Tracy Pallister
SAIT Summer Intern Wednesday July 16, 2008
Returning for his third year, Cliff Pahl said that he is always happy to be a part of this event.
Tracy Pallister Photo
Eighteen of the finest English-speaking auctioneers in the world gathered together at the Calgary Stockyards in Strathmore for the Calgary Stampede International Livestock Auctioneer preliminary rounds on July 11.
Auctioneers from Canada, the USA and Australia spent the afternoon auctioning off cattle, hoping to be one of the 10 auctioneers to advance to the Auctioneer Championships held at the Calgary Stampede Big Top building on July 12.
“When you are a livestock auctioneer you aspire to work hard enough to be recognized as one of the best auctioneers in the world and it takes the auctioneers a long time and a lot of hard work to reach, so it’s a proud moment when you are recognized for being that good,” said Alberta Fed Beef Expo and International Livestock Auctioneer Committee member Brant Hurlburt.
Judged by a panel of judges, the contestants were scored on how well they spot bids, their repartee and timing rhythm, clarity and voice control, their livestock knowledge and their appearance and mannerisms.
“It should sound like a song when the auctioneer is up there. When they auction it should be enough to keep your attention and make you feel like you could listen to them all day without getting annoyed,” said Hurlburt.
After a successful preliminary round the top 10 went to the finals. Awarded cash and prizes, the crowned Calgary Stampede Champion Auctioneer, Peter Raffan of Armstong, British Columbia received $5,500 in cash and prizes and also won a custom designed belt buckle and a Championship jacket.
The Reserve Champion Auctioneer Paul Ramirez of Tucson, Arizona, received $1,000 in cash and prizes and a custom designed silver belt buckle. The third place winner, Rick Machado of Arrogo Grande, California, receiv Rocki Tracy Pallister Photo
Top: Returning for his third year, Cliff Pahl said that he is always happy to be a part of this event. Middle: Making a surprise appearance, 15-year-old steer Blue made a graceful entrance as he was auctioned off to begin the day’s festivities. Bottom: Auctioneer Rick Machado advanced to the auctioneer finals where he finished in third place.
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ed $600 while fourth place winner Andrew McDowell of Vandalia, Illinois received $400. Top Rookie auctioneer Bobby Miller of Sylvan Lake, Alberta was awarded a custom designed belt buckle.
Local contestant Cliff Pahl, who has auctioned for 26 years, said he was happy to be a part of this event and was a bit nervous about the competition.
“When you’re selling just your regular sales you go in and do your job and try and get the producer as much money as you can, however this is a little more nerve-wracking because you’re being judged,” said Paul. “Any of these auctioneers can win this at anytime, so I try not to think about the competition too much and just go up there, do what I do and let the chips fall were they may.”
Machado said he was excited to visit the Calgary Stampede and was excited about getting the chance to compete for the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship.
“I’ve entered a lot of world competitions down in the states and I’ve always wanted to come up to Calgary. I’ve heard about the hospitality and how pretty it is and, boy, everything was just like I heard so it sure means a lot for me to be here.”
With auctioneers of all skill and experience competing, rookie auctioneer Tyler Rosehill of Olds Alberta said he was thankful for the opportunity to compete.
“The auction business has been a part of my family for over 55 years and it means a lot to me to come out here and compete with world class auctioneers and be a part of something that I enjoy doing,” said Rosehill. Although Rosehill admits that winning the whole competition was probably next to impossible he is thankful for his experiences.
“Like the past champion said, you come here to compete and you come here to win but there is a lot more that you can take away from it too. Competing against some of these guys is an experience in its own and it builds you as a person and builds your character,” said Rosehill.
Along with Rosehill, James Tierney of Wagga Wagga, Australia said he was very honoured to have the opportunity to have been involved in the competition.
“This is different from the way we do things in Australia so to be a part of this was all very exciting for me.”
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