‘Spots’ created a buzz once again during the Ausmectin Northern Beef Week. Participants were able to view 12 month old Brahckle cattle, a Speckle Park Brahman cross. Visitors had travelled from all over to attend Waratah’s open day, even interstate. It was a very successful day, selling several Speckle Park bulls.
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Stud owner Laiton Turnham said it was definitely one of the highlights of the day. “There is growing interest in the Speckle Park Brahman cross as the animals are thicker, have increased high breed vigor, no hump and are heat and tick tolerant,” he said.
Waratah Speckle Park are pleased with the results producing Brahckle bulls with an average weight of 433kg at just 11 months, straight out of the paddock. The Brahckle cattle are a result of an embryo transplant program, flushing Brahman cows to Speckle Park Bulls. Also on display Waratah Speckle Park had 21 month old Speckle Park stud bulls, 21 month old Speckle Park Heifers and F1 Speckle Park cross females and weaners.
“The breed is growing in popularity.” said Eric Turnham joint stud owner, ‘We had a good turn out on the day with return clients and new prospective buyers attending.”
The competition winner of semen straws from Waratah’s first open day was pleased to report her first Speckle Park cross calves. “She was delighted with the results,” Eric said. “She was impressed calves had put on 1.7kg a day during their first 11 weeks. “
Waratah Speckle Park has recently returned from Farm Fest in Toowoomba, displaying Speckle Park cattle for the first time. The Speckle Park breed sparked interest among butchers, schools and commercial cattlemen.
“The majority of people are wanting to start their own Speckle Park herds or use Speckle Park bulls in their crossbreeding programs,” Laiton said. “The demand for Speckle Park cattle is growing and we intend to lead the way.”
The breed is proving successful, winning a number of Australian steer competitions including Brisbane, Canberra and Scone. More recently, the Speckle Park breed won first and second place at Casino Primex in the hoof and hook as well as MSA and Taste Test categories. In Canada, Speckle Park cattle have had proven success wining the Grand Champion steer competition six years running at the Calgary Stampede with over 30 breeds participating that’s quite an achievement . Waratah Speckle Park believes in the future of Speckle Park cattle and are moving forward expecting 220 Speckle Park stud embryo calves this year. Waratah Speckle Park will conduct their first bull sale in 2014.