Justin, who is originally from Moree, was representing Nutrien Ag Rockhampton as one of 10 finalists in the young auctioneers competition.

As a debutante to the competition, the 20-year-old was thrilled to finish in second, beating some of the best young auctioneers in Queensland.

"This was my first year of the competition, so I'm very honoured and very privileged to be able to be in the competition in the first place," he said.

"[Being runner up], it's an added bonus.

"I've very happy with the result."

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Justin was born in Moree and grew up in town, completing his education locally until year 9 before going to Scots PGC College in Warwick for years 10, 11 and 12.

One of the main reasons Justin chose Scots to complete his schooling was because of the strong agricultural studies they provided, having always dreamed of being involved in the stock and station side of the agriculture.

At the completion of year 12, Justin and his family relocated to Wee Waa, where they purchased a farm, and shortly after Justin moved to central Queensland to work on a cattle stud, leaving his very close-knit family to go chase his dream.

"All I ever wanted to do was to get into the stock and station side of things and I was lucky enough to get a job chasing cattle on a station in central Queensland first off and then I got my dream job just six months out of school," Justin said.

"I took the opportunity with both hands and I try to learn as much as I can every day and I absolutely love the career I have."

Originally part of the team at Landmark Rockhampton before its change to Nutrien Ag, Justin relishes working alongside such industry notables as Julian Laver, Michael Lynch and Trent McKinlay in the beef capital.

He holds a Chattels Auctioneers licence and sells each week at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange in Gracemere and also at Miriam Vale once a month.

"I've been been in the industry for two years and I still can't believe it," he said.

He enjoys marketing livestock, developing relationships with clients and growing their business.

"I like talking with people and my favourite part of the job is doing the best for our clients," he added.

Justin was honoured when he was named a finalist in the young auctioneers competition.

"This whole competition is surrounded by a lot of industry experts," he said.

"It has a big reputation because people go on from here to compete at a national and international level. I'm not saying I will go that far but when you think about it, it's easy to understand how important the competition is. That's why I feel privileged to be part of it."

Justin said he'd had a few nerves on the way down from the Beef Capital for the competition, which is usually held at the Brisbane Ekka but due to COVID-19 was instead transferred to the Silverdale Saleyards.

"There were a few nerves being a first-timer," he said.

"Once I was on the rail I felt a little bit more at home, but certainly some nerves with some quality cattle in front of me and plenty of professional buyers.

"But it was good, I went through my paces and tried to do what I could, making sure I could get top dollar for the client's cattle."

Justin said it had been a terrific learning experience and he now looks forward to the opportunity to compete at nationals at next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show, if it goes ahead.

"It was a great experience and a great learning curve and that's what it's about; to get in and have a dig," he said.

"It's a great opportunity to go to Sydney; I'm really looking forward to it. I'm very lucky to be in a position to be given an opportunity to compete."

Justin and his Nutrien colleague Brodie Hurley from Injune, who took out the title, will both represent Queensland at the national competition.