Brett Spader: Lifetime Rancher is Committed to Progress and Service
Brett Spader recognizes needs and is passionate about developing solutions to meet them. “I enjoy helping others create success. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning,” Brett shares. Cattlemen need more than just feed to succeed, so Brett draws from his experience growing up on his family’s beef ranch near Rosendale in #Agri-Ready Designated Andrew County. Today, he breeds registered quarter horses and raises working AKC Australian Cattle Dogs. His desire to serve cattlemen shows through his role as Executive Vice-President of the American International Charolais Association (AICA).
As a Youth in Agriculture
Brett refined his knowledge and tenacity during years as a 4-H and FFA member. His ideals are anchored in memories of days spent caring for animals, putting up hay, and building fences. Brett learned to solve problems by creating fresh solutions. “I am committed to looking for ways to improve and make progress. Our experiences are a tool. I believe in using what we know to visualize solution to create a better future,” Brett says.
Andrew County Agriculture
Andrew County Agriculture: #Agri-Ready Designated Andrew County is home to 625 farms according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Agriculture in the county produces $94.1 million in value-added products, supports 2,000 jobs, and adds $210.2 million to household incomes according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
A Legacy in the Beef Industry
The beef industry is a generational tradition for the Spader family. They have a small herd of commercial Angus cows. “It has always been mom’s grit and grace that has managed the workload of our cattle business,” Brett says. Sheri Spader showed Angus cattle and served as the first female president of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. “The commitment of beef producers is unmatched,” Brett observes. “It is a rare industry where people gladly maintain the production lifestyle through their retirement. They rarely get rich, but they build relationships and work with mother nature to be stewards of the land, using the gifts God gave us to create a life. Those things are the wealth of producers. I can understand why producers continue working and advocating for the beef industry.”
Equestrian Enthusiasm
Cattlemen need good partners to help them do their job. Brett’s father was an avid equestrian and used quarter horses to round up and move cattle. Today, Brett has been breeding and developing working registered quarter horses for more than 30 years. “The goal of Spader Quarter Horses is to offer the type of horses built for ranch work that customers like and need; our horses are sound and functional,” Brett notes.
Devoted to Australian Cattle Dogs
Spader Australian Cattle Dogs began as a 4-H project for Brett. As the Spader family network grew through cattle and horse connections, Brett already had an audience that was interested in adding a well-bred, well-mannered, working companion to their beef operation. Brett’s pups are in high demand through positive referrals dating back 20 years.
Serving Cattlemen
Brett is the Executive Vice-President of the American International Charolais Association (AICA). His favorite part of his job is leading AICA to meet the needs of its members. “The purpose of AICA is to provide solutions that help cattlemen to succeed. Everything AICA does as a breed association is in direct response to a need from our members. The solutions we offer create longevity in agriculture. When our members are successful enough to pass farms on to future generations we are contributing to that generational success,” Brett says. “I enjoy helping others create success. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.”
Spader Australian Cattle Dogs At-A-Glance
- Priority: breeding hard working dogs.
- Experience: 20 years of developing bloodlines and temperaments.
- Achievements: bred three national herding champions.
- Reach: Spader’s dogs live and work in 33 U.S. states and internationally.
Services of AICA
Positively influence policy, genetic database and marketing, seedstock marketing, domestic and international marketing, junior membership organization, foundation to award scholarships, support of research initiatives, has evolved since the 1940’s to meet member needs.
Connect with Spader Ranch
Brett’s daughter, Sloane, is 12 years old. She enjoys riding horses and showing dogs and lambs as a 4-H member. Brett is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He is a member of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association which is a partner of Missouri Farmers Care. For more information about Spader livestock, visit www.spaderranch.com or www.k9cowboys.com.
