitted into newer analyses) and the EBV Percentile Graph.
While it is strongly recommended that BREEDPLAN members adhere to the guidelines
provided, the presentation of any BREEDPLAN information in advertising materials is ultimately at the discretion of the individual producer. That said, some breed societies do have their own regulations regarding the display of BREEDPLAN information in sale catalogues. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact your breed society to identify whether they have specific regulations that you need to adhere to.
For further information regarding the display of BREEDPLAN EBVs in sale catalogues and other documentation, please contact staff at your BREEDPLAN processing centre.
CARCASE COMPETITION SUPPORT
DATA WAREHOUSE
SPI initiatives to support the demonstration and marketing of the commercial advantages of the Speckle Park breed.
ELIGIBILITY & PAYMENT:
Open to financial members of SPI as at the competition date and the date the application for support is made. The application is to be submitted via the application form on the SPI website by the earlier of 7 days after entries for the relevant competition have closed and 7 days before the competition commences.
The initial total support value is $11,000 (inc. GST) for carcase competitions commencing from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. A potential increase will be considered dependent on uptake and quality of data obtained.
The support provided is $220 (inc. GST) per member, per competition up to the total support value. The support will be applied to the member's SPI account with any credit to be paid as the member directs. Support is on a first come, first served basis - to be made after the eligibility criteria have been complied with to SPI's reasonable satisfaction.
Entered animals must be sired by a registered Speckle Park bull.
The carcase competition must be approved by SPI which will require it to be - conducted by a reputable third party organisation, open to entry by a sufficiently broad segment of producers with judging to be based solely on carcase traits with all data provided to entrants. Members may seek approval of a competition from SPI prior to entry.
All data resulting from the carcase competition is to be provided to SPI via the Data Warehouse within 14 days after receipt, to be used in accordance with the Data Warehouse terms.
BROAD OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:
COMMERCIAL FOCUS
Collect and utilise 3rd party data to demonstrate the superior performance and carcass attributes of Speckle Park. This data may include MSA data, feedlot performance and carcass data.
DATA INTEGRITY
Source data exclusively from herds using purebred, registered Speckle Park bulls, ensuring traceability of the information provided.
RECOGNITION
Members providing data should be recognised and we will ensure contributors' names are acknowledged (unless otherwise requested) as the source whenever their data is used.
HANDLING DATA
To address potential variations in data collection, each dataset will be treated as a unique case study. This approach guarantees accuracy and transparency in our analyses.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
The Data Warehouse marks another step forward for our breed society. Through ongoing member support, we can continue to unlock invaluable insights to strengthen the Speckle Park breed in Australia and New Zealand.
Contact the Technical Sub-Committee (new Breed Development Committee at technical@specklepark.org if you would like more information.
For more information: mso@specklepark.org | technical@specklepark.org
Scan to be taken to Carcase Competition Support Application Form:
Scan to be taken to Data Warehouse Upload Form:
Notices A REMINDER FOR MEMBERS OF RECENT IMPORTANT NOTICES
CHANGES TO LATE REGISTRATION FEES
In consideration of member feedback and with a view to continuing to capturing and retaining as much data as possible within SPI records, effective 20 November 2024, SPI has removed the late registration fee on calves over 12 months, up to 24 months and reduced the late fee for older calves so there is now 1 late registration fee of $20 plus GST for calves over 24 months.
BREED CAPTAINS
A call has been put out for members to nominate for the position of Breed Captain at the following shows - Sydney Royal, Brisbane Ekka, Melbourne Royal, Adelaide Royal, Bathurst Royal and Toowoomba Royal. Nominations close at 4pm on 19 February 2025.
The position description for the role of Breed Captain can be viewed by scanning the top QR to the right. Members are encouraged to read this document and to contact our MSO with any questions.
A copy of the nomination form can be accessed by scanning the bottom QR code.
DNA TESTING REMINDERS
Hold off sending samples to Neogen until you have received the required batch paperwork from PBB SNP DNA case numbers must be in provided for all possible parents to be included in parentage. These can be found on the SPI website under Animal Enquiries. When you search an animal, it will show a "SNP Typed" number which is the SNP case number you need
Allow adequate time before the sale (or before the entry deadline date) to test your animals, with turnaround time on all orders being 4- 6 weeks
If Neogen is unable to obtain a result from a sample for one of the SK bundle tests, a new sample must be collected. This new sample can be submitted solely for the individual test in question, rather than repeating the entire bundle
Ensure you refer to the PBB/SPI tip sheet for details on how to resolve animal registrations that still pending (animal shows a ‘?’ in front of ID)
CHANGES TO BVD TESTING
Neogen has recently made changes to its Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) testing, also known as Pesti Virus Testing. With effect from 1 January 2025, Neogen will only be accepting TSU samples for BVD testing. Hair samples for BVD testing will no longer be able to accepted from January 1st 2025.
Please note, Neogen does not conduct BVD testing as a standalone test, it must be ordered in conjunction with a genomic test. The current cost for BVD testing in addition to a genomic test is $12+gst per sample.
Due to rising operational costs, Neogen are no longer be able to offer free confirmation testing for positive or weak positive results. Retesting of a new confirmatory sample will be charged at the same price as a standard BVD test from 1 January 2025.
CALF REGISTRATION
Didyouknow,thereisnoregistration fee payable for natural calves? DNA testing is still required however, the female inventory fee payable for the damoffsetstheregistrationfee!
MATING PREDICTOR
Did you know, there is a mating predictor on the website that will calculate the estimated average breeding
breeding values of the progeny? This helpful tool can be accessed in the Studbooksection. ScantheQRcode abovetobetakentothepredictortool.
CALF COLOURS
Under the Rules and Regulations, a black calf born with solid white patches is regarded as ‘black’ for registration and identification purposes.
”Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."
George Bernard Shaw
CALENDAR of events
