Speckle Park – it’s a breed that’s being talked about more often whenever carcase competitions are the topic, and one person hoping to do well with them in the RNA prime beef arena this year is Kalbar’s Neil Goestch.
Although he’s been showing at the Ekka for a number of years, Neil is a “newbie” when it comes to Speckle Park genetics, and he can’t wait to see how they perform.
Ten years ago he moved out of Charolais into Limousin and crossbred cows, and last season introduced Wattle Grove Speckle Park genetics to the mix.
“Nearly every carcase competition around has Limousins doing well, so that’s what we liked there,” Neil said.
“We started with Hereford and Angus cows and introduced a Limousin bull.
“We kept the heifers from that and put a Speckle Park bull over them.
“It’s very exciting; I couldn’t wait for them to hit the ground. They grow like mushrooms once they do.”
They grow like mushrooms once they hit the ground.
- Neil Goetsch
Being a led steer exhibitor of some years gives him a chance to get a feel for trends in the industry, and the success of the Speckle Park breed has caught his eye.
“They’ve been doing well with their carcase traits, and with led steer events you need eye appeal as well.
“It’s like a beauty competition for cattle.”
The comparisons to a beauty pageant continue when Neil expands on his feeding regime, explaining the individual diets that need to be instigated for each animal.
“Some lay down fat more than others,” he said.
The third generation of his family in the Fassifern Valley, Neil is taking four led steers to Brisbane for the August week of competition, as well as a Limousin cow and calf, and a heifer, for the stud beef section.
Show-goers will also see him in action selling 178 of the 360 led steers on offer.
Thanks to his auctioneering business he has connections with many potential buyers and has been told he offers a good service.
“I’ve been in the game for a while, so I know it. I bring buyers along through my connections.”
Overall, Neil describes the week ahead of him as the pinnacle of his industry.
“It’s the best led steer competition in Australia,” he said. “If you’re lucky enough to win, there are accolades.
“We sold the champion led steer last year, and it brought $20,000 or thereabouts.”
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
