Ryan Konynenbelt claims to have sold everything from emus to plants to cattle, and he has enjoyed every minute of it.
At 18, the Nobleford, Alta., native is probably the youngest person ever to enter the Calgary Stampede’s North American international livestock auctioneer competition.
Three days of trials before some of the most experienced auctioneers in North America resulted in him being named rookie of the year. He placed third out of 27 entrants on the final day.
He grew up at a feedlot in southern Alberta and a few years ago sold some items at a church event in his home town. At age 15, he jumped in with both feet, selling slaughter cows at Vermilion, Alta.
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“I walked in there and said, ‘I’m looking for a job,’ ” he said.
The folks at the Vermilion auction market may have been surprised by his chutzpah but gave him a chance and hired him.
He graduated from high school last year and a week after graduation from auctioneer school he was competing at the Calgary Stampede against 26 older and more experienced men.
These days the velvet voiced salesperson is working at the Fort Macleod Livestock Auction, where he selects cattle, visits producers and works in the ring.
“I just love it. It is the perfect job for me. It is exactly what I wanted to do all my life, so to do it all at 18 is pretty awesome,” he said at the competition.
Judges at the competition said they are looking for someone who is in control of the crowd and the livestock. They need to have rhythm, but more importantly need clarity so bidders can understand them.
Their first choice as grand champion auctioneer at Calgary was Marcus Kent of Florida. This was his first trip to the Stampede and at the end took away $5,000 in cash and other prizes.
He works for the Ocala Stockyards in Florida selling cattle and other livestock as well as wholesale cars.
The reserve was Mike Nuss of Nebraska, who has been in the business since 1979.
barbara.duckworth@producer.com
