| In
the high desert country near Diamond, Oregon, Harold and Mary
Otley own and operate Otley Brothers Cattle. Perhaps the most
amazing thing is the fact that Harold is 90 and Mary is 85, but
it’s no surprise to anyone that knows them that neither is
showing any signs of slowing down. Their ranch includes their
children Harry, Fred, and daughter Sherrie along with their
families. The Otley’s cowherd is Red Angus based with some South
Devon influence. They market their calf crop through Superior
Livestock and their calves consistently top the market.
Mary makes the genetic decisions
and purchases all of the bulls used on the ranch, the majority
of which are obtained from Wedel Red Angus located in Leoti,
Kan. Her philosophy is that the cattle need to work not only for
them but also for the feedlot and the retail customer. Their
quest for excellence throughout the entire beef cycle has earned
them the Commercial Breeder of the Year Award from the Red Angus
Association of America (RAAA). The Otley’s received the award at
the 2007 National RAAA Convention held in Dodge City, Kan.,
September 26 – 29 at the historic Dodge House Hotel and
Convention Center. It was presented by Frank Wedel of Wedel Red
Angus. “When I called Mary and told her, she said that she felt
that there were others more deserving, I can’t think of anyone
more deserving, “ stated Wedel.
During the presentation, Wedel
told a story about Mary. He said “Several years ago there was a
bull in a sale in Montana that I thought would work in my herd.
I called a sales representative and gave him what I thought was
plenty of money to buy the bull. When I called that night I was
informed that I came in second to Mary Otley. Later I called
Mary and told her that I was runner up bidder on her bull and
she told me, “I probably paid too much for the bull, but when
you are 80 years old you should be able to buy the bull that you
want, so I did.” She makes a great point and a great example for
cattlemen to follow. The RAAA is proud to present the Otley
Brothers Ranch the Commercial Breeder of the Year Award for
2007. |
