‘It’s in your blood or not’: Meet Qld’s top livestock auctioneers
From young prodigies, established leaders and esteemed stalwarts, the quality of Queensland’s livestock auctioneers is at an all time high. Meet the men driving one of our most important industries to new heights.
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The responsibility of selling livestock across Queensland is one not taken lightly by those in an industry which is a lifeblood of the state.
Over the years Queensland has produced countless quality auctioneers who have worked the catwalk, wielded the gavel and sold cattle at some of the country’s most well-known saleyards.
Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association chief executive Peter Baldwin said the “depth and calibre” of auctioneers was at an all time high.
“Proof of the prowess of livestock auctioneers in Queensland is the sheer scale of cattle consigned to Queensland saleyards for marketing and the drawing power that these markets possess,” Mr Baldwin said.
“Queensland has always commanded a selection of the best livestock auctioneers in Australia on a week in, week out basis selling at regular cattle sales, feature sales, and stud stock sales.”
From fresh faces to industry stalwarts, meet the state’s top livestock auctioneers below.
‘Respect those guys’
A young trailblazer who is quickly forging a reputation as one of the state’s best young auctioneers, Dustyn Fitzgerald has hailed the importance of respecting the veterans of the industry.
Prior to his move to Dalby over Christmas, Mr Fitzgerald had been selling for four years with Queensland Rural Livestock and Property at Charters Towers and was a regular face at the weekly prime and store cattle sales in the rural town.
The 25-year-old enjoyed considerable success during his time in Charters Towers, winning the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition in 2023, before competing in the 2024 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
“Winning the Queensland title and just getting to go down to Sydney and compete in the Australian title was a big deal for me,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“Those are the most memorable highlights, there have been a few Brahman stud sales as well that have been big days.”
Mr Fitzgerald put down his success to confidence and knowing the market.
“Confidence is a big one and knowing to back yourself,” he said.
“You need to know your cattle, make sure you know what you’re selling, know what the product is, know what it is worth.”
Notably, he emphasised the importance of respecting auctioneers in the industry and taking on their advice.
“I think with auctioneering you need to respect those guys that have done it for a lot of years,” he said.
“Take on board what other people tell you and always look for feedback after a sale.
“I’m still learning plenty, I’ve been to competitions, but you just have to keep an open mind.”
His favourite part of the job was auctioneering in the selling centres and developing relationships with clients.
“It’s hard yakka, but it is very rewarding,” he said.
“You need to be fair and trustworthy with your clients, you want your clients to back you and that your decision on the day is the right thing for them.”
Mr Fitzgerald said he would like to see more young people enter the industry.
“Auctioneering seems to me just to be a very small group of blokes that like it and want to do it,” he said.
“I think a lot more younger people need to have a go at it, especially in this game.”
‘It’s either in your blood or it’s not’
One of Queensland’s most respected auctioneers, Brad Neven is the longest-serving gavel-wielder at the Roma Saleyards, which is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Born and bred to a well regarded cattle grazing family at Injune, north of Roma, Mr Neven said auctioneering is not your ordinary job.
“It’s either in your blood or it’s not,” he said.
From a young age, Mr Neven had wanted to be an auctioneer to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather.
He finished boarding schooling at Rockhampton Grammar School and headed west to join Dalgety Winchcombe FGC at Charleville.
Two years later he transferred back to Roma under the guidance of Val Harms, where he became a skilled auctioneer and quickly established a substantial client base.
“I was taught to sell by driving along a highway at 80 kilometres an hour, and every guide post you come to take your bid,” he said.
“As you gradually begin to get your patter right, get your speed right, and get more confident, you get up to 90 kilometres an hour, 100 kilometres an hour, 120 kilometres an hour.
“When you’re taking guide post beds at 120 kilometres an hour, when you’ve got your patter down right, you’ve got everything pretty right, you’re ready to stand up on the rail and have a crack.”
In 1988 he joined leading Private Agent Kevin Watkins, his understudy Peter Holland, and together they forged a very strong and reputable business in Watkins and Company.
The business grew over time and in the present day Watkins and Company remains one of Queensland’s largest and strongest privately-owned stock and station agencies, with Mr Neven now the director.
“I think a good knowledge of values, a good knowledge of the buyers, a good idea of weights of cattle of different breeds, knowing which breeds are favourable, and knowing who is going to buy that cattle will hold you in good stead,” he said.
“Every buyer has got a different way of bidding on cattle, a different way of signalling your attention.
“Some will wink at you, some will raise the brown hat two or three centimetres, and you’ve got to catch them and hopefully get the bid off.
“You’ve also got to convince the clients to sell the cattle with you.
“There are a lot of pretty boys out there that stand up and can sell like buggery, but they haven’t got the ability to find the cattle or can make the cattle make their rates.
“Being a successful auctioneer is you’ve got to have the ability to get up on that rail and achieve the value that those livestock are worth.”
While it hasn’t always been easy, Mr Neven said he wouldn’t trade his job for anything else in the world.
“It’s hard trying to achieve value for clients in drought at times, when there’s no demand for cattle, and you got clients on the bones of their bum and struggling like buggery to pay back the banks,” he said.
“But, it’s been a good journey, I’ve made a lot of good friends and seen a lot of people really achieve.”
CYRIL CLOSE
A respected livestock agent and auctioneer, Cyril Close is well-known in the Roma district, having spent almost 30 years in the area.
He commenced his career as a livestock auctioneer in 1987 after being encouraged by an older colleague in Miles.
Over the years he gained a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked in Miles, Rockhampton and Charters Towers before basing himself in Roma in 1995.
“You’ve got to have good people skills, you’ve got to have a sharp mind, and you’ve got to know your product,” he said.
A believer in giving back, Mr Close assists in tutoring the younger generation at the ALPA Qld Young Auctioneers School, while he features on the judging panel for the ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competitions.
“We run those schools once a year, we give them what it takes to be able to hone their skills in auctioneering livestock and property,” he said.
In 2007, Mr Close opened the TopX Roma franchise alongside Carl Warren, going onto serve as the principal of the organisation and later as director of TopX Australia.
TERRY RYAN
A man of many talents, Terry Ryan is one of Queensland’s most respected auctioneers, with over 50 years of experience.
Mr Ryan started out in the industry with Dalgety as a stock salesman at Clifton in December 1973 and over his career had stints at Pittsworth, Warwick, Goondiwindi, and Charleville.
Last year, he marked 50 years working with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
“It’s certainly a wonderful profession to have, it’s a very great career, and it’s a wonderful way of seeing the country and meeting people,” he said.
Mr Ryan eventually settled at Dalby, where he has been selling at the Dalby cattle sale every Wednesday since 1980.
“It doesn’t matter what time of the day we’re going to sell, whether it be one o’clock or two o’clock, I won’t have a feed until I finish selling,” he said.
One of many memorable moments of his career was selling 900 head of cattle.
“There was only the two of us on the rail and that felt pretty good to think two people could run an auction of that size,” he said.
Over his career, the biggest change Mr Ryan had to deal with was the shift from dollar-per-head to cents-per-kilo.
Mr Ryan said the best advice he had for up-and-coming auctioneers was to know what you’re selling and show respect to buyers.
“Know your article, know your values, and have the respect of the people you’re dealing with.”
PETER DANIEL
Peter Daniel is one of the names behind a major livestock and station agency in Queensland.
Mr Daniel was one of four Dalby livestock agents that started Grant Daniel Long (GDL) in the late 1990s alongside Noel Grant, Jamie Long, and John Cullen.
A livestock auctioneer of over 30 years, he was instrumental in the growth of the business, which within a decade had grown to 12 branches.
Mr Daniel made his foray in the livestock industry through family connections in Dubbo, New South Wales, before moving to Queensland in 1985 for better opportunities.
“I thought there was going to be an opportunity to get into the industry there and as it panned out, it happened to work out very well,” he said.
Over his career, Mr Daniel put down his success to listening and an eagerness to continue learning.
“You are given two ears and a mouth for a reason,” he said.
“There is plenty of listening to be had, you have to have plenty of energy to talk with people, and you should never stop learning.”
VINCE O’BRIEN
Boasting a lifetime of auctioneering experience, Vince O’Brien has recently retired from the profession.
As a 19-year-old, Mr O’Brien started his career as a livestock salesman with Dalgety at Toogoolawah.
After a spell on the Gold Coast, he joined Shepherdson and Boyd, Toogoolawah, as a 23-year-old in 1973, remaining with the business ever since.
Over his career, Mr O’Brien had a reputation for going the extra mile to assist new and established clients.
“I’ve enjoyed every day of my career in the livestock industry,” he said.
During his career, he saw the Toogoolawah selling centre become the biggest privately owned store cattle saleyards in Queensland.
To become a successful auctioneer, Mr O’Brien said there are a few key steps to abide by.
“Know your values, don’t ask for too much, don’t ask for too little, but know your values,” he said.
“A good auctioneer can also sense who is going to buy, a good auctioneer can pick or target his audience as he sells.
“You have a lot of good days as an auctioneer, but on tough days you just have to be prepared for the toughness.”
In building trust with farmers and buyers, Mr O’Brien had one simple piece of advice.
“Be 100 per cent truthful and honest and don’t promise something that you can’t deliver,” he said.
“It’s very simple, you just have to be a person with a passion for what you do and make it a total career, not a sideline.”
DARREN PERKINS
Darren Perkins is a livestock auctioneer that has made his presence known in southern Queensland.
Mr Perkins is the managing director of George and Fuhrmann NSW/QLD and leads the team at Casino in northern New South Wales.
He made his start in livestock auctioneering in Lismore and in the early stages of his career won the New South Wales auctioneers competition, before finishing as runner-up in the Australian auctioneering stock and station titles.
He later moved to the Warwick and Stanthorpe area where he auctioned for about 11 years.
While he is currently based in New South Wales, Mr Perkins remains a popular figure in the Southern Downs and still occasionally auctions livestock at Warwick and Stanthorpe.
“It’s very physically tough and very mentally tough,” he said.
“You do all the physical work before the auction, and then when you’re up there auctioneering your job is to get as much money as you can for the client.”
Mr Perkins said to be a successful auctioneer you need to have great people skills.
“Building relationships is a very big part of our business and it’s also part of being a successful auctioneer,” he said.
“You’ve got to be very confident when you’re auctioneering up there that you control the crowd, the crowd doesn’t control you.”
Mr Perkins encourages aspiring auctioneers to be passionate, hard working, and to engage with their local community.
PETER FLEMING
Peter Fleming has over 35 years in the industry and is a licensed auctioneer in both Queensland and New South Wales.
He has worked for Elders since 2003 and is based at Goondiwindi, selling cattle at Roma on Tuesdays and Dalby on Wednesdays.
To be successful in the industry, Mr Fleming said you need “honesty, integrity, a good voice, and a sense of humour”.
His son has followed in his footsteps, with Joel Fleming winning the ALPA national auctioneers competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2012 after starting his selling career in 2009.
His advice for people considering a career in auctioneering is to have a genuine passion for the industry.
WAYNE YORK
Wayne York is a well sought after auctioneer in Central Queensland, who wielded the gavel when the most expensive bull in Australia was sold in 2023.
Based at Emerald, Mr York has been in the industry for over 20 years.
For the past 12 years, he has worked as a contract auctioneer providing an auctioneering service through his business York Auctioneering.
While he had no formal training, Mr York started his career under the guidance of experienced mentors.
“When I started, it was more of a passion. I wanted to try and get into it and I had a couple of really good bosses that gave me opportunities to get in,” he said.
Notably, Mr York was at the helm of an auction when an Australian record was set in July 2023 when a 12-month-old Angus bull was sold for $360,000.
Mr York said it was the highlight of his career.
“I’ve been very lucky to sell high priced bulls for their respective breed and breed records.”
Mr York put down his success to having people skills and knowledge of cattle and he advised aspiring auctioneers to learn from industry leaders.
LIAM KIRKWOOD
Award-winning auctioneer Liam Kirkwood is a well-regarded operator that is quickly making a name for himself.
Mr Kirkwood has worked in the livestock industry his entire career, commencing in Charters Towers as a meat works cattle buyer.
While purchasing cattle in this role, it allowed him to gain an insight into auctioneering and observe various auctioneers and their selling styles.
After that role, Mr Kirkwood commenced work for Ray White Rural Townsville in 2019, who he auctions for weekly.
By the time he was 25, he was already the principal of Ray White Rural Townsville, and at 28 remains one of the youngest principals in Australia.
He has enjoyed considerable success in his burgeoning career, taking out the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition at the Royal Brisbane Show in 2019, before going onto win the ALPA National Young Auctioneer Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2021.
Another memorable moment of his career was selling 1400 head of cattle in 40 minutes, while he still gets a thrill standing up in Charters Towers each week.
MATTHEW PEARCE
Matthew Pearce’s stock as an auctioneer is on the rise after claiming the 2024 Australian Livestock and Property Agents Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition title at the Royal Queensland Show.
The title will see Mr Pearce represent Queensland at the 2025 ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition National Final, to be held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show this year.
The branch manager for GDL Rural Emerald sells weekly at the prime and store sale.
JUSTIN ROHDE
Emerald’s Justin Rohde, who works for Nutrien Ag Solutions, has been in the industry for over five years, originally starting in Rockhampton.
He has been working in Emerald for the past 18 months and finished as runner-up in the 2023 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
JACK DOUGHERTY
Jack Dougherty works for Elders Rural Services based out of Dalby.
He commenced with Elders as a Livestock Territory Sales Manager in 2022, originally based at Charters Towers before moving to Dalby.
Along with his busy weekly saleyard duties, Mr Dougherty prides himself on looking after his clients with all their livestock needs.
He was a finalist in the 2024 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition at the Ekka.
Mr Dougherty enjoys getting his clients the best price they deserve.
JESSE MCCUTCHEON
A young up and coming talent, Jesse McCutcheon is quickly developing his auctioneering ability and has been hailed by his employers as one to watch in the years to come.
Mr McCutcheon works for Ray White Rural - Livestock based out of Roma and has been working in the industry for the past two years.
He was inspired to become an auctioneer after listening to his now boss AJ Riley and the late Rod Turner at the saleyards.
After obtaining an online auctioneer’s licence, he attended training schools in Rockhampton, where he learned auction techniques and improved his speaking and counting skills, before joining Ray White Rural at Roma.
While early in his career, a highlight has been competing in the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition.
SIMON KINBACHER
Simon Kinbacher is quickly making his mark as an auctioneer after stellar performances at state and national level competitions.
Mr Kinbacher works out of GDL Pty Ltd Rockhampton and has been in the industry for nine years.
He started straight after leaving school, and was offered a job by noted auctioneer Peter Daniel.
Mr Kinbacher said the importance of understanding the market, honesty, morals and good people skills were crucial for long-term success.
In 2023, Mr Kinbacher finished runner up in the QLD Young Auctioneer Competition and was a Queensland finalist in the 2024 ALPA National Young Auctioneers Competition.
Another highlight of his career was selling a Droughtmaster stud bull for $230,000, which was a recordfor the Droughtmaster breed for two years.
STERLING GEORGE
With youth on his side, Sterling George is aiming to excel and make an impact in his local market in Central West Queensland.
Mr George has been in the industry for four years and works for Grant Daniel Long Rural at Blackall.
The 24-year-old followed his father into the industry, who competed in state and national-level auctioneering competitions.
In preparing for an auction, Mr George likes to practice voice modulation, breathing exercises, as well as knowing the value of cattle in the market.
He said it takes hard work to establish a reputation in the industry and attract clients, while knowing market trends and being able to adapt quickly is crucial for success.
Memorable moments in his career to date include selling 2,300 cattle in one run, as well as competing in the 2024 ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition.
CHARLIE GLEESON
Charlie Gleeson began his career influenced by his father and works at the world-famous cattle saleyard in Roma.
The Watkins and Company employee and former Chinchilla local has been in the industry for over five years.
His father ran a butcher shop, feedlot, and auctioneered at clearing sales, which sparked his interest.
After acquiring his real estate and livestock auctioneer’s licence, he participated in a few clearance sales with his father before working under the guidance of respected auctioneer Brad Neven, who is the longest-serving auctioneer at Roma.
For those that aspire to get into the industry, Mr Gleeson suggested practising regularly and finding a supportive agent.
JACK HANNAH
Growing up around cattle on his family farm at Westmar in the Western Downs influenced Jack Hannah to become a livestock auctioneer.
Mr Hannah works out of GDL Rural based out of Miles and has been in the industry for eight years.
While he undertook work experience as an electrician and builder during school, he knew he wanted to be back on the land in some sense.
After completing a two-year traineeship with Ruralco, he began his career in 2018 in Roma working under Geoff Maslen, before moving to Miles.
While no two days are the same, Mr Hannah said the role includes interactions with clients and cattle, travelling long distances to different sites, as well as staying on top of the fluctuating market.
PATRICK LUCK
Patrick Luck is quickly making his mark as a livestock auctioneer in Central Queensland.
Mr Luck works out of Kennedy Livestock and Property in Clermont.
Leading up to an auction, Mr Luck will keep up with the market, while on the day of the auction he will avoid having a coffee in the morning and look after his voice by warming up.
Mr Luck said it is crucial when talking and dealing with people and buyers to know what they want and how they operate.
He added that being polite, well mannered and knowing how to work with cattle, doesn’t go astray.
SAM MOY
Sam Moy believes there is no better place to be a livestock auctioneer than the Beef Capital of Australia - Rockhampton.
Working for Nutrien Ag Solutions, Mr Moy began his career three years ago and has been selling fat and store cattle for over two years at Gracemere.
In building relationships with farmers, buyers, and key stakeholders in the industry, Mr Moy believes it is crucial to involve himself in the local community and events.
Highlights of his career to date include his first time selling on the microphone, his first bull sale, and taking part in the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition.
JOEL DAWSON
It is a case of like father, like son for Rockhampton-based livestock auctioneer Joel Dawson.
Mr Dawson works for his father’s business Brian Dawson Auctions and sells out of the Gracemere Saleyards.
He began his career in livestock auctioneering in 2012 after returning from a two-year working visa in Canada to work for the family business.
Brian founded his business Brian Dawson Auctions in 1996, before commencing Brian Dawson Auctions Livestock and Property Marketing in 2003.
JACK BURGESS
Influenced by his rural background and fascination with stock, a timely opportunity provided Jack Burgess his start in livestock auctioneering.
Mr Burgess is the branch manager of GDL Blackall and has been working in the industry for over 20 years.
He earned his start in the industry while working in the high school sale yards, where he got approached by his current employers.
He had the opportunity to learn the craft from the likes of Noel Grant, Peter Daniel and Chris Norris when he started out.
A typical day auctioneering for Mr Burgess usually involved long hours, often starting at 3.30am and ending late at night.
Mr Burgess believes the role of an auctioneer holds significant responsibility, as auctioneers are dealing with people’s livelihoods.
Mr Burgess believes in the importance of being reliable and honest in all business dealings to ensure long-term success.
AJ Riley
Known for his strong work ethic, AJ Riley is well regarded in South West Queensland.
Mr Riley is the owner of Ray White Rural Roma and joined the business in 2015 after relocating from Tamworth in New South Wales.
A typical day for Mr Riley involves preparing for auctions, understanding market trends, and calling clients.
Memorable moments of his career include taking part in the ALPA Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition over several years and standing up over 1,100 steers.
He believes in enjoying his work, showing honesty and striving to achieve the very best result for his clients.
PATRICK SULLIVAN
Patrick Sullivan is starting to make a name for himself working for Sullivan Livestock and Rural Services out of Gympie.
He started his career about four years ago, following in the footsteps of his father who has been in the industry for over 30 years.
A typical day for the 25-year-old involves keeping up to date with the market, visiting clients, and preparing for auction by inspecting livestock and estimating their value.
He believes the key to success as an auctioneer is to build relations through honesty and transparency.
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