Dimboola farmer and auctioneer Will Schilling was runner-up in a state award despite only having a few years’ experience in the industry. 

The Horsham Driscoll, McIllree and Dickinson, DMD, agent received the accolade last week as part of an Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Victorian Young Auctioneers competition. 

Mr Schilling said the competition in Shepparton, which involved auctioning off livestock, was only his second time selling cattle. 

“The first time I sold cattle was in this competition the year prior,” he said.

Mr Schilling, 25, joined DMD Horsham in February 2018, a few years after leaving school to become a shearer.

He said having a loud, deep, clear voice helped command the direction of a sale.

“When you go to a sale and have an agent who really knows how to project their voice well, it can suck you in as soon as you hear them,” he said. 

“When you first start selling it is daunting because you’re dealing with blokes who want them as cheap as they can get them, but you just have to give it a crack.”

Mr Schilling said among his mentors was DMD Horsham manager Stephen Kelly.

“Stephen’s not only a work mentor but also a life mentor. He’s had a huge influence not only on my career but also who I am as a person,” he said. 

RELATED: AgLife: Will Schilling shining in saleyard

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