Taroom couple Errol and Janet Otto have been attending the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale for some 45 years, and have missed just two in that time, but this year's sale was an extra special occasion.
The crowd at CQLX joined auctioneers in congratulating the couple on their outstanding record of commitment to the sale, but also on the celebration of their 45th wedding anniversary.
While Mr Otto spent their anniversary buying a herd of red Brahman bulls for their breeding operation at Jericho, Mrs Otto decided that the day would be better spent enjoying some shopping in town.
When asked about the secret to surviving 45-years of marriage, Mr Otto joked that he would stick to talking about bulls.
The family breed red Brahmans on both of their properties at Jericho, and also run greys on their fattening block at Taroom.
Mr Otto said they both enjoyed making the trip to Brahman Week and the quality of bulls kept them coming back every year.
"We've been coming for a very long time," he said.
"We bought bulls from here even before we were married so it's probably been longer than 45 years, probably about 47."
When asked about this year's prices, Mr Otto said that they were a lot steeper than he could ever remember.
"Well, this year they were dear," he said.
"It's definitely the most we've ever paid for them, but it's just in line with the way that everything's going at the moment.
"Our highest priced one was $18,000 and a year ago we would have been getting them for anywhere between $4000 to $8000.
"We're not in the big leagues by a long way, but if you want to stay ahead you've got to keep your standards up."
The couple's daughter Judith, who attended the sale with her parents, said that it was actually her Mum who introduced her father to the Brahman breed.
"Dad has lived on the home property, Boggomoss, since 1957, since he was seven years old," she said.
"His family had a Hereford stud there, and it was Mum that turned Dad onto Brahmans and how good they are.
"It's their suitability for the climate out there and the ease of mustering because of the temperament of the breed."
The family purchased a total of seven bulls at this year's sale who will be put over their commercial mob of heifers at Jericho.
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