REDFIELD, Iowa (DTN) -- In just his third time entering the contest, Montana native Jace Thompson was crowned the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion to become part of the first father-son duo to ever win the title.

Ty Thompson, Jace's dad, won the contest in 2009. A third-generation cattleman and auctioneer, Jace grew up at the auction barns and learned a lot from his dad and his grandfather. His grandfather started in the livestock marketing business in Wyoming, and his father later moved to Montana to do the same.

Five years ago, Jace decided to take auctioneering seriously, and while he's only 23, he has traveled several thousand miles across three states to hone his skills. He set a lofty goal to win the championship and did just that on June 20. This year's contest was hosted by St. Onge Livestock in St. Onge, South Dakota.

BUILDING HIS CRAFT

Thompson said that, depending on the time of the year, he will conduct three to five auctions per week, selling anything from purebred cattle to feeder cattle, and cars to horses.

"I want to do my No. 1 job, which is be a spokesperson and be an ambassador for the auction method of selling livestock," Thompson said. Being part of this family legacy also means a lot to the champion. He said his family has been through some of the toughest times in the cattle industry, and they have been resilient because they love what they do.

FOLLOWING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS

"The industry has changed. I don't think we will see as hard of times as my dad and grandpa did," Thompson told DTN. "They blazed the trail, I guess you could say. And it's an honor to be able to follow behind."

He said it is important for aspiring auctioneers to find a mentor to learn about the business. "Find a proven mentor. One who is successful and willing to help, because it's very hard to get good at this without a mentor."

Thompson will spend the coming year traveling across the U.S. and Canada, serving as an advocate for the Livestock Marketing Association and the entire industry. Reserve Champion this year was Troy Robinett, of Decatur, Texas, and Runner-Up was Barrett Simon, of Rosalia, Kansas. Austin Schaben, of Dunlap, Iowa, was named the Audrey K. Banks Rookie of the Year. Others in the Top 10 included: Ryan Konynenbelt, of Fort MacLeod, Alberta; Josh Jasper, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; Jerran Miller, of Chouteau, Oklahoma; Leon Caselman, of Long Lane, Missouri; Andrew Sylvester, of Westmoreland, Kansas; and Garrett Nunn, of Laramie, Wyoming.

Entry for the 2027 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship is now open, with qualifying events taking place later this year, building up to the 2027 Championship to be held next June in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and Galt, California.

For more information, see: https://www.lmaweb.com/…

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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