From the CEO's desk: Reflecting on a year that connected agriculture in new ways
As we close out FY26, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I'm most proud of at AuctionsPlus, and it's not numbers on a spreadsheet, but the...
1 min read
Alex McLaughlin
:
Nov, 3, 2025
West Australian livestock agent and AuctionsPlus assessor Austin Gerhardy is set to make his mark across the ditch, as a guest competitor in the 2025 NZ Young Auctioneers Competition.
The competition will take place on Tuesday, November 4, at the Canterbury Agricultural Park Saleyards, where eight young New Zealand auctioneers will battle it out for the national title.
Mr Gerhardy earned this opportunity after finishing runner-up at the 2025 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition, held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, where his poise and professionalism caught plenty of attention.
Austin Gerhardy representing Nutrien Ag Solutions - Busselton, WA at the 2025 ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition. Vid: Alex McLaughlin
"I feel pretty privileged to have this opportunity. It really shows the strength of the industry", Mr Gerhardy said.
"It’s been great to see different processes and how things are done elsewhere within the same industry. The whole experience has been really enjoyable so far," Mr Gerhardy said.
The Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association (ALPA) said they have no doubt he’ll do the country proud, “we’re sure he’ll represent Australia – and the next generation of auctioneers – with pride", according to ALPA.
Capping off a standout year, Mr Gerhardy was also named the AuctionsPlus Young Gun Award winner for 2025 – a recognition of his growing leadership and dedication to the agency profession.
The award celebrates a young assessor (under 30) who’s seizing opportunities, embracing challenges, and actively contributing to their communities – all while upholding the standards expected of an AuctionsPlus-accredited assessor.
As we close out FY26, I want to take a moment to reflect on what I'm most proud of at AuctionsPlus, and it's not numbers on a spreadsheet, but the...
Steep hills, back roads riddled with potholes, sideways rain and biting wind. None of it has stopped Sam Longmore as she nears the end of a 441km...
Ken Salan has spent nearly three decades helping turn what started as a fax machine and a phone line into one of Australia's most trusted livestock...