Every Easter, the country's best young auctioneers put their skills to the test under the bright lights of the Sydney Royal ampitheatre.
Each has three steers to sell - prime stock of Sydney Royal competition to showcase their skills in commanding the room and getting the best price for the vendor.
This year, central west auctioneer Darcy Howard will step up to the microphone to represent NSW in the competition at a national level as the reigning champion from the NSW title this time last year.
The ampitheatre at Sydney Royal Easter Show is a far cry from the Central West Livestock Exchange and Cowra saleyards, and it does take some adjustment.
"You've just got to do a little bit more practice focussed on that competition," Darcy said.
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“I feel very privileged to go down there and represent NSW, I want to give it my best shot.”
But for Darcy, it's about more than just the competition—it’s about people and his passion for agriculture and the ever-evolving livestock industry he loves.
The young auctioneer has had a whirlwind 12 months, busy across the Forbes and Cowra selling centres but also in business, becoming a director of the new Cowra-based MCC Howard Oliver.
"It's been a big 12 months but a very exciting 12 months as well," he said.
The competition is just one part of the job and the industry he loves.
"There's a few facets to it but I really enjoy being able to work with my clients," Darcy said.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing them have good results in different sales whether it be in the yards or over the hook."
There's just nothing better than partnering with clients to grow their business and seeing them reach their goals: in this industry clients become friends and Darcy counts himself very lucky to work with very good people.
"I love the industry in terms of it's very competitive but some of my best friends are in the industry as well that are competitors," he said.
Being part of the Young Auctioneers competition has grown the opportunities to expand those networks.
"The biggest thing is the exposure you get from being in the competition and the networking that comes from that," Darcy said.
"It's just such a good opportunity for agents across the country to put a face to the name - you meet a lot of people down at the shows.
"The networking with other people in the competition and other people down there, that's invaluable for your business."
It's a business Darcy has long-term confidence in, despite seasonal variations and market fluctuations.
"In agriculture we are so reliant on rain and on the seasons, and in Australia we're so reliant on export markets, there's going to be times where the industry's tested," he said.
"But we've got a growing population in the world and the world needs protein.
"In Australia we can produce high end quality red meat and that gives us a big competitive advantage on the world stage.
"Our animal welfare standards are better than anywhere else in the world and I think that's something we can be really proud of in Australian agriculture."
And the season ahead?
Seasonal rains will make all the difference.
"The livestock job's all set up to be really, really strong going into the winter but we just need a bit of rain to make that happen," Darcy said.
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