Livestock Auctioneer
A livestock auctioneer assists in the sale of animals at public auctions by assisting farmers in selecting and organizing bringing their livestock to the sale and signaling bids from audience members while maintaining crowd control. Livestock auctioneers also use their knowledge to track desirable qualities of livestock, average prices and market trends across the industry.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Maintain a current knowledge of livestock terminology and industry trends
- Identify desirable qualities of livestock including age, breed, weight, etc.
- Auction livestock at public sales and auctions
- Spot and signal bids from audience members while maintaining crowd control
- Declare buyers of animals and direct them to purchase site
- Assist farmers in the selection and organization of bringing their livestock to the sale
- Assist in the organization of livestock at the auction including number assignment
- Direct handlers or pen riders where to send animals
- Tag or mark animals for identification in sale ring
- Complete various paperwork and record keeping
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- biology
- anatomy
- animal science
- business
- personal finance
- mathematics
Education/Training Required:
Livestock auctioneers would benefit from receiving an associate or bachelor’s degree in animal science, but it is not required. They must be licensed by the state after attending auctioneering school programs, which may take a week to several months to complete.
