World Champion Auctioneers Advocate for Livestock Industry Success

Two world champion auctioneers, Austin Henderson and Dean Edge, recently engaged with the agricultural community at Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange in Dickinson. Their visit highlighted the commitment of these professionals to serve livestock producers and create positive outcomes for families involved in agriculture.

Both auctioneers emphasize that their work transcends the competitive aspects of auctioneering. For Edge, becoming a champion is not merely about the accolades. He states, “Ranchers work day in and day out to feed the world. If I can feature them, their families and their operation even briefly before I start, it makes a big difference.” This perspective underlines the importance of personal connections in the auction process.

Henderson echoes this sentiment, noting that the ranchers do the majority of the work, yet they often express gratitude for the auctioneer’s role. “They do 99.9% of the work, and they thank me for it,” he said. This mutual respect fuels both men’s passion for their profession and the agricultural community.

A Journey to Championship Status

Dean Edge won the world championship title last year, shortly after the passing of a mentor who greatly influenced his career. He recalls, “The memory of the moment, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, still brings tears to the eyes of one of my close friends.” Inspired by his high school teacher and local legend Dan Skeels, Edge has built a successful career, even auctioning at Skeels’ bull sale.

Unexpected events have punctuated Edge’s journey. One memorable instance involved a snake entering the auction ring while he was working in Georgia. Such experiences highlight the unpredictable nature of livestock auctioneering, where anything can happen at any moment.

This year, Austin Henderson is competing for the top spot in the livestock auctioneering circuit. He recently ranked in the top 10 at the WLAC qualifier in Bowman, which auctioned off 6,000 cattle. Henderson is set to participate in the final competition in St. Onge, South Dakota, in June 2024. Fellow North Dakota competitor Dylan Schmeling also showcased his skills at the recent qualifier.

The Role of Auctioneers

Working as an auctioneer involves a multitude of tasks, as noted by Dodi Hauck, office manager for Stockmen’s. “There’s a variety of things they have to do, chants, watch the bidders in the ring and also on the internet,” she explained. This multifaceted role requires auctioneers to maintain their rhythm while monitoring bidders’ cues—whether through gestures or online interactions.

Edge serves not only as a champion but also as a representative for the Livestock Market Association (LMA), advocating for transparency and fair pricing in livestock markets across the U.S. and Canada. He explains the importance of “true price discovery,” which reflects the market value of livestock on any given day.

As livestock prices fluctuate, Edge notes that recent sales at Stockmen’s reached as high as $542.50/CWT on January 9, 2024. He emphasizes that the association’s work ensures producers receive fair compensation for their livestock. “One thing that we’re very proud of not just here at Stockmen’s Livestock but everywhere — anybody who’s a member of the Livestock Market Association — we’re very proud that that producer can take that check right to the bank,” Edge said.

The recent WLAC qualifying event is available for viewing on YouTube, providing insight into the auctioneering process. For further details about the LMA and upcoming competitions, interested parties can visit the LMA website. To learn more about Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange, contact them directly at (701) 225-8156.

Through their dedication and expertise, Henderson and Edge continue to elevate the standards of livestock auctioneering while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the agricultural community.