Dave Jacob – 2026 Canadian Champion

LMAC’s newest Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Champion picked up the hardware on just his third time at the annual competition.  Dave Jacob from Mitchell, Ontario, represented Brussels Livestock, and the Ferraro family exceeded their own expectations.  Third time was a charm for Jacob, who finished in the top five in Waterloo on his first try but failed to qualify for the top ten in Brandon last year. 

At 40, Dave Jacob became the 27th Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Champion. He is the 5th Ontario auctioneer to wear the crown, joining Lars DeLeeuw, Ryan Kuefper, Tony Chaffe and Albert Carroll in the National Winner’s Circle. Jacob said this about claiming the title. “Winning the LMAC is something that was one of those dreams that you have that I didn’t think I was going to accomplish. But it’s quite an honour, and I’m humbled and privileged to have won it. It’s really something.”

Dave Jacob knew he wanted to be in the auction business in elementary school.  “I started the first time when I was about 12 or 13 [years old],” he recalled. “My parents made me stop because they were afraid I’d become an auctioneer instead of being a student.”  Jacob did both, and he successfully obtained his Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Ag. He earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Ag. Business from Olds College and a Diploma in Agriculture from Ridgeland College while continuing to pursue his dream of working in the auction business.

Dave has won several auction competitions in Ontario since he was 15.    He is highly respected by his auctioneering colleagues in Ontario.  The Ontario Auctioneers Association highly praised Dave Jacob. “Dave represents everything great about the auction profession in Ontario: professionalism, integrity, work ethic, community leadership, and a genuine passion for the industry. He remains a respected ambassador for auctioneering and a mentor to many in our community. We are very proud to see him earn this well-deserved recognition.”

Dave credits his father Doug’s influence and guidance as a huge part of his personal success.  His father has been a well-known auctioneer for over 50 years.  Dave never attended formal auction school. “I really just picked it up naturally,” he said. “That’s been a huge asset having Dad around. He never really sat me down and taught me how to sell, but he sure did tell me if I (wasn’t good) at something. He made sure to offer his opinion if he didn’t like what I was doing.”  Dave Jacob went from selling small job lots to handling 150 sales per year. 

Whether he is selling in Brussels or Cookstown, at cattle sales or at a local farm auction, he takes the auctioneering job very seriously. “When a rancher brings in their calf crop to the sale, you’ve got to work as hard as you can for that customer and get as many dollars as you can, because that’s their cash for the year.”

Dave Jacob has a clear, easy-to-listen-to chant.  He brings passion and enthusiasm to the auction block every day.   He prepares for every sale by researching product knowledge and market conditions.  Both buyers and sellers know him for his integrity and honesty.  

Some auctioneers who have achieved the success Dave has developed a big ego.  Not Dave Jacob; he remains humble and feels privileged to do the job he loves. “Everyone tells you to find something you love to do, and you won’t work a day in your life; they aren’t lying,” he said. “Just not everyone gets that privilege.”  One of the buyers at the competition summed it up, “Dave Jacob is pretty easy to cheer for; he has his head on straight!

Dave Jacob has this advice for young auctioneers wanting to learn the auctioneering craft. “There are lots of guys who try to copy someone else, but the biggest thing is finding your own way and being yourself and going from there. It’s no different from a singer.”

Even though he is now a Canadian Champion, Jacob still practices to keep his chant smooth and clear.  It is all part of the preparation required to stay on top of his game and be the true champion that he is.

Jacob said this about winning the LMAC championships. “It’s humbling, and I love what I do!” “The camaraderie amongst the auctioneers is fantastic, and the passion we all bring to the table and watching that come out is really second to none.”

Dave Jacob will be back at the LMAC Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Championship at Ponoka Ab, in 2027.  This time, he will lead the 2027 LMAC Judging Team.