Ten auctioneers, led by Kellan Bussell, Idabell, Okla., punched their tickets to the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship after battling it out on the block against competitors from across North America Oct. 5 in Saluda, S.C. They will compete next in the semifinals at Cattlemen’s Livestock Market, Galt, Calif., in June.
Bussell may be young, but he’s already made a name for himself as a competitive livestock auctioneer. In only his second year vying for the world championship, the barely 25-year-old has qualified for the second time.
He said this win was a big honor — and another opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s best.
“When I first started, I just wanted to be as good as I could possibly be,” Bussell said. “Being able to go to these competitions and being around all these guys who are more experienced and know a lot more than I do, that’s going to help me reach that goal.”
The bid-caller, who regularly sells at Southeastern Oklahoma Regional Stockyards, Waurika Livestock Commission Co. and Comanche Livestock Auction, says the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship’s value extends well beyond the results. He said the willingness of experienced auctioneers, including past world champions, to share their knowledge has made a difference as he builds his career.
“That’s one thing that’s so neat about our industry is that there’s always somebody there with a helping hand,” he said.
As he prepares for the championship, Bussell looks forward to reconnecting with fellow contestants and seeing how another livestock market operates.
“I just love the camaraderie and being around everybody in that atmosphere,” he said. “I love cattle and being able to go to a new place and get to see how those people run their business. That’s what it’s all about to me.”
Among the other 24 competitors in South Carolina, 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 no order, were:
• Andy Baumeister, Goldthwaite, Texas
• Brandon Frey, Afton, Iowa
• Chris Pinard, Swainsboro, Ga.
• Marcus Kent, Dunnellon, Fla.
• Ross Parks, New Concord, Ohio
• Austin Schaben, Dunlap, Iowa
• Takoda Kiser, Leon, W.Va.
The contest, facilitated by Livestock Marketing Association, was hosted by Saluda Livestock Exchange.
World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Committee Chair Kyle Shobe, Lewistown, Mont., 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.
