Young auctioneer prepares for competition

It began with a televised championship cattle auction.

Watching the auction by the 1974 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer Ralph Wade, Will Epperly decided on his future career — at the age of 5.

Now the 20-year-old is auctioning cattle and qualified in October for the 2010 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship. It has been his dream to compete in this contest since he first saw Wade on the television and told his father and grandfather that he wanted to be just like Wade — only better.

“They said ‘Go for it,’” he said. “Every day, I’ve dreamed of going to a championship and being a world champion.”

He began watching and studying auctions and on one family trip, Epperly auctioned the entire seven-hour drive there and the whole seven-hour drive back.

“He was auctioneering as soon as he could talk,” his mother, Susan Epperly said. “He even auctioneers on his answering machine.

“I have been very blessed with two sons who have focus in their lives and have been successful in their interests.”

Epperly is one of eight who will compete against the reigning champion for the title of the 2010 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer.

Livestock Marketing Association is the cattle industry’s leading trade association, serving more than 800 livestock marketing businesses in the country, according to the organization’s Web site.

“The auction method of selling has a significant impact on the livestock industry and so many rural communities,” the organization’s site said. “ … Members combine their efforts and voices to acknowledge the importance of the local livestock auction market where in some of the largest cattle producing states as much as 80 percent of the cattle are sold through the auction method.”

Auctioneering is a vital part of the industry, helping to ensure fair and competitive pricing, according to the association.

Epperly currently works in Carmine, Ill., helping to get a herd ready for auction in Bowling Green, Ky. Over Thanksgiving, he came home to Moneta and spent some of his time off at the Lynchburg Livestock Market selling cattle.

That’s where he first started honing his skills, selling some 700 to 800 cattle a week. His first conference was held in Vanceville, Ohio.

“It’s amazing to me,” he said. “I have amazed myself that I can do this. … A lot goes into it. It’s not just making it sound good. …

“It’s an adrenaline rush. My heart starts beating really fast.”

To qualify, he had to impress the buyers, the Livestock Marketing Association representatives, and the five judges. The judges look for clarity, voice quality, the cattle presentation and if they would hire this particular auctioneer.

Epperly thought for sure he wouldn’t qualify. There was a mix-up in the last cattle to be auctioned and he didn’t catch it because he couldn’t hear the man telling him to hold the group.

“Sometimes I get a little too excited and I get too fast,” he said. “I was inconsolable. I was about to walk out the door. I didn’t think I had made it.”

When he heard his name called, Epperly said he fell to his knee, then jumped up and did a back flip.

“It was an amazing feeling hearing my name called,” Epperly said.

Matt Lowry, the 2008 world champion, met Epperly when he came to Lynchburg. Since then, the auctioneer has been helping Epperly hone his craft.

“You have to be clear. It’s not speed. It’s not how fast you can say the numbers,” he said. “These are people’s livelihoods … I get nervous every time I go into the box. I want to get the highest number I can.”

Competitive bidding drives up the price of cattle, putting more money into the pocket of the farmers. The farmers get more profit than selling the animals outright.

Epperly specializes in the presentation of the cattle he’s about to sell.

“I want their A game,” Epperly said. “I want those cattle just glowing, where they catch every buyer’s eye. … You’ve got to stand by these cattle. You’ve got to be willing to take these cattle home with you.”

Epperly took a couple courses in auctioneering but has mostly picked up the trade simply by listening.

He hopes to inspire other children the way he was inspired to fight for his dream of being the best cattle auctioneer.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.”