Michigan auctioneer wins King of the Ring contest
An auctioneer from Boyne City, Michigan, topped a competitive field to collect the $15,000 top prize at the annual King of the Ring contest July 26 at Winter Livestock in Dodge City, Kansas.
Wade Leist was the 2024 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, but had never entered the King of the Ring contest. In the past year he and a delegation from the Livestock Marketing Association had a tour that included a stop in Dodge City. He immediately liked the facilities, plus the western history and getting to know the Winter family were big selling points to him and he decided to make it this year.
“I always admired this contest because of the quality of people running it and the quality of cattle,” said Leist, who also received a belt buckle. “It’s like an all-star contest.”
Leist said with today’s prices it has been fun to sell cattle. He remembers when he started that prices were low, but today he can sell a yearling for $3,200.
First runner-up was Justin Dodson, Welch, Oklahoma, and he received a check for $5,000 and a belt buckle. Michael Imbrogno, Denair, California, was second runner-up and pocketed $4,000.
The contest also remembered two late auctioneers. The Col. Roger Emigh award, and $1,500 prize, went to David Macedo, Tulare, California. The Brian Little Award went to Barrett Simon, Rosalia, Kansas.
Leist was glad to see Emigh and Little remembered by those in attendance. Leist did not know Emigh, but he was quick to point out his reputation and a unique style that continues today.
“Roger shaped as many auctioneers as anybody ever has in this industry,” Leist said.
During activities, Roger Emigh’s mother, Shirley, and brother, Russell, were recognized. A common theme mentioned by auctioneers and master of ceremonies Joe Frazier was that it was Emigh who first envisioned the King of the Ring contest and that the Winters continue to honor his dream.
Leist knew Little. He remembers his first encounter with Little many years ago along with three other legendary auctioneers. Leist was in awe.
“Seeing those four guys together it was like being at WrestleMania,” he quipped. “I thought to myself I didn’t belong here. Brian, though, was so supportive of me and encouraged me whenever he saw me.”
Despite facing health problems in his last couple of years his life Little, who died in 2023, continued to reach out and encourage Leist. “Brian was a giant in the business, and I’ll never forget him.”
The eight contestants had two rounds of competition. The other contestants were Neil Bouray, Webber, Kansas; Brian Curless, Pittsfield, Illinois; and Jace Thompson, Billings, Montana.
About 8,000 cattle were sold through the ring. The auction was concluded with Lynn Langvardt—2024 King of the Ring—selling the final lots.
Leist commended Brian and Mark Winter and their families for their support of the industry. He admired not only their integrity, but their generosity and willingness to give back. The weekend activities, which were all part of Dodge City Days, included the recognition of the Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame on July 25 at the Boot Hill Casino Conference Center.
The 2025 class included John Campbell, Winter Livestock, LaJunta, Colorado; the late Eddie Nunes, Oakdale Livestock, Hughson, California; Ellington Peek and John Rodgers, both of Western Video Market, Cottonwood, California; Jim Schaben Sr. and Jon Schaben, both of Dunlap Livestock Market, Dunlap, Iowa; and Richard Stober, Superior Livestock Auction, Purcell, Oklahoma.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
