THERE’S more to selling livestock as an auctioneer than just making a lot of noise.
Auctioneers spend countless hours honing their skills as master communicators to ensure they get the best price for their client’s stock.
Visitors to the Sydney Royal Show will have the chance to check out some of the best up-and-coming auctioneers on Friday, March 23.
The Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Young Auctioneers Competition is a showcase of the best young agents (25 years or younger) from right across the country.
The event is divided into two competitions: a national final (where two representatives from NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia compete), and a state final (where 10 agents from NSW battle it out).
ALPA chief executive Andy Madigan, Sydney, said in NSW an agent can’t compete in the state competition at the Sydney Royal Show unless they have participated in the auctioneers school held at Wagga Wagga in 2017.
“This is a two-day intensive training workshop where on the final afternoon 10 agents are selected to compete in Sydney,” he said.
For the individual competitors there’s a big prize up for grabs and the industry recognition which can help fast-track a career.
Mr Madigan said the competition was also an opportunity for stock and station agencies to show off their best young talent and promote the professionalism of the industry.
Up for grabs for the winner of the national competition is a two-week trip to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with compliments from Quadrant Ag Tours, to represent Australia at the International Auctioneers Competition. They also take home the Prosser Cup, a leather product from Tenterfield Saddler, $1000 prize money and an auctioneer’s gavel.
The NSW agents for the state competition battle it out for the coveted John Weekes Memorial trophy, $1000 in prize money, a leather product from Tenterfield Saddler and an auctioneer’s gavel. Both the NSW winner and runner-up also earn the right to compete in the 2019 national competition.
Mr Madigan said competitors were judged by a panel of three judges who take into account their diction, values of the stock they sell, voice and manner, as well as their presence and unique style.
All the action kicks off on Thursday evening, March 22, with a dinner at Doltone House, Sydney, followed by the main event at midday, March 23, at the Sydney Royal Show. The Competition would not be possible without the help of:
■ National platinum sponsors: Arthur J. Gallagher, Elders, Fairfax Media (publisher of The Land), Herefords Australia, Landmark, Magic Millions, Meat and Livestock Australia, NAB Agribusiness, Regional Livestock Exchanges, Ruralco Holdings Ltd, rma network and Stockinsure.
■ National supporters: Akubra Hats, R.M.Williams, Tenterfield Saddler, Allflex and Quadrant.
■ NSW State silver: Coverforce Insurance Broking and Martins Stock Haulage.
■ NSW State bronze: Dubbo Stock and Station Agents and Wagga Selling Agents Association.
