LINCOLN McKinlay has been behind the microphone at bull, horse and ram sales many times before – but his last sell had more riding on it than just a good price.
Lincoln, TopX, Gracemere, was one of eight young auctioneers to compete at the Sydney Royal Show last week, vying to take out the 2017 Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) National Young Auctioneers Competition.
One of two Queenslanders to compete, Lincoln took out the first place prize – an emotional and exciting win for the 22-year-old.
Speaking after the announcement, a surprised Lincoln said "you could have knocked me over with a feather”.
He came to the competition with a laid-back approach and a goal to perform at his own best. But he admitted the win was “breathtaking”.
“Even half an hour before (competing) I was very chilled and relaxed. Then I started to get a little bit nervous.”
After getting his start in the industry straight out of high school with Cyril Close, TopX Roma, Lincoln said had his first experience selling at the Roma saleyards.
“One day we were up on the catwalk and he (Cyril) said ‘righto, it’s your turn now’,” he said.
“It was one dirty old broken-down cow, but it was the first I ever sold.”
Lincoln headed off to nationals as Queensland’s underdog – after coming in second to Jake Smith, Landmark, Roma, at the Ekka last year.
The combined scores of the duo were enough for Queensland to take out the prestigious Pairs trophy at the Sydney Royal Show on Thursday as well.
“It was the third time I had competed at the Queensland level, and was the second time I was runner-up,” Lincoln said.
Only six months ago Lincoln went to America to attend the World Wide College of Auctioneering, a step he took on his own with no financial assistance.
He said the opportunity was “unbelievable”, and took his lessons on dealing with nerves, big crowds, and different audiences to the national competition.
He said the American style of auctioneering was something he was able to work in to his performance.
Lincoln hopes the work done in America will pay off tenfold, as he approaches the international championships.
“Their style of chant is a lot more rhythmic, not as engaging, but definitely a lot smoother and a lot faster than we do here,” he said.
“We go to Calgary in early July now to compete in the (Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer Championships).”
Kelly Butterworth
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
Rockhampton-based journalist covering all things ag.
