Unleashing possibilities.
Speckle Park Success in MSA
Enhancing eating quality through genetics and management practices.
Speckle Park International is collaborating with Meat & Livestock Australia to utilise the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program to analyse commercial carcase data for both Speckle Park and Speckle Park-infused animals. This initiative is a crucial tool for producers, processors and brand owners to better understand how genetics and on-farm management practices influence eating quality.
The MSA grading system is globally recognised as the leading program for assessing beef quality, considering factors that affect eating quality throughout the supply chain. In 2023-2024, the MSA program delivered an impressive $326 million in estimated additional farm gate returns, surpassing the previous record of $259 million. The program plays an essential role in helping the red meat industry achieve its ambitious goal of doubling the value of Australian red meat sales by 2030 and maintaining trust in the Australian red meat industry.
For Speckle Park International (SPI) members, participating in MSA grading isn’t just a choice; it's a strategic investment that can yield significant benefits in the long run.
MSA-graded carcase records
On behalf of our members, SPI has embraced this program as a vital opportunity to gather commercial verified data that will propel our breed forward and open up commercial conversations about the carcase performance. In 2024, we commenced assisting producers in accessing MSA-graded carcase records from the myMSA platform. This work is continuing in 2025. 986 MSA-graded Speckle Park carcases have formed part of the analysis using different feeding programs and processing dates.
The preliminary results are promising, showing that:
Many Speckle Park animals ranked in the Top 25% of MSA Index scores when benchmarked nationally and a significant number also achieve placement in the Top 10%, demonstrating elite eating quality potential.
Figure 1 shows the distribution of Speckle Park MSA index by days on feed or grass feed type compared to the National Top 25% percentile of 61.18 MSA index for grain and non-grainfed carcases.
MSA Index percentile bands
The MSA Index percentile bands provide an indication of an individual’s MSA Index performance relative to the performance of others (Table 1). For example, an average MSA Index greater than 63.81 places a herd in the Top 10% of producers in Australia for eating quality performance.
Producers can use the Australian Beef Eating Quality Insights or myMSA to understand their performance, for example by state, feed type and HGP status.
MSA Index by days
Figure 2 shows the distribution of the number of head graded by MSA index for different days on feed for 671 head of Speckle Park cattle from the SPI grain-fed benchmarking.
For the grain fed carcases supplied to SPI for the above benchmarking analysis, the majority of cattle were fed for 150 days having a higher MSA Index on average compared the smaller groups in the 70 and 100 day fed cattle. Please see Table 2 below, which shows the percentile bands by state for grain-fed, non-HGP-treated animals.
State percentile bands
Table 2 shows the distribution of the number of head graded by MSA index for different days on feed for 671 head of Speckle Park cattle from the SPI grain-fed benchmarking.
For the grain fed carcases supplied to SPI for the above benchmarking analysis, the majority of cattle were fed for 150 days having a higher MSA Index on average compared the smaller groups in the 70 and 100 day fed cattle. Please see Table 2 below, which shows the percentile bands by state for grain-fed, non-HGP-treated animals.
Verified data will elevate Speckle Park's reputation for exceptional eating quality!
Maximise your Speckle Park beef’s potential
Calling all Speckle Park seedstock and commercial producers!
Members contributing carcase records can take advantage of the benchmarking opportunities and pinpoint areas that may need improvement. It’s an essential tool providing an objective measure of eating quality. This not only opens doors to better market access and higher prices but also equips you with valuable data to enhance your breeding and management strategies.
Commercial bull-buying clients' data contributions are also eligible and welcome to join the benchmarking process. Add value to your client relationships and strengthen our proof of exceptional carcase performance with the use of Speckle Park sires.
Six easy steps to become involved
Now is the time to get involved. Register as an MSA producer and join the community that celebrates the unique qualities of Speckle Park cattle! This is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our industry. It is crucial for all seedstock and commercial Speckle Park producers to participate, fostering growth for the breed and benefiting the entire industry.
Register as an MSA producer. Visit the MSA website by clicking on “Register Here” to get started.
Complete the SPI Permission form – grant permission for using MSA data in educational materials and industry-wide insights.
Prepare your cattle – follow best practices in nutrition and handling.
Process your cattle through an MSA-accredited plant to ensure grading compliance. Liaise with them to ensure your cattle are slaughtered within the required time frames.
Fill in the Livestock Production Assurance National Vendor Declaration (LPA NVD) and the MSA Vendor Declaration to accompany the consignment to the abattoir.
FactSheet: Completing your MSA vendor declaration onlineReceive feedback from myMSA – Use MSA carcase data to improve future performance. Download your carcase feedback sheets from myMSA using your myMLA account.
Every Record Counts—Our Aim
Carcase grading benefits the entire supply chain by enhancing both meat quality and marketability. SPI’s focus is on collecting accurate data to effectively highlight the unique qualities of Speckle Park cattle.
Our next ambitious goal is to capture 10,000 carcase records in the SPI analysis Achieving this milestone is vital for several reasons:
Credible industry benchmarking – A larger dataset allows for accurate comparisons between Speckle Park and other breeds, strengthening Speckle’s reputation.
Stronger market influence – Accumulating more data simplifies convincing commercial producers and consumers of the premium meat quality and value of Speckle Park.
Research and genetic improvement opportunities – Analysing trends helps identify strengths and refine breeding and feeding strategies.
Verified Data Supports Marketing Claims – Solid proof will drive demand for Speckle Park beef and enhance industry recognition.
The MSA grading system is a voluntary program that upholds high standards and showcases the exceptional impact of Speckle Park in the meat industry.
The MSA program, established in Australia in 1998, is now used globally by Australian brand owners and processors to promote Australian beef brands underpinned by MSA in overseas markets.
By leveraging the MSA program, Speckle Park producers can strengthen their market position, achieve higher returns and contribute to a consistent, high-quality consumer eating experience.