FROM selling a slippery dip to twice competing for a national title, auctioneer Mat MacDonald, Naracoorte, has come a long way in a short time.
The 23-year-old has been working with Southern Australia Livestock for seven years, the past four as a livestock agent.
An AuctionsPlus accredited accessor, Mr MacDonald has a Certificate II in Agriculture and is looking to become more involved in selling stud stock.
Late last month, he represented SA in the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association National Young Auctioneers competition at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, NSW.
He had to impress the judges by selling three lots of cattle in a short time period against seven other finalists.
It was his second consecutive year at the national competition after winning the last two state titles. He finished unplaced both times.
"I didn't start in the auction game until I was 18 and I quickly realised I had a little bit of talent there," he said.
"I've been fortunate enough to be able to sell in Naracoorte each week, so it helps when you do events like the national competition. I sold the grand champion steer last year.
"The first time I ever sold something was a children's slippery dip at a clearance sale, so to be able to represent my state for the second time is a pretty special feeling."
He said the key to being an auctioneer was good preparation.
"Having the right posture, practicing your lines and doing some humming to warm the vocal chords up always helps," he said.
"It is nice to be a good auctioneer but as (2014 national winner) Shelby Howard says, it is better to be a great livestock agent.
"The auctioneering side helps your profile and gives you the exposure you don't always get. I like to provide excellent service to my clients and do the best possible job for them."
Ruralco Southern Operations livestock manager Rob Bolton said the experience of competing against the best young auctioneers across the country was invaluable.
"The biggest thing from the competition, outside of the winner going to the Calgary Stampede in Canada, is the experience they take home from selling on a much bigger stage than what they are used to," Mr Bolton said.
"Mat did himself proud and was very positive in his selling."
