This past weekend the Man-Sask Livestock Auctioneering Championships were held in Killarney, with local auction mart Allan Munroe playing host to 13 fellow contenders, their families and fans!
Auctioneers from across the two provinces, as far away as Saskatoon and Moose Jaw, took turns auctioning off just over 1200 head of cattle throughout the day, with the final 5 contenders calling in the final sales in the late afternoon.
"When the top 5 came back, they were starting from scratch," explains Munroe. "It's not an accumulative score so how they did in the first round got them to the top 5, but how they do in the final round determines the champion."
Munroe placed 3rd overall. "It was intimidating and exciting all at the same time," he shares. "It took some work to get it organized but it turned out absolutely incredible and we're thrilled to have hosted it!"
"All the credit for the success of organization falls on Kyle Howarth. No one could have done it better. Then he managed to have an outstanding run when he got behind the mic. Tammy Munroe did an outstanding job of having everything organized and prepared for the championship. Could not have happened without her efforts and attention to detail. Of course, our family that spent many days getting everything spic and span, helping with sorting and whatever just had to be done," shared Munroe on their Facebook page.
Both Tammy and Allen's family members were on hand to help, including keeping the cattle moving through the ring! "It's been a team effort, a family effort!" he adds.
Brandon auctioneer, Jesse Campbell, placed first winning himself a beautiful buckle and $1000 prize. Campbell will go on to represent Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the national competition next month in Olds, AB.
The Bob Wright Memorial Award was presented by sons Rick, Laura and Warren Wright to Rookie of the Year, Richard Bramley, from Minnedosa. Bramley also received a special customized buckle to celebrate his once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Competition Chairman, Rick Wright, was very pleased with the performance from every contender. "We had an excellent crowd! It was the first time here in Killarney and we had a lot of producers support us. We had a lot of fans come out! We did a little history at the start of the sale about the Killarney Auction Mart, and how it started back in the 60's and the different owners. We were really fortunate because we had a lot of past owners, or relatives of past owners, that were there today to help us celebrate this event!"
"It was great," adds Wright. "Our sponsorship was great here; our attendance was great! Killarney is always good to our organization; we have a golf tournament in the summertime and we like coming to Killarney!"
Congratulations to the winners at the 2023 Man-Sask Livestock Auctioneer Championship:
Champion: Jesse Campbell, Brandon, MB
2nd Place: John Baier, Saskatoon, SK
3rd Place: Allan Munroe, Killarney, MB
4th Place: Brady Olson, Assinaboia, SK
5th Place: Robin Hill, Lenore, MB
Rookie of the Year: Richard Bramley, Minnedosa, MB