Competitors in the 2017 ALPA Queensland young auctioneers competition left nothing in the tank when they took to the selling stand today, with GDL Roma's Nick Shorten impressing judges and taking home the prestigious first place ribbon.
After months of preparation, each auctioneer travelled to Brisbane with tricks of the trade held close to their chest, but Mr Shorten’s well timed selling style and engaging personality shot him into the number one position.
Mr Shorten has five years experience as a livestock agent and puts his affinity with the industry down to attending livestock sales with his father from an early age.
“I was very lucky right from the start, I was only 20 when I started out but I had great support from the team at GDL who encouraged me in the profession,” he said.
“I’ve been an agent for five years now and I couldn’t be more grateful to the people who have got me to this position.”
Mr Shorten said he grew up on a property in New South Wales but the lifestyle in the Maranoa was attractive.
“It’s a wonderful spot and a great place to develop skills as an agent in the agricultural industry,” he said.
“I particularly enjoy liaising with clients on a regular basis. Drafting and selling the cattle is also a big thrill- being able to achieve a positive result for a client is very rewarding.”
Mr Shorten has been competing as a young auctioneer for four years and said “there was nothing like practice to keep the nerves at bay.”
“It’s something that becomes easier the more you do it,” he said.
“I’ve fine tuned my style over the years and picked up points from others in the industry, but I wouldn’t say I’ve gone to any special lengths to get the win this year.
“It’s my last year of eligibility to compete and I haven’t placed before so while it was very unexpected it’s a great feeling to get the result.”
Andrew Carcary, GDL, Blackall, also celebrated success when he was awarded runner-up.
Mr Carcary began his career with GDL in Dalby and moved to Meandarra with the company before settling in Blackall.
Mr Carcary is originally from the Atherton Tablelands and said he was enjoying his time with GDL in Blackall.
“Saleyard work is absolutely the best part of the job- I really enjoy getting involved with the drafting and penning before selling,” he said.
Mr Carcary said he owed GDL for his growth and development as an auctioneer.
“They (GDL) push selling on us as beginners and encourage us to get in and have a go,” he said.
“I was just a kid at 18 and never thought I’d be able to do it, and there were plenty of tough times making mistakes but you’re always learning and improving.
“I’ve been here for the competition twice before and I know there’s still plenty to learn so it’ll be back to the day-to-day in Blackall next week but we’ll enjoy the win for now.”
TopX Roma’s Sarah Packer was the first woman to compete and was congratulated by her fellow livestock agents on a job well done.
Both Mr Shorten and Mr Carcary will travel to Sydney for the ALPA national young auctioneers competition in Easter next year.