McAleer Ranch had a successful showing of their Speckle Park cattle at the 2016 Farm Fair International that took place in Edmonton, Alta. the week of Nov. 11.
This wasn’t the first time they earned success with their cattle. In 2015, they won reserve champion senior female at Farm Fair International, but this year was their first grand champion title. Their bull entry earned junior champion status. They also won a Get of Sire award.
Speckle Park cattle were declared a distinct purebred breed in 2006. Bill and Eileen Lamont of Maidstone developed the breed. The McAleer family got into the breed because they believed Speckle Park could benefit their herd.
“They're an easy-keeping, feed-efficient and low-maintenance kind of cow,” observes Dustin McAleer.
“The Speckle Park cows winter well on just hay, [which] makes feeding through the winter easier and cheaper.”
McAleer says the hybrid vigour shown on cross cattle is exceptional, allowing the operation to enjoy a constant demand for heifer calves that sell at premium prices.
“Plus the meat is second to none. They marble easily, making their meat tender, giving it an excellent taste,” he adds.
McAleer Ranch makes the effort to enter cattle shows because, in McAleer’s view, “anytime someone wins a banner at a show it helps bring them exposure. I think it also means we are taking the right steps to continually improve our herd.”
Showing cattle at an exhibition like Farm Fair International or Western Canadian Agribition takes commitment, as animals are displayed throughout the week and are shown on the day scheduled for judging in their specific class.
“The most important thing at the shows is to have your animals looking their best at all times. Displaying the animals includes washing, trimming, feeding and watering,” McAleer says.
“As a breeder it is important to be professional and people-friendly at all times.”
No banners resulted from the McAleers’ trip to Regina in November, but they are still billing their outing there a success.
“The week was well worth it because of the exposure we had,” McAleer says.
“We met lots of new customers and breeders from all over the world interested in Speckle Park genetics. I sold a heifer calf in the sale, which brought above average price.”
He says he also sold a bred heifer out of the show ring and embryos internationally, with other sales pending.
McAleer Ranching is a family business, says McAleer.
“My mom and dad are what keep everything running. They head the commercial operation and partner with myself in the Speckle Park herd. My younger sister Raelyn is the one to thank for all the social media involvement and my girlfriend Brittany supports me and helps out in whatever way I need her to, as well as many extended family members and friends that are always willing to help.”
His brother Colton, a veterinarian, and his wife Tahirih give feed, medical and breeding advice. His sister Jessica and her husband Brendon also help in any way they can.
