Ben McMahon wins NSW ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition

Ten State finalists each auctioned a steer and two heifers in their bid for the title at the Dubbo saleyards last Thursday afternoon.

Ben McMahon, representing Lehman Stock and Property, Inverell, was the day's winner, claiming the John Weekes Memorial Shield.

Traditionally held at the Sydney Royal Show, this year's competition was postponed and moved to Dubbo due to the COVID-19 pandemic after the Sydney Royal was cancelled.

While the judging criteria remained the same, finalists sold one steer and two heifers from the catwalk of the saleyards, rather than a rostrum as occurs when the competition is in Sydney.

Sam, who was competing in the challenge for the third time, said it wasn't a bad thing.

"It was a lot more like what we do day in, day out," he said.

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.

It's something Sam would highly recommend to any other young agent.

"The experience of it all is unbelievable," he said.

"It gets your out of your comfort zone and the best thing about it is you get everyone else's ideas."

The other NSW finalists were: