It may be the largest bull sale in the Southern Hemisphere, but the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale remains the go-to place for family operations on the hunt for their next sire.
Showcasing the best bulls from 175 studs, the Hughes family of Malarga Grazing, Brooweena, say the opportunity to purchase from such a huge selection of sires is one they can't pass up.
They have been going to Brahman Week since the late 1970s and in the past few years, three generations of their family have attended together.
Once again this year, the third and fourth generation of their family business was in attendance.
Cam Hughes said the large number of bulls on offer is what keeps them going back year after year. "Even though the sale averaged over $12,000 this year, there's still good value buying bulls there," Mr Hughes said.
"Whether you want reds or greys, there's always a large number of bulls on offer and plenty to choose from no matter the style of bull you're chasing."
Spread across almost 22,000 hectares in the Brooweena and Gayndah districts, Malarga Grazing is a breeding and fattening operation.
Running a predominantly Brahman-based herd with some Charolais and other Euro bulls thrown in for a bit of crossbreeding, the Hughes family selected five new Brahman sires this year for an average of $12,800.
Their draft included Carinya M Theodore (H) with an EMA of 146sq cm, Carinya J Kennedy (H) boasting an IMF of 5.4pc, Toy Boy Duncan (H) weighing 934kg, the 23-month-old Carinya Bennet (H), and Garglen Arcadia (H) with fat depths of 12mm and 9mm.
"We're looking for a bull that will breed bullocks, we want that bit of length, depth and muscling - a good fleshy, functional bull."
They predominantly target the export market, taking their progeny through to bullocks and sending them to Teys at Beenleigh.
"This year we'll mate about 2800 females," Mr Hughes said.
"With conception rate, we'd be hoping for about 85 to 90 per cent but achieving that has been a bit tough the past few years with the seasons."
Mr Hughes said their country is dry like most places, but they've had an average season this year. "Rain in October would be a fantastic start. With the rain forecast, we like everyone, are hoping for a good wet season," he said.
Cam and Lisa Hughes run the Malarga operation alongside their four children, Sophie, Ben, Ellie and Tom. Cam's father Brian, also still lives on the property.
At this point in time, Ben and Tom are becoming more involved in the decision making and the future direction of the business.