YOUNG agents from across the nation are right now making final preparations before they burst onto the stage to sell up a storm at the Sydney Royal Show.
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The Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) Young Auctioneers Competition has become one of the big highlights during the first week of the Sydney Royal Show and is set to wow the crowds again this year.
It's not uncommon for the crowds watching the contest to overflow from the amphitheatre as both country and city folk try to grab a glimpse of some of the best up-and-coming stars of the rural agents industry.
For those agents who don't grab the main prize they also walk away with the valuable experience of selling at such a high profile event (an opportunity few agents get so early in their developing careers).
These auctioneers are already some of the best youngsters in their district and it's through competitions such as this that members of the next generation of agents are able to fine tune their craft.
As well, the competition works by promoting and recognising the best up-and-coming industry leaders.
A smart jacket and tie are essential attire to look the part, instead of a dusty shirt with the sleeves rolled up, but being able to wrangle the microphone in Sydney can present its own challenges for those young agents talented enough to get the opportunity.
Many an agent has told The Land they intend to get in a bit of last minute practice on a borrowed microphone before the big day in Sydney.
This year's field includes a few first timers and a number of old hands having competed at least once.
The national competition consists of nine competitors, while 10 young agents battle it out for the top place in the State competition.
Unlike last year, a competitor from Western Australia will make the trip across the Nullabor to try his luck.
The preparations for the NSW final started at Randwick in Sydney last November when agents gathered for two days of training. At the training event 10 agents were selected to compete in Sydney.
Deciding which agent takes home the coveted John Weekes Memorial trophy in the NSW competition will be judges Myles Buchanan, Landmark Cooma; Peter Cox, Elders Wagga Wagga, and Brian Jack, Jones Berry Agencies, Maitland.
The NSW agents for the State competition will battle it out for $1000 in prizemoney, a leather product from Tenterfield Saddler and an auctioneer's gavel.
The runner-up will take home the Ron Jones Memorial Trophy, $500 in prize money and a leather product from Tenterfield Saddler.
The NSW competition also includes the Highly Commended Max Bailey Award which can be awarded to any NSW competitor.
The national final will be judged by Gordon Wood, Landmark Mt Gambier, South Australia; Greg Knaggs, Elders Dubbo, and Warren Johnston, Roberts Launceston, Tasmania.
Up for grabs for the winner of the national competition is a two-week trip to the Canadian city of Calgary to represent Australia at the International Auctioneers Competition.
The national winner will also take home the Prosser Cup, a leather product from Tenterfield Saddler, $1000 in prize money and an auctioneer's gavel.
National competitors also have the chance to win the National Shield sponsored by National Australia Bank Agribusiness, awarded to the State with the highest total score.
The winners receive $250 each.
The competition would not be possible without the help of sponsors and supporters:
- National platinum sponsors: Elders, Fairfax Agricultural Media (publisher of The Land), Future Farmers Network, Landmark, Meat and Livestock Australia, NAB Agribusiness, OAMPS Gault Armstrong, Regional Livestock Exchanges, Ruralco Holdings Limited, Rural Marketing Agents and Stockinsure;
- National supporters: Akubra Hats Pty Ltd, R.M.Williams, Tenterfield Saddler, Allflex and Quadrant;
- NSW State silver: Akubra Hats Pty Ltd, Coverforce Insurance Broking Pty Ltd and Martins Stock Haulage;
- NSW State bronze: Dubbo Stock and Station Agents Pty Ltd and Wagga Selling Agents Association.
Karen Bailey
The Land's markets editor.
The Land's markets editor.
