TOP Victorian and South Australian livestock auctioneers will compete at the Western Victoria Livestock Exchange at Mortlake next Monday in the inaugural ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Competition.

The Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association Ltd said the young auctioneers from Victoria and South Australia will compete for their respective state’s top auctioneering titles in the exciting “blockbuster event.”

With the recent sale of the competition’s previous venue, the Victorian Livestock Exchange’s Pakenham complex, ALPA’s exploration of options led to the idea of merging the South Australian and Victorian competitions.

ALPA said the new combined format aimed to shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent and skill of the top young auctioneers from the southern states.

The South Australian finalists will competing for the prestigious ALPA Shield and prizemoney, and also have the chance to represent their state at the 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney. The SA contestants include Cody Benson, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mount Gambier; Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith; Jack Meyer, Elders Rural Services, Mount Gambier, and; Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte.

The Victorian finalists will vie for the title of 2024 ALPA Victorian Young Auctioneer, along with the Graeme KD Lanyon Shield. The winner and runner-up will earn the opportunity to represent Victoria at the 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition in Sydney. The Victorian contestants include Jasper Bourke, Paull & Scollard Nutrien, Albury; Alister Bright, HF Richardson Livestock Pty Ltd, Ballarat; Campbell Czempinski, Elders Delaney Livestock & Property, Warragul; Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat; Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo; Will Phillips, Elders Rural Services, Yea, and; James Robbins, Nutrien SGL, Leongatha.

ALPA chief executive officer Peter Baldwin emphasized the importance of these competitions in nurturing young talent.

“The philosophy behind the competitions is to elevate young auctioneers, equipping them with the skills to succeed in this vital profession,” he said.

To celebrate the competition’s success, ALPA members, industry leaders, and supporters will also gather on Sunday evening at the ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Function at the Warrnambool Racing Club. This event recognises the achievements of the competitors and those who have mentored young auctioneers over the years. A highlight of the evening will be the annual charity auction, raising funds for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Trials.