Saskatchewan livestock auctioneer Roy Rutledge was momentarily speechless upon learning of his induction into the Livestock Markets Association of Canada’s Hall of Fame.
That will surprise anyone who knows him.
Rutledge is always outspoken and often controversial.
“I don’t be outspoken just to be rude,” he said. “I try to question things.”
Usually, he finds that many are thinking the same thing but are unwilling to say it aloud.
Rutledge has been an auctioneer for 30 years and was among the first to offer pre-sorted calf sales at Assiniboia Livestock Auction.
He also manages the Weyburn Livestock Exchange and operates the family ranch.
The Assiniboia auction was also recognized at the LMAC convention and auctioneer championship in Waterloo, Ont., June 10 as the Canadian Angus Association auction market of the year.
“I was quite flattered and quite honoured,” Rutledge said, particularly because he was nominated by his peers and competitors.
“I was speechless, but I recovered.”
Rutledge is a former president of the Saskatchewan Livestock Markets and Order Buyers Association, served on the LMAC board of directors and is a director at large of the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association.
In 1991 he was named Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association champion auctioneer.
He has also written columns that have stirred debate and championed price discovery and the auction system.
He said his son, Ryan, is now taking over much of the business but he doesn’t plan to retire soon.
“People assume I got this award so I will go away,” he said.
