2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion is a Montana Guy

Years of hard work, countless hours in auction barns and a lifetime spent around the livestock industry culminated in one unforgettable moment for a Montana auctioneer.

MEET WORLD CHAMPION JACE THOMPSON

The Western Ag Network tells us that this past Saturday night, June 20, Billings, Montana's Jace Thompson was named the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion.

The announcement came during the closing banquet of the Livestock Marketing Association's Annual Convention in Deadwood, South Dakota, following the championship competition held earlier in the day at St. Onge Livestock.

For Jace Thompson, the victory was especially meaningful because it came surrounded by family, friends and livestock industry leaders from across the country. As Jace put it, "It was incredible. One of the most well-attended conventions they've ever had. To win it here with so many people from my hometown and from my region is so special.

"I didn't know if I was going to be able to get through that speech. There were a lot of emotions built up."

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A FAMILY LEGACY

Jace follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Warren Thompson, and his father, Ty Thompson, a past World Livestock Auctioneer Champion. The family has spent generations building a reputation for excellence in the auction business.

As the newly crowned World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, Jace Thompson will serve as an ambassador for the Livestock Marketing Association and the livestock marketing industry over the next year.

His primary goal is to help introduce more young people to the opportunities available in agriculture, as he believes many young people are unaware of the career paths available in livestock marketing, ranching and agriculture.

Congratulations to the latest world champion from the Thompson family...and you thought radio announcers talked fast!