Educating and inspiring the next generation of young people and future enthusiasts of the Speckle Park breed.
Speckle Park International (SPI) and the Speckle Park Youth Sub Committee are offering a standout Speckle Park Youth member (aged 18–25) a fully-supported exchange to Canada — hands-on mentorship, international breeder connections, and first hand exposure to the Canadian cattle industry.
At a Glance
Location: Canada — host family or stud placement
Duration: 3–4 weeks
Value: Scholarship package up to $5,000 AUD (return airfares, show registration, merchandise pack, food/transport/accommodation allowance) + in-kind 3–4 week host placement
Applications close: 18 September 2026, 4:00pm AEST
Recipient announced: SPI Workshop & AGM Dinner — 6 November 2026
-
A personal itinerary, arranged with help from the Speckle Park Youth Sub Committee and the Canadian Speckle Park Junior Association
Travel to Canada to work alongside fellow Speckle Park breeders
Participation in Canadian junior shows and Agribition/Farmfair
Meetings with Canadian Speckle Park breeders and farm tours
-
Educate Speckle Park Youth members on the breed and agriculture more broadly
Build understanding of Speckle Park beef across processing and market sectors
Inspire and elevate the next generation of Speckle Park breeders
Build meaningful connections across the beef cattle sector
Advance participants' cattle knowledge and skills
-
The scholarship package (up to $5,000 AUD) covers:
Return economy airfares to Canada
Registration as an International Guest for Agribition/Farmfair
Entry into one Canadian junior show
Speckle Park Youth merchandise pack
An allowance toward food, local transport and incidental accommodation
The recipient is also placed with a host family or stud for 3–4 weeks (in-kind, subject to availability — not part of the $5,000 value). Costs beyond the package — preferred flight times, extra baggage, personal spending, side trips, and travel/medical insurance — are the recipient's own responsibility.
-
Applicants must:
Be aged 18–25 (under-18 applicants may apply but must turn 18 by the time of travel)
Be a Speckle Park Youth member
Not have previously received this award
Be available to travel within two years of the award, with proposed dates provided within 6 months of announcement
Be willing to attend a Canadian junior show or major agricultural show
Demonstrate strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and good communication
Be available for a Microsoft Teams interview
Hold (or be able to obtain) a valid passport and any required visa/eTA
Be able to travel and work independently overseas
Be able to attend the SPI Workshop & AGM in Armidale, 6–7 November 2026
If under 18 at application, provide written parent/guardian consent
-
The award is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash
Must be undertaken at the scheduled time; postponement considered only in genuine, documented circumstances
Host placement and in-country logistics are coordinated with the Canadian host association but sit outside SPI's control — SPI does not guarantee specific arrangements
The award may be withdrawn, or a placement ended early, if conduct or standards aren't maintained
Recipients must share photos and a short weekly recap for SPI's social media, emails and magazine, and submit a written report (with presentation where practicable) after the exchange
Recipients are responsible for their own travel/medical insurance and for holding valid travel documents
Full terms and conditions can be found here
-
Application submission: 18 September 2026, 4:00pm AEST
Recipient announcement: SPI Workshop & AGM Dinner — 6 November 2026
-
For more information or application support:
Maddie Brockhoff — SPI Operations Officer
Charlize Taylor — SPI Youth Chair
Emily Watson — Canadian Speckle Park Junior Association Chairperson
Email queries with the subject line "SPI Youth Exchange Program — [Your Name]" to youth@specklepark.org