2026 ALPA Young Auctioneer Competition winner, Michael Purtle from Purtle Plevey Agencies, Manilla, NSW; left, with runner-up Sam Moy from Nutrien Ag Solutions at Taroom, Qld. Image – supplied.

NEW South Wales stock agent Michael Purtle from Purtle Plevey Agencies at Manilla has been crowned the 2026 ALPA National Young Auctioneer.

Queensland agent Sam Moy from Nutrien Ag Solutions at Taroom was awarded runner-up in the Australian Livestock & Property Agents Association event held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Eight of Australia’s best young auctioneers competed for the prestigious Prosser Cup in the national competition. The other finalists included Darcy Brennan, Lehman Stock & Property, Inverell, NSW; Charles Gleeson, Watkins and Company, Roma, Qld; Cody Benson, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mount Gambier, SA, Nathan McCarthy, Elders Rural Services, Lucindale, SA; James Gadd, Elders Rural Services, Ballarat, VIC, and Will Holt, McKean McGregor, Bendigo, VIC.

The NAB Agribusiness Team Shield, awarded to the state with the highest aggregate score, was claimed by New South Wales, represented by Michael Purtle and Darcy Brennan.

Dubbo agent wins NSW competition

Dubbo agent Sam Thomas from Nutrien Milling Thomas won the 2026 ALPA New South Wales Young Auctioneers Competition ahead of runner up, Joshua Fenech from Jim Hindmarsh and Son at Moss Vale. The Max Bailey Encouragement Award went to Myles Williams, Elders Rural Services, Guyra.

The other NSW competition finalists included Jasper Bourke, Paull & Scollard Nutrien, Albury; Sam Mackay, Forbes Livestock & Agency Co., Forbes; Will McLachlan, Elders Rural Services, Wagga Wagga; Lachlan Miller, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes; Harry Morton, Riverina Livestock Agents, Wagga Wagga; Riley Wellman, George & Fuhrmann, Casino; Jack Whitty, Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon & Co, Forbes, and Myles Williams, Elders Rural Services, Guyra.

ALPA chief executive officer Peter Baldwin praised the calibre of this year’s competition. He said livestock auctioneering is a highly specialised and time-honoured skill, and the performances witnessed demonstrated the exceptional depth of talent within the industry.

“These young professionals not only delivered outstanding results in the ring, but also showcased the dedication, resilience, and expertise that will carry our industry forward.”

Before the competition, 335 ALPA members, industry representatives, family, and friends gathered for the annual ALPA National and NSW Young Auctioneers Dinner and an impressive $59,400 was raised in a charity auction for Rural Aid, supporting farming communities across Australia.