The Imperial Auction Market, Imperial, NE, will host the first of three regional qualifying events for the 2017 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). The western regional qualifying event will be Sept. 30, with opening ceremonies beginning at 10:30 a.m., MST. The contest will livestream on www.lmaauctios.com. A total of 25 contestants will compete for a top-10 placing, granting them a spot in the 2018 WLAC at Bloomington Livestock Exchange in Bloomington, WI.
Reigning World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Brian Curless will emcee the qualifying event.
Each qualifying event is a live sale where the contestants auction cattle to actual bidders in the seats. Contestants are judged on the clarity of their auction chant, vocal quality and their ability to catch bids and conduct the sale. Judges are livestock market owners and managers from across the United States.
Contestants in the first round are: Ross Annett, Brooks, AB,CN; Mitch Barthlel, Perham, MN; Chuck Bradley, Alexandria City, AL; Bill Cook, Billings, MT; Eric Drees, Nampa, ID; Will Epperly, Dunlap, IA; Mike Godberson, Pawnee, OK; Greg Goggins, Billings, MT; Sam Hansen, Sisseton, SD; Craig Heinen, Cawker City, KS; Kirby Hill, Paris, TX; Brennin Jack, Prince Albert, SK, CN; Dillon Lambley, Burke, SD; Josh Larson, Haxtun, CO; Kyle Layman, North Platte, NE; Thad McDermott, North Platte, NE; Jared Miller, Leon, IA; Lander Nicodemus, Burns, WY; Daniel Otte, Rushville, NE; Jason Santomaso, Sterling, CO; Ethan Schuette, Washington, KS; Lonnie Stripe, Humeston, IA; Tyler Sudik, Ceresco, NE; Layne Weber, Lander, WY; and Curtis Wetovick, Fullerton, NE.
The public may attend the livestock auction and competition free of charge. — Livestock Marketing Association
