NSW auctioneer Sam Gemmell, Elders Cootamundra, has been declared the winner of the 2018 Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association national young auctioneers competition.
Mr Gemmell will go on to represent Australia at the international livestock auctioneer competition held at the Calgary Stampede in Canada later this year.
He also took home the Prosser Cup and various other prizes.
The last time SA won the national award was in 2016, when Elders Lucindale agent Ronnie Dix took out the prize.
Eighteen young auctioneers showcased their auctioneering skills in the competition, held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
This event marked 28 years of the ALPA national young auctioneers competition and 30 years of the ALPA NSW young auctioneers competition.
In front of a packed crowd, 10 NSW competitors and eight national competitors each had to sell three lots.
The competitors were judged on their diction, values, voice and manner, as well as their presence and unique style, by a panel of respected and experienced auctioneers.
Tom Pollard, Elders Dubbo, was declared the 2018 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition winner, earning himself the John Weekes Memorial Shield and a place in the 2019 ALPA national young auctioneers competition.
Runner-up Baden Chaffey, Landmark Townsend Scone, will represent NSW and have a shot at the 2019 ALPA national young auctioneers competition.
The Max Bailey Encouragement Award went to Jack Pippen, Spencer & Bennett, Yenda Prods, Griffith, NSW.
Nick Shorten, GDL, Roma, Qld was the 2018 ALPA national young auctioneers competition runner- up.
Each year the NAB Agribusiness Team Shield is awarded to the state with the highest combined score. This year NSW, represented by Mr Gemmell and Hamish McGeoch, Landmark Wagga Wagga, NSW, won the team shield.
ALPA chief executive officer Andy Madigan said the national competition brought together the best young auctioneers from across the country.
“The competition is always exciting to watch,” he said.
The competitors in the national competition attended one or more ALPA auctioneer schools in 2017 and made their way through their state competitions.
The night before the competition more than 320 ALPA members, industry professionals and the competitor’s friends and families gathered at the annual ALPA NSW and national young auctioneers competitions dinner to celebrate the talent and achievements of the young auctioneers.
A highlight of the night was the charity auction, conducted by 2017 ALPA national young auctioneers competition winner Lincoln McKinlay and 2017 New Zealand young auctioneers competition winner Logan Moore.
This year almost $25,000 was raised at the charity auction.
The funds will be donated to Legacy, a not-for-profit charity caring for the families of those who served their country.
