A lifetime achievement award from the Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association was presented at the Saskatchewan Beef Conference Jan. 24 at the Saskatoon Inn to Bill and the late Eileen Lamont for a significant contribution to the Saskatchewan Beef Industry.
In the absence of Bill Lamont, Christine Pike accepted the plaque on his behalf.
In 1963 Eileen Lamont bought a speckled heifer from Mary Lindsay of Greenstreet and Bill and Eileen also bought cows from her herd. From that beginning, the Lamonts began to develop a unique breed that carried the desirable characteristics of some British breeds and Lamont's Black Angus bulls. The resulting animals had distinctive black and white colouring showing a speckled coat pattern. They were a medium sized animal with no horns, that produced excellent beef.
The Glasmans of Russell, Man., who were Angus breeders at that time, entered three of the Lamont's Speckle Park steers in the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in 1973. The cattle were well received and came in second place. Helping to prepare the animals for showing was Bob Switzer, a young man at the time. He was pleased to see the award being given.
In 1985, Speckle Park breeders from nine different herds formed the Saskatchewan Speckle Park Breeders Association. Speckle Park cattle were accepted as a breed by the Canadian Livestock Records in 2006 at which time the Canadian Speckle Park Breeders Association was formed.
Many friends and relatives attended the awards evening to witness this very special event.
The plaque, which was awarded, will be on display at Keranda Industrial and Agricultural Supply in Maidstone. The Lamonts farmed near Maidstone for many years. Bill Lamont, who last resided in Piccadily Home in Salmon Arm, B.C., passed away Feb. 1.
Speckle Park cattle are now popular in different parts of the world. Australia is a good example, as there the breed is noted for the quality of their meat.
