Nic de Beer (21) finished ahead of runner-up Pietman Oosthuizen, earning him the opportunity to represent South Africa at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships in Calgary, Canada, in July 2027.
During the competition, De Beer auctioned a carcass for R3 100.
The judges said De Beer stood out for the way he described the carcass and explained the product before opening the bidding.
His approach gave prospective buyers relevant information about the carcass and created interest in the product before the auction commenced.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly after his victory, De Beer said he was delighted to have won the national title.
“I am so excited to have won the competition. I started auctioneering part-time, and I am really looking forward to competing internationally,” he said.
De Beer’s interest in auctioneering began while he was a learner at Merensky Agricultural Academy, where he was encouraged to enter a youth auctioneering competition.
What began as a part-time interest has since developed into a national title and an opportunity to compete internationally.
His main prize is a trip to Calgary, where he is expected to compete against auctioneers from around the world during the Calgary Stampede in July 2027.
Four finalists taking to the stage
The four finalists were De Beer, Oosthuizen, Danie Haasbroek and Chanteleigh Botha.
The finalists were required to demonstrate more than the distinctive rhythm associated with auctioneering. They also had to show product knowledge, communicate clearly, maintain control of the sale, and generate interest among buyers.
Botha, a clerk at Vleissentraal in Potgietersrus (Mokopane in Limpopo) who also auctions smaller animals, made competition history as the first female auctioneer to win a place on the rostrum during the national final at Nampo Cape.
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity to compete as a woman. I currently focus mainly on auctions of smaller livestock,” Botha told Farmer’s Weekly.
