Before Saturday’s sale, Imperial Auction Market co-owner Preston Smith expressed his appreciation to the consignors and sponsors and recognized his partner, wife Marissa, for all she does in making the auction market a success.
World Livestock Auctioneer Championship ‘Outstanding’
Outstanding!
That’s how Preston Smith, co-owner of Imperial Auction Market, summed up the weekend that featured the Western regional of the 2018 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC) and their largest cattle special ever Saturday.
The market was filled with cattle buyers, ranchers and spectators who turned out for the two events held in conjunction with each other Saturday.
A total of 23 auctioneers from states throughout the Midwest from Texas to Montana, Alabama and Alberta, Canada competed in Imperial during the special sale.
They were all vying for one of 10 qualifying spots in the 2018 WLAC to be held next June at Bloomington Livestock Exchange in Bloomington, Wis.
Jared Miller of Leon, Iowa walked away with the top belt buckle as the Western Regional Champion.
Kyle Layman of Morland, Kan., took regional reserve champion honors and Jason Santomaso of Sterling, Colo., was the regional runner-up.
Thad McDermott of Wellfleet was named the top rookie in the event and was among the top 10 to advance to the finals.
The other finalists moving on included Chuck Bradley, Rockford, Ala.; Eric Drees, Nampa, Idaho; Will Epperly, Dunlap, Iowa; Mitch Barthel, Perham, Minn.; Mike Godberson, Pawnee, Okla.; and Lander Nicodemus, Cheyenne, Wyo.
Smith said they sold 3,856 head of cattle during the sale. It took slightly more than four hours for all 23 of the contestants to compete, Smith said. Only four loads of cattle remained to be sold.
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