IN an exhilarating display of skill, showmanship and marketing ability, the nation’s finest young auctioneers took centre stage at the 2025 National Young Auctioneers competitions held during the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Young GDL Emerald (Qld) agent Matthew Pearce earned this year’s national crown among a group of nine talented young finalists from across the country.

Runner up in this year’s competition, staged by the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association, was Austin Gerhardy from Nutrien Ag Solutions, Busselton, Western Australia.

This year’s fierce competition saw two finalists from Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, and one from Western Australia.

The NAB Agribusiness Team Shield, awarded to the state with the highest aggregate score, was claimed by Queensland, represented by Dustyn Fitzgerald, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dalby and Matthew Pearce, GDL Rural, Emerald.

ALPA chief executive Peter Baldwin praised the competitors, saying livestock auctioneering was a time-honoured and specialised skill.

“Today we proudly showed the world just what talent we possess amongst our young industry professionals. ALPA is proud of the skills and tenacity displayed by all of the young auctioneers who not only stamped their authority on the podium, but delivered the highest and best price outcomes for their vendors,” he said.

“Having inspired the next generation of agents their achievements provided living testament to the importance of saleyard selling and our unwavering commitment to the professional development of future leaders in this great industry.”

The annual event held during the Royal Easter Show – where the city meets the country and the saleyards come to life – showcased the passion and professionalism of young stock and station agents.

“More than just a competition, it was a celebration of the values ALPA stands for: education, training, mentorship, and the ongoing development of young leaders in the agricultural sector,” Mr Baldwin said.

History was repeated at this year’s competition, with three finalists competing who are the sons of former ALPA Young Auctioneer Competition participants.

Earlier nine NSW finalists lined up for the State title, before the national competition was held. Both competitions were assessed by a panel of experienced auctioneers, with judging based on diction, values, voice, presence, manner, and individual style.

The evening before the competition, more than 330 ALPA members, industry professionals, family, and friends gathered for the ALPA NSW and National Young Auctioneers Dinner—an annual celebration of the talent and camaraderie of the profession.

A standout moment was the charity auction, which raised a record $67,000 for Rural Aid, with further generous cash donations continuing to arrive post-event.

NSW competition results

Michael Purtle, Purtle Plevey Agencies, Manilla took top honours in the NSW Young Auctioneers Competition, earning the John Weekes Memorial Shield and a place in the 2026 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition.

He will be joined by runner-up Darcy Brennan, Lehman Stock & Property, Inverell who also secured a place in next year’s national competition.

The Max Bailey Encouragement Award was presented to Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo recognising his outstanding potential and spirit.

This year’s national finalists included:

New South Wales: Jaiden Burke, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wagga Wagga; Darcy Howard, MCC Howard Oliver, Cowra

Queensland: Dustyn Fitzgerald, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dalby; Matthew Pearce, GDL Rural, Emerald

South Australia: Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith; Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte

Victoria: Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat; Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo

Western Australia: Austin Gerhardy, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Busselton

ALPA is the peak industry body representing more than 1200 livestock and property agency businesses across Australia.  Members handle more than 97pc of agency business Australia wide.  It is one of the largest organisations of small rural business men and women, relied on to protect the interests of agents and producers nationally.  ALPA membership is a signature of professionalism in the agency industry.