Austin Gerhardy from Nutrien Ag Solutions in Yea has claimed the prestigious Graeme KD Lanyon Shield and the title of 2026 ALPA Victorian Young Auctioneer, after a standout performance at the ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Competition on Monday, September 7.
The competition was held at the Western Victorian Livestock Exchange, where finalists sold commercial cattle in front of experienced buyers and an industry crowd.
Competitors were tested under genuine commercial conditions, where every bid counted.
James Robbins from Nutrien Ag Solutions in Sale was named runner-up to Mr Gerhardy, and Will Phillips from Victorian Livestock and Property in Yea also competed as a Victorian finalist.
ALPA chief executive Peter Baldwin congratulated all finalists on the standard of auctioneering displayed.
“The quality of auctioneering we saw at Mortlake is a tremendous reflection of the young people coming through our profession,” Mr Baldwin said.
“These competitors are selling under genuine commercial conditions.
“They need to read the buyers, maintain momentum, communicate clearly and work for every last bid for the vendor, all while being judged on their technique, presence and professionalism.
“Every finalist should be extremely proud of the way they represented themselves, their agencies and their states.”
The competition was the culmination of a development pathway that began at the combined Victorian and South Australian ALPA Auctioneers School at the Western Victorian Livestock Exchange in June.
Thirty participants attended the two-day school, receiving practical training and mentoring from experienced industry professionals before finalists were selected to progress to the Southern competitions.
Mr Gerhardy will now represent Victoria and South Australia at the 2027 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, competing against emerging talent from across the country.
The weekend also brought together ALPA members, families, mentors and industry supporters at the ALPA Southern Young Auctioneers Dinner at Warrnambool Racing Club on Sunday, September 6.
A highlight of the evening was the annual charity auction, which raised $28,025 for ALPA's charity partner, Rural Aid.
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