THE GIFT OF THE GAVEL
Ever been to a livestock auction and found yourself wondering how on earth the auctioneer talks so quickly? Yeah, us too. It’s not some mind trick either, but part of a very particular skillset. #studentfarmer’s James Rudman caught up with three trainee auctioneers who are determined to prove that among a sea of online marketing websites, nothing can beat being in the heart and soul of an auction room
DREW PATRICK
24-year-old Drew comes from a beef and sheep farm in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, which also has a livestock haulage business specialising in pedigree cattle transport. Drew previously studied for a BSc (hons) degree in agriculture, graduating in 2014. He works for Hexham and Northern Marts in northeast England. AUCTIONEERING WAS MY CHILDHOOD AMBITION. I had a desire from a young age to sell stock and be part of the atmosphere of the livestock market. I wanted to have the chance to sell stock for people and try to get the most for their animals. Having lifelong connections with the farming industry and being able to appreciate good stockmanship, I’ve always had a passion for cattle. I enjoy
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working with the farming community and am especially passionate about the livestock marketing system, having regularly attended markets from a young age with my father buying store cattle. YOU NEED TO BE AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER. NERVES OF STEEL. As an auctioneer, you need to have a passion for livestock, be confident and cool under pressure. You have to be able to work and communicate well with people, have a larger than life personality and one that can take criticism from both buyers and vendors, making sure it doesn't get you down. WE DON’T ALL NEED THE GIFT OF THE GAB. Not every auctioneer has to talk fast, just have a rhythm and most importantly be clear and precise. The more confident
you become, the faster you will become naturally – especially when the adrenaline takes over. I SEE THE FUTURE OF THE AUCTION ROOM FOR LIVESTOCK BEING VERY BRIGHT. EVEN OFFLINE. There are threats to auctions currently with online marketing, but how can you judge an animal off a picture and put a true value on it, even if you see it for real on farm? Store cattle especially are nearly impossible to value on farm. You only need two buyers to take a shine to a beast and it could make £100 more than you think. I believe online auctions are OK for pedigree animals at special sales because people often see these pre-sale, so if they are unable to attend auction they can buy them online. But it can’t work with commercial stock where there is so much variation among lots.
#STUDENTFARMER / September 2016
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