Fast talking rancher | Calgary Stampede’s grand champion auctioneer familiar in winners’ circle
Justin Gattey of Consort, Alta., was the grand champion auctioneer at the annual international livestock auctioneers’ competition held during the Calgary Stampede
The win earned him $5,000 in cash, a silver belt buckle and a berth at the world auctioneer’s competition next year.
The 28-year-old was up against competitors who were selling livestock before he was born. Each of the contestants may sell 2,000 to 8,000 head per day during the busy fall feeder run, but these days satellites and internet sales bring in more customers.
“Most of the sales now are on the internet,” Gattey said.
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“We are still in the ring in front of the cattle, but it is with different products.”
Gattey sells at the Viking Auction market in Viking, Alta., and at Vold, Jones and Vold in Ponoka, Alta. He and his wife, Abbie, also ranch at Consort.
He attended the Western College of Auctioneers in 2005 and has competed four times at the Stampede. He was the Canadian livestock auctioneer champion last year.
“Auctioneering was something that I wanted to do. I went away when I was younger to see what else was out there,” he said.
He met people at the Ponoka sale yard and decided the fast talking way of life was for him.
The reserve champion was Travis Rogers of Westlock, Alta., who was recently named Canadian livestock champion this spring. He received $1,000.
The competition had 23 entrants with 10 finalists, of which half were Canadian. The others were from the United States.
