66 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | October 2024 The development of new cattle breeds is quite rare, with only a few emerging over the last hundred years. It's even more rare to have a homegrown breed become internationally recognized. One breed that has stood out both in colour and in performance on an international scale is the Speckle Park. This breed has received attention for its distinctive speckled appearance and its hardiness, making it a notable example of Canadian agricultural innovation. Now present in global markets, including the United States, England, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, this Canadian breed originated in Saskatchewan. The story starts with Mary Lindsay, a young producer who had a keen eye for quality cattle. Living on her father's ranch, Mary came to acquire a great strawberry roan cow from a gentleman by the name of Gus Formo in 1937. This very heifer developed into a cow that consistently produced a specific colour pattern, regardless of the sire's colouring. It is believed that she descended from a Teeswater Shorthorn and a bull with the white park colour pattern, according to Canadian Speckle Park Association. These early genetic endeavours laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the Speckle Park breed. In 1959, an important chapter in Speckle Park history began when Eileen and Bill Lamont from Maidstone, Sask., bought their first speckled heifer from Mary Lindsay. Experienced breeders of Appaloosa horses and Angus cattle, the Lamonts were initially intrigued by how well these speckled cows would integrate into their existing herd. The Lamonts found great potential in their speckled cattle, breeding them with black Angus bulls. During that period, regulations restricted ranchers from maintaining any intact bulls other than those that were purebred. Despite this, the offspring showcased a remarkable variety of colour patterns, including some with white points and striking leopard markings. Their growing interest in these distinctive and hardy cattle encouraged the Lamonts to attempt to develop the Speckle Park breed. Through dedicated breeding efforts, the Lamonts produced high-quality cattle with light birth weights and distinctive speckled colouration. The new breed attracted attention in the market, often commanding premium prices. This drove many local cattle breeders to seek out the Lamonts to incorporate these unique genetics into their herds. In just a few years, a vibrant community of breeders emerged, particularly around the Neilburg area of Saskatchewan, marking the breed's expansion beyond the Lamont ranch. The Speckle Park breed received considerable recognition – three steers were showcased at the 1972 edition of the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Their popularity skyrocketed hereafter. The Canadian Speckle Park Association was then formally established in 1985 with the combined efforts of the Lamont family and nine other Saskatchewan cattle producers. This association aimed to secure recognition for the breed as a purebred animal. Following approval from Agriculture Canada on June 4, 1993, the breed was officially recognized as an evolving breed of cattle. The association's first set of bylaws was granted ministerial approval on Feb. 14, 1995, fostering a structured framework for future developments, according to Canadian Speckle Park Association. Since then, the Lamonts have been widely recognized, even following the passing of Eileen and Bill in 2012 and 2013. The family received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association in 2016 and were inducted into the Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2020 according to farmnewsnow. com. A monument located by the Yellowhead Highway in Maidstone, Sask. now pays homage to the Lamont family for their pivotal role in establishing this unique breed. BF RURAL ROOTS Speckle Park cattle have a distinctive speckled appearance. Eugenie Officer photo THE HISTORY OF SPECKLE PARK CATTLE This notable Canadian breed originated in Saskatchewan. By Eugenie Officer EUGENIE OFFICER Eugenie grew up on a farm and has a degree in history and agriculture and is working towards an MBA in sustainability.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc0MDI3