Howarth said they are judged on many factors, such as voice clarity and control, professionalism and others. He added in the judging, the top and bottom scores are thrown out.

Although he did not make the top ten in Virden, Howarth was happy with how he finished.

“I had a good run. I was not disappointed. I don’t sell a lot compared to some guys who sell eight to 10 hours a day. I am more than happy with how it turned out.”

Howarth said he started doing auctioneering at about 16 or 17 years old. He initially gained interest as a boy coming out to auction marts with his father, saying the fast-talking and whole scene was attractive. He worked in Brandon for a couple of years, and has been at the Killarney Auction Mart for about seven years now.

“It is not something most people fall into,” he explained. “It is a craft that you keep working on."

He said he does some charity auctions, but for the most part he sticks to the cattle marts.

Auctioneers are known for their fast-talking, their ability to find the bidders in a crowd and keep numbers in their heads. Howarth said there are other factors that are just as, if not more, important to a person in the profession.

“Integrity is most important. If people don’t trust you, they will not buy from you or sell with you. You need to have that integrity. Also, you need to have decent help, you need a clerk and everyone else. You can’t do it all on your own.”

The conference also included seminars on the profession and a banquet.

Howarth said he has competed five or six times. The next national championship is set for Maple Creek, Saskatchewan in 2026. He feels he will continue to benefit from competing.

“Yeah, I think I will continue,” Howarth stated. “I think it really helps me get better.”

by PAUL RAYNER

Recorder staff