It's not too often a child who's never grown up on the land has a goal to work in the agriculture and livestock industry.
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But for Cooper Byrnes, who grew up in Parkes, his interest in the industry blossomed during his high school years and he's been hooked ever since.
Cooper started working full time as a stock and station real estate agent at Langlands Hanlon in 2014 after two years' work experience in his final years of school at Red Bend Catholic College.
He's learnt a lot in that time from the business' director and auctioneer Geoff Rice and his team, and that's what's led him to this moment.
For a second consecutive year, the 22-year-old is one of 10 NSW finalists in the ALPA Young Auctioneers Competition at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The competition takes place on Friday.
"I'm good now, it'll be different when I get up there," Cooper laughed.
"I'm hoping I won't be as nervous selling this year as I was last year...I was pretty nervous.
"As this is my second year, I know what to expect, so will be better prepared for what happens during the competition in Sydney."
Cooper has been an auctioneer for three to four years and said watching and learning from other auctioneers has been part of his preparation.
"I'm getting a far bit more practice in before the competition too and I'm selling at more sales," he said.
"[What I love about it] is the rush you get when doing it, and the good results in the end."
The top two winners in this year's Young Auctioneers Competition qualify for the nationals at next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.
"Hopefully I get first or second," Cooper laughed.
Cooper has found working with such a variety of clients very rewarding during his time at Langlands.
"Talking to clients and listening to them to better understand their business is one of the things I like most about my job," he said.
"It's really rewarding working with a client to come up with the best marketing options for their particular line of stock."
"Working in a small rural community is rewarding and it's nice to know what you do in that community is appreciated."
Cooper is the son of Michael and Kylie Byrnes, formerly of Parkes.
Among the NSW finalists in Friday's competition are Forbes men and also former Red Bend Catholic College students, 25-year-old Jake Lebrocque from Elders Forbes and 21-year-old Sam Smith from Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon and Company.
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