2013 Convention Round Up

Guest speaker Steve Kay’s presentation. (click here)

Livestock Markets Association of Canada held it’s 16th successful Convention and Auctioneer Championship in Calgary and Strathmore Alberta from June 6 – June 9, 2013

Twenty Auctioneers from across Canada vied for the coveted title of Canadian Auctioneer Champion. Travis Rogers, representing Nilsson Bros.Auction Market in Clyde Alberta ,topped the field to win the 2013 Championship. Travis , was presented the Championship Buckle by John Mielhausen, representing the Canadian Charolais Association.

Cliff Pahl from the Calgary Stockyards, Calgary Alberta was awarded the Reserve Champion and Brian Good presented the Canadian Angus Association Buckle . Third place, sponsored by the Canadian Hereford Association ,was presented to Rob Bergevin of Stavely Stockyards, Stavely, Alberta, by Brad Debeau. . Fourth place was won by Shawn Gist of VJV Dawson Creek Auction and was awarded the Canadian Limousin Association Buckle presented by  Lynn Combest. Brian Holmquist ,representing the Canadian Simmental Association ,presented the fifth place buckle to Rhett Parks from the Whitewood Livestock Sales, Whitewood SK .

The Merial Canada Rookie of the Year Buckle was won by Ryan Hurlburt from Heartland,SK, and Eric Clouatre from the Ste. Hyacinhe Market, QC won the Jim Raffan Memorial Most Congenial Auctioneer Buckle.

Rounding out the ten top Auctioneers were:Frederick Bodnarus, from the Meadow Lake Stockyards, SK;Tyler Slawinski, Gladstone/Ashern Markets, MB: Ryan Hurlburt from the Heartland Market, Saskatoon : Farron Ward from the Candiac Auction, SK and Kirk Goldsmith representing the Dryland Cattle Co.,Vetran, AB.

Jim Wideman from Kitchener, ON was inducted into the LMAC Hall of Fame on Saturday evening. Jim joins Ralph Vold,Roy Rutledge and Ken Hurlburt, the inductees from 2010, 2011 and 2012respectively. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the livestock industry, LMAC, their Provincial Associations and the larger community.

Jim became involved in the Auction business in 1972. He was reponsible for designing and overseeing construction of Ontario Livestock Auction Market which opened in 1975. Jim was a founding member of LMAC and has served as President of both LMAC and Ontario Livestock Auction Market Association. Jim has been involved with LMAC for 45 years. He has served his community for 24 years in local politics

Jim is a leader in his community and has been a visionary in the livestock industry, he has been recognized as a world leader in developing electronic auction systems which he marketed around the world. LMAC salutes Jim Wideman for his leadership and vision.

The delegates heard an excellent presentation from Steve Kay, Editor & Publisher of Cattle Buyers Weekly. Mr. Kay is recognized as an authoritative and impartial observer of the North American Meat & Livestock Industry. Steve addressed issues relating to the potential cattle shortage and the effects on the demand and prices in the future. He also informed the members about the proposed COOL regulations and the impact on the Canadian Market. He talked about the implications of JBS moving into the Canadian Market and he presented anexcellent outlook for the beef industry over the next three years. A copy of Steve’s complete presentation can be found on the LMAC website.

On Saturday afternoon the delegates traveled to Spruce Meadows and were treated to memorable experience : front row seats to watch the Nationals. It was exciting to see some of our Canadian icons, such as Ian Miller competing on this international stage.

Ken Perlich, Lethbridge, AB. was elected as President, Scott Campbell, Winnipeg MB 1st Vice President & Stewart Stone, Regina SK. 2nd Vice President and Jim Abel, AB. Past President, Directors elected are Tom Vicars BC, Rob Bergevin AB, Bob Blaclock, SK, Rick Wright MB, Larry Witzel ON, Steve Spratt ON.