Organising poultry auctions does not top the list of things to do for most 15-year- olds, but Sam Mackay has found his passion early on.
He and his friend, Jarrad Morrison are organising their seventh auction at the Forbes Showgrounds on Sunday.
Sam’s uncle, Andrew Milford said: “Sam was 10 when he organised his first sale in 2013.” When asked why he thought to hold his own auction Sam simply said: “We own poultry and had an excess, so I thought it would be good to hold one.”
He sold a total of 300 chooks at the first auction. “There was paper everywhere,” laughed Andrew. Since then they have upgraded and “Uncle Andrew has developed spreadsheets, so we are now electronic,” said Sam. “No more paper.”
Just as well as 1,000 head of poultry are expected to be sold on Sunday. “We hold the first poultry auction in Central West NSW when it cools down a little so we can be sure the poultry don’t become stressed,” said Sam.
“In fact, we are not like any other sale because Jarrad and I and some helpers, cage the poultry and make sure they are ok and have water. That is important as animal welfare carry out inspections.”
Sam appreciates the coaching Andrew and his aunt Trish Milford provide. “They are the backbone,” he said. Sam also wanted to mention his Aunty Kerry as she “helps massively on the day.” What a team Sam and Jarrad make!
By Dianne Collie