The 2024 ALPA South Australia Young Auctioneers Competition winner Josh Pahl, left, from Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte with runner-up Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith.

SOUTH Australia’s and Victoria’s top young livestock marketers have been selected in a successful inaugural ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Competition last week.

The Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association said the combination of a fresh format at the competiton’s new saleyard venue – the Western Victoria Livestock Exchange at Mortlake — proved to be a winning combination.

Eleven young auctioneers from South Australia and Victoria competed in the first-ever ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Competition. With four South Australians and seven Victorians going head-to-head, the stakes were high as they battled for their respective state titles, ALPA said.

In the South Australia competiton, Southern Australian Livestock agent Josh Pahl from Naracoorte was crowned the 2024 ALPA South Australian Young Auctioneers champion, delivering an impressive performance to take home the top honour. The runner-up was Jack Guy from Spence Dix & Co at Keith. Both agents will represent South Australia at the 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The 2024 ALPA Victorian Young Auctioneers Competition winner Will Holt, left, from McKean McGregor, Bendigo with runner-up Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat.

In the Victoria competition, McKean McGregor agent Will Holt from Bendigo captivated the crowd to secure the title of 2024 ALPA Victorian Young Auctioneer and the coveted Graham KD Lanyon Shield. Joining him in representing Victoria at the 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition will be runner-up Declan Haines from Elders Rural Services at Ballarat. Albury agent Jasper Bourke from Paull & Scollard Nutrien was honoured with the Brian Rodwell Encouragement Award.

ALPA said each competitor took their moment in the spotlight, representing their employers, families, and themselves with great professionalism. Exhibiting flair, personality, and determination, they sold three lots of cattle each to an engaged buyers’ ring, while a worldwide audience and special guests looked on. Their performances were assessed by three esteemed judges with deep industry expertise and successful auctioneering backgrounds.

ALPA chief executive officer Peter Baldwin said livestock auctioneering is a time-honoured and highly specialised skill.

“ALPA is proud that these young auctioneers not only achieved outstanding price outcomes for their vendors, but also served as an inspiration for the next generation.

“Their performances underscore the continued relevance of livestock sales in saleyards and reaffirm our commitment to professional development and education for the future leaders of this great industry,” he said.

Ahead of the competition, ALPA members, industry professionals, and the competitors’ families and friends gathered for the inaugural ALPA Young Auctioneers cocktail function. A highlight of the evening was the charity auction, where the generosity of attendees helped raise $39,000 for melanoma and skin cancer trials.

The inaugural ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Competition winners and runners-up, from left, SA runner-up Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith. SA winner Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte, with Victoria runner-up Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat, and winner Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo.

Source – ALPA.