Elders Charters Towers stock agent Beau White has been crowned runner-up in the 2026 Queensland Young Auctioneers Competition final, highlighting the strength of emerging talent within the Elders livestock network.
L-R Anthony Ball, Northern Queensland and Northern Territory Livestock Manager, Nik Hannaford, Northern Region Livestock Manager, Beau White, Stock Agent, Nick Freney, Elders Charters Towers Branch Manager, Mitchell Jackson, Stock Agent
The competition, organised by the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association (ALPA), is widely regarded as one of the industry's premier development programs for aspiring auctioneers. With competitors from across Queensland competing at the Ekka for a place among Australia’s best, securing a podium finish is a significant accomplishment that reflects both skill and dedication to the profession.
For Beau, the result marks the culmination of 12 months of hard work, determination and personal growth following his first appearance on the ALPA stage in 2025.
"This year was different because I came in with more preparation. I was hungry and wanted to win," Beau said.
"Last year was about testing the waters and seeing what it was all about. This year, I came back to give it a red-hot crack."
His runner-up finish was one of the competition's standout performances and a proud moment for the North Queensland team.
Anthony Ball, Elders Northern Queensland and Nortnern Territory livestock manager, said the result reflected Beau's commitment, persistence and willingness to continually improve.
"We're incredibly proud. These competitions are not easy to place in, and young auctioneers only get limited opportunities to compete at this level," Anthony said.
"Beau came to Brisbane determined to do his best and win. Seeing him return after 12 months of hard work to stand as runner-up at the 150th Royal Queensland Show makes us very proud, for Beau, for northern Queensland and for Elders."
Since its inception in 1991, the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition has become one of the most respected contests in Australian agriculture. Through state-based competitions across the country, the program identifies and develops the next generation of livestock auctioneers. Each year, state finalists compete for the opportunity to progress to the national final at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, with the national winner earning the chance to represent Australia at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Calgary, Canada.
Beyond recognising individual achievement, both Beau and Anthony believe the competition's greatest value lies in the relationships, mentorship and professional networks it helps build.
Anthony praised the strong Elders presence at the event, saying the encouragement shown by colleagues from across the business was one of the week's highlights.
"There is a great culture within Elders, and it all comes back to teamwork," he said.
"The support for the young auctioneers was as strong as I have ever seen. There were happy, passionate and proud Elders people there, and I think that culture is something that everyone plays a part in."
Among the state's top 10 young auctioneers were fellow Elders representatives Logan Evans from Elders Roma and Jack Dougherty from Elders Dalby.