Year-nine students from Warwick showed off their auctioneering skills in the classroom recently, standing proudly on their desks to sell off virtual cattle.
The 14-year-olds at Scots PGC College, who are eager to pursue career pathways in the livestock industry, held the practice exercise as part of a school wellbeing lesson.
The sale was set to be hosted at the school's cattle yards, but due to wet weather, it was moved indoors.
The students were joined by George and Fuhrmann Livestock agent Matt Grayson, who provided some useful feedback on technique and how they can improve.
Ryan Bohm, George Handley, Robert Flint and Ben Carey commanded attention as they rattled off facts about the condition of the animals before starting the bidding.
Mr Grayson and students in the audience then assessed the auctions before announcing Ryan as the winner.
George was a close runner up and Tyler was awarded a special prize for his ability to judge the auctioneers and score them appropriately. There was a special mention for Izzy Twidale who also threw her hat in the ring.
Scots PGC College principal Kyle Thompson said the school was a big supporter of the rapidly changing agriculture industry and recognised it had a strong place in the educational landscape.
"It's important that our offering meets these evolving needs and that our students are equipped with a range of skills that complement the path they want to pursue," Mr Thompson said.
"At heart, we're a country school for country kids and we're very proud of who we are"
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association CEO Peter Baldwin congratulated the school on encouraging the unique idea.
"All credit to the school and their program," Mr Baldwin said.
"It's taking that first step beyond just doing work experience for a week, which is obviously fantastic. There's nothing like a little bit of firsthand experience."
Mr Baldwin said his organisation embraced anything in a curriculum that encouraged young people into agriculture.
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Brandon Long
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
