Darcy Howard's skills as an agent were put to the test in the NSW Young Auctioneers State Final, and his hard work has paid off.
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The 22-year-old, who grew up in Bowral and now works in Cowra as a stock and station agent, took out the competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
He was one of 10 auctioneers across the state who competed.
"Just to be in this state final, the experience is so valuable as an agent," he said.
"To win that was phenomenal."
As part of the final, Mr Howard was provided with three show steers on short notice and had to auction them off hours later.
He said the competitors were judged not just on the outcomes of the auctions, but how they conducted themselves.
The auctioneer was a finalist in 2022 but did not place, but it helped him get an idea of how everything worked.
"I think that experience was a pretty good step for this time," he said.
As an auctioneer, the Chevalier College graduate loves talking and connecting with people, and helping them understand the industry.
Growing up, Mr Howard often went to his grandparents' farm in Young and fostered a passion for agriculture at Chevalier College.
"I just love my job and what I do," he said.
It means he will represent NSW in the national final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2025, and if he wins that, will represent Australia at the Calgary Stampede in Canada.
The overseas experience would be a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, he said.