'Auctioneering is a gift': ALPA boss says future is bright for young agents

The art of auctioneering livestock is a gift and a job which requires exceptional skill and professionalism.

That's according to Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association chief executive Peter Baldwin.

Speaking to Stock & Land at the ALPA young auctioneers school in Mortlake, Mr Baldwin said the work that went into being a livestock auctioneer shouldn't be underestimated.

"To be a great auctioneer means that you're someone who has that ability to be able to inspire a sale, encourage a market and add value to a transaction - win, lose or draw in any transaction," he said.

He said the livestock auctioneers of today had to have "incredible subject matter expertise" and, at the same time, have strong knowledge of markets and stock value.

"If you don't know the values, you can't sell," he said.

"You've got to have a tremendous knowledge of the industry, of the animal itself."

Mr Baldwin said it took great skill to sell stock through the fast-paced nature of an Australian saleyard where there were multiple agencies vying for farmers' business.

"Above all, you must have this incredible competitive spirit because ultimately, you're there to get the highest and best price," he said.

While there were some exceptional auctioneers with decades of experience across Victoria, he said there were more to follow and the next generation was on its way.

Mr Baldwin said this was evident to see at the Mortlake event, where 30 young agents were put through their paces.

Young stockies auctioned off everything from toy tractors to cattle with their speech, voice work, pace and body language put to the test.

"Given the 30 that we've witnessed today, we feel very, very positive about the future," he said.

"The future is in very, very good hands."

He said the ALPA young auctioneers class of 2025 had some "great all-around ability".

"There's this tremendous sense of passion about the industry as well, and the beauty of this is, these 30 people here today are authentic," he said.

"They're not manufactured, they're authentic rural people."

Mr Baldwin said those partaking in the school would go on to build successful agency careers across the state.