Heading to Sydney for the national competition are, from left, are 2024 runner-up Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo, and winner Declan Haines, Elders, Ballarat. Shown here with Brian Rodwell Encouragement Award winner Jasper Bourke, Paull & Scollard Nutrien, Albury.

TOP young livestock auctioneers from New South Wales and nationally will compete at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Friday.

And three finalists in the 2025 Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association National and New South Wales Young Auctioneers Competitions have fathers who also competed in past events.

ALPA said the father-son continuity is a powerful testament to the strength and longevity of the event, first held in New South Wales and launched nationally in 1991.

Purtle Plevey Agencies agent Michael Purtle’s father Patrick won the national competition in 1996, Nutrien Milling Thomas agent Sam Thomas’ father Peter won the national competition in 1992, and Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co agent Jack Whitty’s father Luke won the national competition in 2001. All the sons are working in the same firms as their fathers.

Finalists from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia have earned their spot on the national stage after strong performances in their respective state competitions.

The 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition finalists include from New South Wales, Jaiden Burke, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wagga Wagga and Darcy Howard, MCC Howard Oliver, Cowra; from Queensland, Dustyn Fitzgerald, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dalby, and Matthew Pearce, GDL Rural, Emerald; from South Australia, Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith, and Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte; from Victoria, Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat, and Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo, and from Western Australia, Austin Gerhardy, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Busselton.

The 2025 ALPA New South Wales Young Auctioneers Competition finalists include Adam Boyd, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga; Darcy Brennan, Lehman Stock & Property, Inverell, Ryan Carpenter, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Bathurst; Joshua Fenech, Jim Hindmarsh & Son, Moss Vale; Will McLachlan, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga; Michael Purtle, Purtle Plevey Agencies, Manilla; Luke Richards, JA McGregor Livestock & Property, Warialda; Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo, and Jack Whitty, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes.

At the national level, the young auctioneers will compete for the prestigious Prosser Cup and the title of 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneer. State pride will also be on the line with the NAB Agribusiness Team Shield, awarded to the state with the highest aggregate score.

At a state level, the nine outstanding NSW finalists will compete for the John Weekes Memorial Shield and the honour of being named the 2025 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneer. The winner will go on to represent New South Wales at the 2026 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition.

The cattle presented for auction will be supplied through a valuable educational initiative involving school children across New South Wales. These students, supported by teachers and industry mentors, have prepared livestock as part of their curriculum, giving them hands-on experience in agriculture and marketing.

Behind the scenes, ALPA continues to invest in the professional development of young auctioneers. Finalists participated in ALPA Auctioneers Schools, where they honed their craft with guidance from seasoned industry mentors and voice specialists. This intensive training program builds confidence, improves technique, and ensures competitors are equipped with the skills required for success at the highest level.

ALPA chief executive officer Peter Baldwin said the philosophy behind the competitions is to elevate young auctioneers, equipping them with the skills to succeed in this vital profession.

“We are proud to provide a platform where emerging talent can be nurtured, celebrated, and showcased.”

The contestants are judged by a panel of respected professionals with extensive agency experience on key criteria including diction, values, voice, manner, presence, and individual style.

To celebrate the competition’s success, ALPA members, industry leaders, and supporters will gather on Thursday evening at the annual ALPA National and NSW Young Auctioneers Dinner. This event recognises the achievements of the competitors and those who have mentored young auctioneers over the years. A highlight of the evening will be the annual charity auction, raising funds for Rural Aid.