Montana's Jace Thompson Crowned 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Champion
June 22, 2026
Years of hard work, countless hours in auction barns and a lifetime spent around the livestock industry culminated in one unforgettable moment Saturday night as 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 Thompson, the victory was especially meaningful because it came surrounded by family, friends and livestock industry leaders from across the country.
"It was incredible," Thompson said. "One of the most well-attended conventions the LMA has ever had. To win it here with so many people from my hometown and from my region is so special."
A Family Legacy Continues
The Thompson name is synonymous with livestock marketing.
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.
"It's definitely a family affair," Thompson said. "My grandpa started from nothing and set out with a dream to do this. He had a lot of people help him, and then he helped my dad come up in the business."
Thompson credited both his grandfather and father for helping create opportunities that ultimately led to his own success.
"We've all had our own twist on how we've run our auction business and how we've done things, but we've all been successful in our own ways," he said.
Years in the Making
Those who have watched Thompson grow up in the livestock industry know the championship didn't happen overnight.
From spending countless hours at livestock auctions as a young boy to developing his own style and presence in the auction ring, Thompson has spent much of his life preparing for this moment.
"I don't even know what to say," he admitted after the announcement. "I didn't know if I was going to be able to get through that speech. There were a lot of emotions built up."
Thompson was quick to recognize the many people who helped him along the way.
"We've all put a lot of work into it. Not just me. There's a whole army of people that have done a lot of work."
Looking Ahead as World Champion
As the newly crowned World Livestock Auctioneer Champion, 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.
"I want to raise awareness to the opportunities that lie in our industry, especially in the cattle business and agriculture as a whole," Thompson said.
He believes many young people are unaware of the career paths available in livestock marketing, ranching and agriculture.
"There's so much opportunity out there, and I think a lot of people my age don't understand that," he said. "Maybe it's just not being presented in the right way."
Thompson hopes to use his platform as champion to create enthusiasm and encourage the next generation to become involved.
"We're in good times right now in the cattle business," he said. "I'd like to create some enthusiasm and get people my age and my generation excited about this business."
Representing the Industry
Beyond promoting career opportunities, Thompson said he also hopes to help highlight the work being done by the Livestock Marketing Association and livestock auction markets across the country.
"They're doing some big things and they're going to continue to do some big things over the next year," he said. "I want to spread that message to the small auction markets and the big ones and let people know what's going on and what this organization is doing for them."
Thompson's victory marks another chapter in one of the livestock industry's most respected family legacies while signaling a bright future for the next generation of livestock marketers.
The 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship was held at St. Onge Livestock near Deadwood, South Dakota, as part of the Livestock Marketing Association's Annual Convention. Thompson now begins his year-long role as ambassador for the livestock marketing industry and the Livestock Marketing Association.
Source: Western Ag Network
