Tom Gregory and Isaac Jenkins took the top honours as more than 20 aspiring auctioneers stepped into the rostrum at Carlisle.
A packed ringside and impressive performances made the inaugural Auctioneering Competition one of the highlights of the 19th Borderway Agri Expo.
Entrants travelled from as far afield as the Isle of Mull and South Wales to compete at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Friday 30 October. Launched by H+H in association with the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), the contest gave participants the chance to experience the demands of the rostrum.
The Open title went to Tom Gregory, 17, from Tadcaster, near York, ahead of Scott Watson and Steven Graham. Fourteen-year-old Isaac Jenkins, from Pembrokeshire, won the Under-16 class, with Talia Owen second and Fred Williamson third.
Competitors were challenged to sell two different lots: a livestock item and a piece of machinery. Judges Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the LAA, and Will Hamilton, H&H Chair, assessed their introductions, selling ability, audience engagement and how effectively they brought each sale to a close.
Clear communication, quick thinking and attention to detail were essential as entrants spotted bids, held the crowd’s attention and kept their sales moving.
H+H auctioneer Joe Bowman, who initiated the competition, said, “It was a fantastically enjoyable day. The competition was fiercely contested, with some real stars of the future emerging.
“It was particularly encouraging to see so many young competitors, aged between eight and 16, showing absolutely no fear and demonstrating some fantastic auctioneering skills.”
Tom’s winning performance marked an important step towards his ambition of becoming an auctioneer.
“I’ve always wanted to be an auctioneer, so when I spotted the competition on the H+H Facebook page, I decided to come along and give it a go,” he said. “I’ve done a little bit of auctioneering at Young Farmers’ rallies, but nothing quite like this!
“I’m absolutely ecstatic to have won. I’m currently studying a T Level in Livestock at Bishop Burton Agricultural College, and winning this competition has given me a real confidence boost as I look towards pursuing a career in auctioneering when I finish college.”
Under-16 winner Isaac said: “I’ve been interested in auctioneering since I was very young, and it’s something I really enjoy doing. I came all the way from Pembrokeshire especially for the competition, so it’s fantastic to have won.”
The LAA supported the event with prizes of £100 for first place, £75 for second and £50 for third in each class.
Christopher Dodds highlighted the importance of encouraging new entrants to the profession.
“Auctioneers play an integral role within the livestock industry. The auction system provides farmers with an open and transparent marketplace, creating competition and helping livestock find its true value,” he said.
“For that system to continue to thrive, we need talented people coming into the profession. Auctioneering offers an exciting and varied career within agriculture, and initiatives such as this are a great way of putting the profession in front of the next generation.”
H+H operates seven auction marts across the North of England and Scottish Borders and is committed to encouraging the next generation at all levels of the livestock industry. Initiatives such as the Auctioneering Competition help introduce young people to the profession, ensuring these specialist skills continue to serve farmers and the wider sector for years to come.
