Posted by: Charles Stewart

Budding Auctioneer Makes Top Ten in the State

28th July, 2023

BUDDING AUCTIONEER MAKES TOP TEN IN THE STATE

From the age of ten whilst sitting in the stands at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Glenormiston North’s Lochie McLauchlan knew he wanted to qualify for the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition.

With the competition showcasing the best young auctioneers from around the country, Lochie annually attended the show since he was a young kid, but now has an opportunity to live out a childhood dream after being shortlisted in the top ten young auctioneers within Victoria.

Lochie has attended two schools to progress this far, the first being in Ballarat and the most recent held at the Inglis Centre in Oakland.

“The two-day school in Oakland consisted of one and a half days training with feedback from senior auctioneers, followed by a half day undergoing selection,” said Lochie.
Lochie earnt selection by selling three lots of cattle in front of three judges, rounding out the top ten finalists.

Come October, Lochie and the other nine contestants will attend the state finals in Pakenham and in the meantime Lochie will hone his craft as he aims to sell the bulls on a Tuesday at Camperdown’s weekly fat market.

Having not had to look far for inspiration, Lochie shares his passion of auctioneering with his cousin who is based in Wangaratta and has gone through the same schools and competitions as Lochie is now.

“I am lucky I can bounce ideas off Hayden (cousin) before going into the competitions and auctioneer schools as well as tips on how to sell at fat markets,” said Lochie.

In 2022, Lochie took a secondment to Wagga Wagga for three months, working for Riverina Livestock Agents where he met director, auctioneer and former 2008 National ALPA Young Auctioneer winner, James Tieney.

“I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity under James to sell the last five pens of mutton one week on a Thursday and ever since being in Wagga, I religiously watch and rewatch every Thursday lamb sale, idolising James’ ability to sell,” said Lochie.

The ALPA Victorian Young Auctioneers finalists will vie for a spot to compete nationally when they attend the Victorian Livestock Exchange in Pakenham on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Photo credit: Stock & Land. Lochie is pictured in the front second from the left.