TWENTY-TWO young stud stock agents from all corners of Queensland congregated at the Gracemere Saleyards to perfect the art of auctioneering.
The two-day Auctioneers School is held annually and from here 10 finalists will be selected for the Australian Livestock and Property Agents’ (ALPA) competition at the Brisbane Ekka in August.
ALPA’s chief executive, Andy Madigan, said it would be hard to select the finalists as the quality was very good.
“We have a few beginners and the quality today is far better than it was yesterday.
“They are picking up on some of the tips from the speech therapists and trying to get out habits before they become bad habits,” he said.
Last year, Joshua Heck from Savage Barker & Backhouse, Rockhampton, took out the state title, and runner up was Lincoln McKinlay from Topx Roma.
Both young men then competed in the national titles at the Sydney Royal Show in March, and although they did not win, they more than held their own.
“The two Queensland boys did an outstanding job and …they tell me that Joshua is selling really well,” Mr Madigan said.
About half the attendees this year have been to the school before, and Mr Madigan said there were no restrictions – even if they had won a state or national title. For the latter, it does mean they can no longer compete in the competition.
“A lot of it is the voice therapy and voice training from the speech therapist. Some do keep on coming or they have private lessons because they need to preserve their voice for as long as they possibly can.”
There is more to auctioneering than the use of voice, however.
The students learn the legalities of the industry, and because they are dealing with cattle sales they need a good knowledge of contract law and Queensland legislation.
Once this school is over, the process will be repeated in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
There are no women in this Queensland line up, and Mr Madigan said despite the stock and station being a male-dominated industry, it was slowly changing.
A young woman from New South Wales competed in the national competition a few years ago, and there are one or two women trying out in Victoria this year.
“The selection is entirely on ability, so if they are good enough they will get in, and we would like to see more girls doing it.”
