Talent, industry knowledge, and clarity are the trifecta needed to excel as a livestock auctioneer. For Jace Thompson, a Billings native, these qualities are not just aspirational—they run in the family. Thompson is steadily building on a family legacy at Billings Livestock and various other sale barns across the region.
Last fall in Torrington, Wyoming, Thompson qualified for the Livestock Marketing Association’s (LMA) World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. Not only did he qualify, but he also earned the high point mark for a rookie, echoing a similar achievement from last summer at the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Calgary.
“Those events helped open doors that led me to where I am today. I got to meet a lot of people, made connections with the LMA, and gained exposure. It was fun nonetheless, and the exposure and connections were probably the best part of those experiences,” Thompson reflected.
Thompson’s talent is clearly hereditary. He is the son of Ty Thompson, the 2009 World Champion Auctioneer, and the grandson of Warren Thompson, who has a long and respected tenure in auctioneering.
“I’ve said it many times: you can’t get really good at this alone. You need a mentor. There’s just no way to do it without one. I’ve had many—my grandfather, my dad, and many other auctioneers. I get to work with some of the best every day, which has been extremely beneficial and something I’m very lucky to have,” Thompson explained.
At just 21 years old, Thompson’s resume is already impressive. It includes selling equipment and even ambulances in the Philippines. His early stardom is also positioning him as a leader among the next generation. Thompson has been actively involved with the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Producer Profitability listening sessions.
“We’re definitely heading in the right direction. I’ve attended a couple of these meetings, and they’re focusing on crucial areas. It’s more important now than ever to get young people into the industry, and it’s really a good time to be involved. If we can make people recognize that and make it profitable for my generation, it will pay off in the long run. Now is as good a time as ever,” he noted.
As Thompson prepares for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship this week in Oklahoma City, his community and mentors watch with pride. Congratulations to Jace Thompson on his qualification, and best of luck in the competition, a title only three Montanans have achieved.
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Northern Ag Network – 2024
