FOR any auctioneer the thrill of taking the bids when a beast reaches a record price never fades.
But there's plenty of skill needed to keep the sale momentum going to get that top price.
Last week NSW agents gathered in Sydney to learn about the finer details of auctioneering from some of the industry's leading auctioneers and speech pathologists.
They were also in the running to be selected for the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) NSW State Young Auctioneers Competition at Sydney Royal Show next year.
After much deliberation the following young agents have been announced as finalists: Tom Boyle, Ag n Vet Services, Henty; Matt Duff, Harold Curry, Tenterfield; Luke Heagney, Armitage and Buckley, Armidale; Chris Johnstone, Elders Glen Innes; Taylor Meek, Elders Bathurst; Blake O'Reilly, Landmark Armidale; Will Stoddart, Elders Wagga Wagga; Tom Tanner, Davidson Cameron and Company, Gunnedah; James Walton, Bowyer and Livermore, Portland, and Luke Whan, Elders Dubbo.
The annual auctioneer school in Sydney last week was conducted by ALPA.