Matthew Pearce of GDL Emerald, Queensland, has been crowned the 2025 Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA) National Young Auctioneers Champion at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Mr Pearce secured the title with a standout performance, including selling the top-priced steer for $15.90/kg.
2025 ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition National Finalists. Pic: Alex McLaughin
In close cotemption, runner-up was Austin Gerhardy of Nutrien Ag Solutions, Busselton, WA, who had strong support from his West Australian contingent.
Mr Pearce alongside fellow competitor Dustyn Fitzgerald secured the NAB Agribusiness Team Shield for Queensland, awarded to the state with the highest aggregate score.
Mr Pearce, overwhelmed by the victory, thanked his family, ALPA, sponsors, buyers, underbidders, and GDL for their support. He will now represent Australia at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship at the 2026 Calgary Stampede.
The winner of the 2025 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneers Competition was also crowned, with Michael Purtle of Purtle Plevey Agencies, Manilla, claiming the state title. The runner-up was Darcy Brennan of Lehman Stock and Property, Inverell.
2025 ALPA NSW Young Auctioneer, Michael Purtle. Vid: Alex McLaughlin
The win for Mr Purtle was extra sweet this year as he has won the NSW Young Auctioneers Competition back in 2023, and finished runner-up in the national competition in 2024.
The Max Bailey Encouragement Award was awarded to Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo.
Congratulations to all competitors.
National Finalists
New South Wales finalists
Jaiden Burke, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wagga Wagga
Darcy Howard, MCC Howard Oliver, Cowra
Queensland finalists
Dustyn Fitzgerald, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Dalby
Matthew Pearce, GDL Rural, Emerald
South Australia finalists
Jack Guy, Spence Dix & Co, Keith
Josh Pahl, Southern Australian Livestock, Naracoorte
Victoria finalists
Declan Haines, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat
Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo
Western Australia finalist
Austin Gerhardy, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Busselton
New South Wales State Finalists
· Adam Boyd, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga
· Darcy Brennan, Lehman Stock & Property, Inverell
· Ryan Carpenter, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Bathurst
· Joshua Fenech, Jim Hindmarsh & Son, Moss Vale
· Will McLachlan, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga
· Michael Purtle, Purtle Plevey Agencies, Manilla
· Luke Richards, JA McGregor Livestock & Property, Warialda
· Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo
· Jack Whitty, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes
