by Livestock Marketing Association

Twenty auctioneers have advanced from two qualifying regional events to compete in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, reports the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA). The qualifiers — led by champions Troy Robinett, Decatur, Texas, and Kellan Bussell, Idabell, Okla. — will next compete in semifinals to be convened at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, Galt, Calif., in June.

Taking home the honors in southwest Oklahoma

Ten auctioneers advanced from a 103° day of competitive bid-calling in southwestern Oklahoma. The LMA-facilitated contest was hosted by Comanche Livestock Auction. World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Committee Chair Kyle Shobe, Lewistown, Mont., said the event delivered exactly what the championship is all about.

“The Hale family and their entire crew put on an incredibly run contest, and these auctioneers knocked it out of the park,” he said. “The competition is tougher than ever, and I can’t wait to see who ultimately comes out on top.”

While Robinett claimed grand champion, Brennin Jack, Virden, Man., was named reserve champion and Andrew Sylvester, Westmoreland, Kan., was named runner-up. Corey Curtis, Royal, Neb., was the high-scoring rookie.

Rounding out the top 10, in alphabetical order, were:

• Tyler Bell, Anderson, Texas
• Neil Bouray, Webber, Kan.
• Josh Jasper, Nicholasville, Ky.
• Tate Rainey, Sweetwater, Texas
• Ethan Schuette, Washington, Kan.
• Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kan.
• Ben Weber, Warrensburg, Mo.

Taking home the honors in South Carolina

Ten additional auctioneers punched tickets to the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship after competing Oct. 5 in Saluda, S.C. The contest, facilitated by LMA, was hosted by Saluda Livestock Exchange and featured 24 contestants.

Kellan Bussell claimed top honors, while Tucker Kail, Puryear, Tenn., was named reserve champion and Philip Gilstrap, Pendleton, S.C., was named runner-up. Austin Roberts, Collinsville, Okla., was the high scoring rookie.

Rounding out the top 10, in alphabetical order, were:

• Andy Baumeister, Goldthwaite, Texas
• Brandon Frey, Afton, Iowa
• Marcus Kent, Dunnellon, Fla.
• Takoda Kiser, Leon, W.Va.
• Ross Parks, New Concord, Ohio
• Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.
• Austin Schaben, Dunlap, Iowa

Shobe said the second qualifying event highlighted both the talent of the contestants and the strength of the industry behind them.

“Our hosts did an outstanding job creating a setting where these auctioneers could showcase their skills,” he said. “Every qualifier gives us another look at just how deep the talent runs in this profession. It’s shaping up to be an exciting event in Galt.”

The 2010 world champion, Shobe, understands the opportunities that come with competing for the industry’s highest honor.

“Only one auctioneer earns that title each year, but the experience offers something valuable to everyone who competes,” he said. “The people you meet, the things you learn and the doors it can open can make a lasting difference in your career.”

One chance remains to qualify for the semifinals: Oct. 24 at Farmers Livestock Market, Oakdale, Calif.

Editor’s note: This article was compiled from information provided by LMA. [Photos courtesy LMA.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 18, No. 10-B