News & Announcements
Guidance for Livestock Auction Markets During COVID-19
March 23, 2020 - COVID-19 is currently circulating in Iowa communities. All Iowa businesses have a responsibility to take measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is critical that livestock auction markets institute immediate changes to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among their staff, sellers, and buyers.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) strongly recommend that all livestock markets adhere to the following guidance. Critically evaluate each auction to determine whether it needs to be held. If an auction can be postponed, please do so.
Wise Named 2019 Iowa State Champion Auctioneer
Josh (JJ) Wise, 34, of Klemme, Iowa was awarded the title ‘Iowa State Champion Auctioneer’ on Tuesday, August 13. Wise is a long-time member of the Iowa Auctioneers Association and participates in nearly 300 auctions a year. Wise currently owns and operates JJ Wise Auctioneering, is a licensed real estate agent for Landproz, and a contract auctioneer for automobile sales. He grew up in Manly, Iowa, a population of less than 1,300. Wise graduated from the World Wide College of Auctioneering in Mason City when he was only 11 years old. Growing up in the family business he found a love for the auction method of marketing. In 2014, he took over the company his mother and father founded, Wise Auction Service, now operating as JJ Wise Auctioneering. Wise also competed in the 2019 World Automobile Auction Contest in Charleston, South Carolina, and was the 2018 Iowa State Reserve Champion Auctioneer.
Twenty Midwest Auctioneers Compete at Iowa State Fair for Championship Title
Each year the best of the best Midwest auctioneers travel to the capital city to compete during the Iowa Auctioneers Association (IAA) preliminary contest in February. Finalists then get the chance to battle it out in the fall at the Iowa State Fair to be named the Iowa State Champion Auctioneer. Twenty finalists made it through to the semi-finals. The contest begins at 9:00 AM at the Iowa State Fair on Tuesday, August 13. Join bidders and spectators at the Anne and Bill Riley Stage, just north of the Walnut Center & Iowa Craft Beer Tent, for this lively contest. The semi-finals and finals are held under normal auction conditions, open to the public, and free to watch. The public is encouraged to participate and bid on items.
The top twenty will show off their skills and talents in two weeks, but only one gets crowned Champion. During the contest, each participant will auction off three items. Contestants are judged on speed, bid calling ability, salesmanship, and professional appearance.
