Roseworthy stock agent Ben Paues has claimed the state title in his first Australian Livestock and Property Agents (ALPA) Young Auctioneers Competition. This has earned him a place at the national final in Sydney next year.
"It's a real honour to have my name alongside some really good auctioneers and well-respected people in the industry. They're people I've looked up to for a long time, so it's a pretty special feeling. It means a lot, and I certainly don't take it lightly,” Ben said.
"As it was my first competition, I went in with the mindset that I had nothing to lose and would just give it everything I had.”
Fellow Elders stock agent Nathan McCarthy was named runner-up in the competition, highlighting the strength of Elders' young auctioneering talent across South Australia.
The win caps off a busy few years for Ben, who joined Elders almost four years ago through its livestock traineeship program. His journey took him from Keith to Mildura and Strathalbyn before settling into his current role at Roseworthy.
Nathan McCarthy and Ben Paues show their awards at the 2026 South Australian ALPA Young Auctioneer competition.
Although auctioneering is now one of his strengths, it wasn't originally part of his career plan.
"When I finished my traineeship, I was offered a full-time role at Strathalbyn, and part of the deal was that I had to start auctioneering. I was already playing music and singing in front of people, so they figured if I could do that, I'd probably be alright auctioneering too,” he said.
"I started selling at Mount Compass and the store sales at Strathalbyn, and it came quite naturally.
"I've spent the last few years honing those skills and trying to get a little bit better every time I step into the ring."
Growing up on a hobby farm in the Adelaide Hills, Ben always knew he wanted to work with livestock. Before joining Elders, he worked on a golf course and spent time doing odd jobs in local farming businesses, eventually deciding to apply for the Elders traineeship.
"I've always had a strong interest in livestock and loved being out on farms. When I saw the traineeship advertised, I thought I'd have a crack. Before I knew it, I was moving to Keith and starting a completely new chapter.
"Moving away from home was a bit daunting at the time, but it was absolutely the best thing I ever did. If I hadn't done that, there's no way I'd be where I am today."
Today, Ben enjoys helping his clients achieve strong results and being part of an industry built on relationships.
"Getting good outcomes for clients is always rewarding, especially when they've had a great result from a sale."
"But the people are probably the best part of the job. Whether it's clients, buyers, fellow agents or even opposition agents, agriculture is a pretty close-knit industry and I've been lucky to work with some really good people along the way.
"At the end of the day, we're all part of the same industry and community. That's something I've always really enjoyed about the job."
With the state title and runner up positions secured, Ben and Nathan’s focus now turns to representing South Australia at the national finals at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
While Ben said he is looking forward to the challenge, his goals remain simple.
"I just want to keep improving. Whether it's building my client base, developing my auctioneering skills or learning from people who have done it before, it's about getting a little bit better week by week,” he said.
"And for anyone thinking about a career in the industry, I'd say just have a crack. Sometimes you'll feel uncomfortable, but that's usually when you're learning the most."
