California Ag Network

Tag: Livestock Marketing Association

  • Livestock Marketing Association Opens Scholarship Applications

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) has announced that applications are now open for its 2026 scholarship programs, offering two distinct opportunities to support students pursuing education and careers connected to the livestock marketing industry. LMA members are encouraged to endorse applicants — customers, family members, employees or students from their communities — who demonstrate interest in or understanding of the importance of livestock marketing.

    LMA will offer the Career & Academic Education Scholarship for traditional post‑secondary education pathways and the Auctioneer School Scholarship for individuals pursuing training in the auction method of marketing livestock.

    Applications for both scholarship tracks are online at www.LMAWeb.com.

    Career & Academic Education Scholarship

    The Career & Academic Education Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors and students currently enrolled in accredited post‑secondary institutions, including trade schools, community colleges, junior colleges, universities, and programs in veterinary science, veterinary medicine, or law.

    Applicants must include the name and contact information of an active LMA member endorsing their application. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per academic year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses are eligible.

    A review panel composed of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will evaluate submissions after the deadline. Up to nine students will each receive a one‑time $2,500 scholarship, paid directly to the academic institution.

    Auctioneer School Scholarship

    The LMA Auctioneer School Scholarship provides a one‑time award to applicants who plan to attend auction school and use their training to support the auction method of marketing livestock.

    Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 25, provide an essay demonstrating their understanding of the livestock marketing industry, and be endorsed by an active LMA member. Each LMA member may endorse up to two applicants per scholarship year, and relatives or employees of LMA member businesses may apply.

    Following the submission deadline, a panel of allied‑industry representatives, LMA leadership, and/or LMA members — who are not sponsors or relatives of applicants — will review submissions. One applicant will receive a one‑time scholarship award of up to $2,500 toward auction school tuition.

    Deadlines & Contact Information

    All applications must be received — whether emailed or mailed — by March 13, 2026, at 4 p.m. CST. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. For questions regarding the LMA Scholarship Program, please contact lmainfo@lmaweb.com.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s largest, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.

  • Livestock Marketing Association Supports Re-Introduction of A-PLUS Act

    An outdated prohibition almost cost Heidi Nicholas her marriage. On paper, anyway.

    When the chance arose to buy Empire Livestock — a business with six livestock auction markets across New York — she seized it. Nicholas understood the markets’ vital role in the region and saw no one else stepping up to keep them running.

    But there was one major obstacle: her husband owned Nicholas Meat, a packing company in Pennsylvania. A Packers and Stockyards Act requirement, which predates modern livestock auctions, prohibits livestock market owners from owning packing companies.

    Even though Nicholas planned to purchase the auction markets with personal, non-marital funds — and had the documents to prove that — she faced pushback from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services’ Packers and Stockyards Division.

    At one point, she even told the authorities the couple would divorce if that’s what it took. That’s how strongly she felt.

    Eventually, she was able to complete the sale.

    But what about established auction market owners? Nicholas pointed out in many areas, there aren’t enough packers and processors to encourage competition or meet demand. Allowing markets to be part of the solution, such as opening a local locker or investing in a pooled funds regAn outdated prohibition almost cost Heidi Nicholas her marriage. On paper, anyway.

    When the chance arose to buy Empire Livestock — a business with six livestock auction markets across New York — she seized it. Nicholas understood the markets’ vital role in the region and saw no one else stepping up to keep them running.

    But there was one major obstacle: her husband owned Nicholas Meat, a packing company in Pennsylvania. A Packers and Stockyards Act requirement, which predates modern livestock auctions, prohibits livestock market owners from owning packing companies.

    Even though Nicholas planned to purchase the auction markets with personal, non-marital funds — and had the documents to prove that — she faced pushback from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services’ Packers and Stockyards Division.

    At one point, she even told the authorities the couple would divorce if that’s what it took. That’s how strongly she felt.

    Eventually, she was able to complete the sale.

    But what about established auction market owners? Nicholas pointed out in many areas, there aren’t enough packers and processors to encourage competition or meet demand. Allowing markets to be part of the solution, such as opening a local locker or investing in a pooled funds regional packer, would support both markets and processors — while benefiting the producers who rely on these services.

    A solution was recently reintroduced in the 119th Congress. The Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or the A-PLUS Act, and Expanding Local Meat Processing Act (HR 1648 and SB 782), would allow livestock market owners to invest in small and regional packers.

    Supporting the bills was just one reason Livestock Marketing Association, or LMA, members gathered in Washington, D.C., March 9-11. Throughout their annual fly-in, the group also advocated for key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions to be extended before expiring. They also expressed thanks for Congress passing Livestock Dealer Statutory Trust in 2020, which improves recovery when livestock dealers default.

    For first-time participant Teto Medina Wallace, who is manager and lead auctioneer for Santa Teresa Livestock Auction in New Mexico, it was an unforgettable experience — and one he cannot recommend enough to fellow LMA members.

    “I came here with high expectations, but this has completely blown me away,” Medina Wallace said. “The quality of everything we’ve done and what I’ve learned… Just being in the halls of the heart and arteries of our nation has been something that has moved me tremendously.”

    Nicholas agreed.

    “I’m 66 years old and it’s the first time I’ve ever been to D.C.,” she said. “So, to be able to tour the Capitol and be in the agricultural committee room of the House of Representatives. It was so intriguing.”

    Additionally, the two participants enjoyed the connections they made, both with policymakers and their fellow LMA members. Both were able to extend personal invitations to elected officials to visit their auction markets firsthand. They also had the rare opportunity to talk shop with other livestock marketers from 20 different states across the U.S.

    Wallace Medina said he was impressed by the group’s ability to come together and work toward common goals, even though their operations may have differences.

    LMA President Mike VanMaanen, who owns Eastern Missouri Commission Co., agreed.

    “I’m just so proud of the number of members who took time away from their busy schedules and families to come advocate for our industry on Capitol Hill,” he said. “We’re so much stronger together. The relationships built and maintained on the trip will make sure our industry’s interests are considered in federal policy decisions.”

    Members who participated in the fly-in were: Justin Cozzi, Dos Palos Y, California; Jarod Cozzi, Dos Palos Y, California; Bowdy Griffin, Galt, California; Joe Nelson, Lanesboro, Minnesota; Barb Nelson, Lanesboro, Minnesota; Laura Fidler, Fairview, Illinois; Addison Fidler, Fairview, Illinois; Cody Hanold, Bowling Green, Missouri; Mike VanMaanen, Bowling Green, Missouri; Neil Bouray, Mankato, Kansas; Justin French, Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Burwell, Nebraska; Rich Robertson, Crawford, Nebraska; Alicia Robertson, Crawford, Nebraska; Devon Baum, Elgin, Nebraska; Jay Nordhausen, Ogallala, Nebraska, and North Platte, Nebraska; Jeff Ebersdorfer, Mitchell, South Dakota; Molly Ebersdorfer, Mitchell, South Dakota; Larry Schnell, Dickinson, North Dakota; Jake Billington, Twin Falls, Idaho; Sara Evans, Paris, Kentucky; Randel Arnett, Paris, Kentucky; Steve Sterchi, Oakland, Kentucky; Jim Akers, Lexington, Kentucky; Jackson Tolle, Maysville, Kentucky; Mark Barnett, Guthrie, Kentucky; Wade Leist, Boyne City, Michigan; Josh LeMaster, Gaffney, South Carolina; Amanda LeMaster, Gaffney, South Carolina; Chris Boerjan, Wister, Oklahoma; Ben Hale, Woodward, Oklahoma; Seth Hale, Woodward, Oklahoma; Bracken Marburger, Milano, Texas; Stephanie Marburger, Milano, Texas; Teto Medina Wallace, Santa Teresa, New Mexico; John Robertson, Coleman, Texas; Christi Robertson, Coleman, Texas; Mandy Geistweidt, Fredericksburg, Texas; Brian Glick, Belleville, Pennsylvania; Heidi Nicholas, Loganton, Pennsylvania; Chad McNew, Greencastle, Pennsylvania; Jeff Showalter, Staunton, Pennsylvania; Beth Showalter, Staunton, Pennsylvania; Nick Boyer, Staunton, Pennsylvania; and Kristina Boyer, Staunton, Pennsylvania.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.ional packer, would support both markets and processors — while benefiting the producers who rely on these services.

    A solution was recently reintroduced in the 119th Congress. The Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or the A-PLUS Act, and Expanding Local Meat Processing Act (HR 1648 and SB 782), would allow livestock market owners to invest in small and regional packers.

    Supporting the bills was just one reason Livestock Marketing Association, or LMA, members gathered in Washington, D.C., March 9-11. Throughout their annual fly-in, the group also advocated for key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions to be extended before expiring. They also expressed thanks for Congress passing Livestock Dealer Statutory Trust in 2020, which improves recovery when livestock dealers default.

    For first-time participant Teto Medina Wallace, who is manager and lead auctioneer for Santa Teresa Livestock Auction in New Mexico, it was an unforgettable experience — and one he cannot recommend enough to fellow LMA members.

    “I came here with high expectations, but this has completely blown me away,” Medina Wallace said. “The quality of everything we’ve done and what I’ve learned… Just being in the halls of the heart and arteries of our nation has been something that has moved me tremendously.”

    Nicholas agreed.

    “I’m 66 years old and it’s the first time I’ve ever been to D.C.,” she said. “So, to be able to tour the Capitol and be in the agricultural committee room of the House of Representatives. It was so intriguing.”

    Additionally, the two participants enjoyed the connections they made, both with policymakers and their fellow LMA members. Both were able to extend personal invitations to elected officials to visit their auction markets firsthand. They also had the rare opportunity to talk shop with other livestock marketers from 20 different states across the U.S.

    Wallace Medina said he was impressed by the group’s ability to come together and work toward common goals, even though their operations may have differences.

    LMA President Mike VanMaanen, who owns Eastern Missouri Commission Co., agreed.

    “I’m just so proud of the number of members who took time away from their busy schedules and families to come advocate for our industry on Capitol Hill,” he said. “We’re so much stronger together. The relationships built and maintained on the trip will make sure our industry’s interests are considered in federal policy decisions.”

    Members who participated in the fly-in were: Justin Cozzi, Dos Palos Y, California; Jarod Cozzi, Dos Palos Y, California; Bowdy Griffin, Galt, California; Joe Nelson, Lanesboro, Minnesota; Barb Nelson, Lanesboro, Minnesota; Laura Fidler, Fairview, Illinois; Addison Fidler, Fairview, Illinois; Cody Hanold, Bowling Green, Missouri; Mike VanMaanen, Bowling Green, Missouri; Neil Bouray, Mankato, Kansas; Justin French, Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Burwell, Nebraska; Rich Robertson, Crawford, Nebraska; Alicia Robertson, Crawford, Nebraska; Devon Baum, Elgin, Nebraska; Jay Nordhausen, Ogallala, Nebraska, and North Platte, Nebraska; Jeff Ebersdorfer, Mitchell, South Dakota; Molly Ebersdorfer, Mitchell, South Dakota; Larry Schnell, Dickinson, North Dakota; Jake Billington, Twin Falls, Idaho; Sara Evans, Paris, Kentucky; Randel Arnett, Paris, Kentucky; Steve Sterchi, Oakland, Kentucky; Jim Akers, Lexington, Kentucky; Jackson Tolle, Maysville, Kentucky; Mark Barnett, Guthrie, Kentucky; Wade Leist, Boyne City, Michigan; Josh LeMaster, Gaffney, South Carolina; Amanda LeMaster, Gaffney, South Carolina; Chris Boerjan, Wister, Oklahoma; Ben Hale, Woodward, Oklahoma; Seth Hale, Woodward, Oklahoma; Bracken Marburger, Milano, Texas; Stephanie Marburger, Milano, Texas; Teto Medina Wallace, Santa Teresa, New Mexico; John Robertson, Coleman, Texas; Christi Robertson, Coleman, Texas; Mandy Geistweidt, Fredericksburg, Texas; Brian Glick, Belleville, Pennsylvania; Heidi Nicholas, Loganton, Pennsylvania; Chad McNew, Greencastle, Pennsylvania; Jeff Showalter, Staunton, Pennsylvania; Beth Showalter, Staunton, Pennsylvania; Nick Boyer, Staunton, Pennsylvania; and Kristina Boyer, Staunton, Pennsylvania.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association, headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.

  • Livestock Marketing Association Members Advocate for Critical Needs in Washington D.C.

    Nearly two dozen Livestock Marketing Association members and staff met with members of both the House of Representatives and Senate, agriculture staff, and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials March 20-22, during the association’s 18th D.C. Fly-In. The event offered an opportunity for livestock auction market owners to share their stories and connect with elected officials.

    Throughout the visit, LMA members advocated for the passage of the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States, or A-PLUS Act (H.R. 530), and its Senate companion the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act (S. 813), to end an outdated prohibition and allow an auction owner to own or invest in a small or medium packer. These bills would provide an avenue to increase packing competition and capacity. At the same time, the bills maintain necessary safeguards by prohibiting the largest packers from owning auctions.

    The auction market owners also urged Congress to update Packers and Stockyards Act prompt payment requirements in light of slowing mail service and a desire to incentivize electronic payment as the more efficient and secure method. Finally, livestock auction market owners at the Fly-In pushed to ensure that any upcoming rule requiring electronic identification for cattle is not an unfunded mandate.

    Their visit to D.C. coincided with a busy and historic week in Congress. There is an active effort by Congress to overturn an administrative rule that would allow fresh beef imports from Paraguay. The Senate voted on a Congressional Review Act resolution that if becomes law, would prevent the rule from taking effect.

    Livestock Marketing Association and other cattle industry groups agree that given Paraguay’s history of food and mouth disease the rule poses a significant risk to our nation’s beef herd. The same day members asked Senators to support the resolution, the Senate voted 70-25 for the resolution to overturn the rule. The vote was the largest margin on a Congressional Review Act resolution ever recorded in the Senate.

    Brody Peak, LMA board member and chairman of the government and industry affairs committee, said it was a productive trip and he’s grateful for all who took part.

    “I know how difficult it is to take time away from your business and family to travel across the country, especially in the spring.” he said. “But the impact a visit like this has on the industry is significant. Developing and maintaining relationships with those making federal policy decisions is key to ensuring the interests of livestock marketers are considered. Those who visited can take pride in protecting our beef industry and given the vote in the Senate, being a part of history.”

    Members who participated in the fly-in were Joe Don, Brecklynn, Jett and Marly Eaves from Tulsa Stockyards Inc.; Lindsey and Julie Grant from McAlester Union Stockyards; Ben Hale from Western Livestock Commission Company & Order Buying, Inc. and Woodward Livestock Auction Inc; Jim Akers from Bluegrass Stockyards; Brody Peak from Emporia Livestock; Rich Robertson from Crawford Livestock Market; Todd Eberle from Broken Bow Livestock and Burwell Livestock Market; John Willis from Columbia Livestock Market of Lake City; Chad McNew from Greencastle Livestock Market Inc.; Kale McGuinness from Stockland Livestock Auction; Larry Schnell from Stockmen’s Livestock Exchange Inc.; Giles and Kelly Brown from Kinder Livestock Auction; and Mandy Geistweidt from Gillespie Livestock Company.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation, insurance programs and communication efforts.

  • Economic Impact Study Shows Livestock Auctions Growing in Importance for Rural Vitality

    A 2023 economic impact study, which updated a study from 2017, found that livestock auction markets continue to be important for the growth and vitality of rural communities. The study of an average, fixed-facility livestock auction market revealed that the market provides approximately $2 million in total value-added dollars to its local community. This result is up from $1 million identified in the 2017 Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Economic Impact Report.

    The case livestock auction market, located in a rural Missouri town with a population of less than 5,000, sells all classes of cattle in a weekly sale. The auction market was selected as a representative example of LMA member-livestock auctions based on type of operation, gross sales of livestock, rural location of market and population of city. LMA represents 85% of the livestock auction markets in the United States, with cattle being the largest per-head species sold through livestock auction markets annually (32 million head, per 2020 USDA P&S Annual Report data).

    Key findings also revealed that the market studied provides 17 jobs, generating $888,000 in labor income to the community’s economy. Additionally, the market contributes $447,000 in local taxes and $108,000 in federal taxes. Of the total value-added number, contributions were also made by the on-site café, which further provides labor income, state, local and federal taxes.

    “Livestock auction markets today remain critical to helping our rural communities continue to thrive,” said Kristen Parman, LMA Vice President of Membership Services. They generate a competitive sale environment which results in cash for local livestock producers. That cash equals dollars spent in town and investments back into their businesses and operations.”

    In collaboration with LMA, the study was completed by Decision Innovation Solutions in Urbandale, Iowa.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts. For more information, visit www.LMAWeb.com.

  • Livestock Groups Support Bill to Expand Options for Packing Capacity

    National livestock groups have come together to support Congressional efforts to expand opportunities for industry to invest in meat packing capacity.

    The American Farm Bureau Federation, American Sheep Industry Association, Livestock Marketing Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Pork Producers Council, and United States Cattlemen’s Association sent a letter to the Chairpeople and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Agriculture Committees expressing the groups’ support of legislation to allow livestock market owners and operators to own or invest in small or regional livestock packing facilities.

    The bipartisan legislation, the Expanding Local Meat Processing Act (S. 813), was reintroduced by Sens. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) last week. This is the Senate companion to the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (APLUS) Act (H.R.530), being led by U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD). If enacted, these bills would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to update a regulatory prohibition under the Packers and Stockyards Act which bars livestock auction owners from owning or investing in packers.

    “This is an antiquated rule that does not fit with the current, transparent method of selling livestock at an open auction where sellers can view the transaction either in person or by streaming the auction online,” the letter states.

    The bills would allow for investment in the packing industry at local and regional levels by those active in the livestock marketing business.

    “We appreciate our partners, both on Capitol Hill and at fellow livestock groups, fighting for opportunities to enhance participation in livestock packing,” said Mark Barnett, LMA President and owner of Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market. “Livestock auction markets, like mine, are in the competition business. Allowing livestock auction owners to invest in small and regional packers could enhance competition which equates to needed additional profit for producers who are being squeezed by high inputs and low margins.”

    If you have questions about this legislation, please reach out to Chelsea Good, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs & Legal at cgood@lmaweb.com or 816-305-9540.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts. For more information, visit www.LMAWeb.com.

  • LMA Applauds Bill to Allow Livestock Auction Investment in Small and Regional Packers

    Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) applauds Congressmen Mark Alford (R-Mo.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for introducing the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act. If enacted, the bill would remove an outdated regulatory barrier and allow livestock auction market owners to own or invest in small and regional meatpackers.

    The Administration, Congress, and the livestock industry agree there is a need for increased packer competition and additional processing capacity. Currently, livestock auctions owners are not able to own, invest, or participate in the operation of a packing plant or meat marketing business due to dated Packers and Stockyards Act restriction. This prohibition falls under a 102-year-old law and predates the current, transparent method of selling livestock at an open auction to the highest bidder. The A-PLUS Act is essential in removing this unnecessary barrier to cattle industry investment in the packing sector. The bill would allow livestock auction owners to own or invest in cattle and hog packers smaller than the current ten largest packers.

    “We greatly appreciate Congressmen Alford, Panetta, and Johnson introducing the A-PLUS Act,” said LMA President and owner of Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market Mark Barnett. “Livestock auction markets, like mine, are in the competition business. Allowing livestock auction owners to invest in small and regional packers will create competition against large packing entities that already exist. The A-PLUS Act could spur additional capacity and especially additional packers to increase competition and improve profitability for producers.”

    If you have questions about the A-PLUS Act, please reach out to Chelsea Good, Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs & Legal at cgood@lmaweb.com or 816-305-9540.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts. For more information, visit www.LMAWeb.com.

  • Mark Barnett Named Livestock Marketing Association President

    Mark Barnett of Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market, Inc. in Guthrie, Ky., was installed president of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) at the 2022 LMA Annual Convention & WLAC, held June 8-11. Barnett will complete a two-year term leading the nation’s largest livestock marketing trade association that represents more than 800 local livestock auction markets and allied businesses.

    Mark has lived in the Guthrie, Ky., area his entire life and owned the Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market for over 40 years. Through a strong relationship with the previous market owner, Mark invested in the business, spurring his involvement in the livestock marketing industry.

    In addition to the livestock auction market, Mark and his wife, Betty, run a cow/calf and row crop operation. Together, they have three sons; Tom, Will and Matt, who are also involved in the family business. Tom’s wife, Stephanie, is the secretary for Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market.

    As LMA president, Mark hopes to continue supporting the strong reputation of LMA and promote auction markets as an integral source of price discovery in the livestock industry. He says one of the biggest obstacles the livestock marketing industry faces is keeping young people interested and involved in the cattle industry.

    “Our next generation, bringing them into our businesses, is one of the biggest tasks we have in front of us,” Barnett said. “That’s a goal that I have. I want to encourage that next generation and tell our story, and agriculture has a good story to tell.”

    In addition to his involvement with LMA, Mark is the Director of Legends Bank, a Commissioner of Woodlawn Utility District and a deacon at the Second Mile Baptist Church.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts.

  • CA Cattleman Receives Livestock Marketing Association Industry Icon Award

    Ellington Peek, of Cottonwood, Calif., was recognized as the recipient of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Industry Icon Award at the 2021 LMA Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn.

    “LMA is blessed to have members like Ellington, who have a devout passion for livestock marketing, inspiring others and advancing competition in all that they do” LMA President Larry Schnell said. “Ellington played a significant role in paving the way for futuristic methods of buying and selling livestock and remains an unshakable advocate for the auction method of selling livestock. The auction industry is certainly better because of his contributions.”

    Born in Stockton, Calif. Peek grew up in the cattle business but pursued coaching first as a career. He later returned to the cattle business and in 1956 entered the livestock marketing industry, purchasing Old Anderson Livestock Auction Yards for $3500. He founded Shasta Livestock Auction Yard in 1964 and has been a member of LMA for over 50 years. In 1989, Peek co-founded Western Video Market, Inc. (WVM), expanding opportunities for fixed facility auction markets to broaden their services in support of producers of all sizes. Today, WVM works with 20 affiliate auction yard companies, with over 60 individual representatives who consign cattle from the 16 Western states.

    Peek is only the fifth recipient of the LMA Industry Icon Award since it began in 2009. Former recipients of the award include Pat Goggins (2009), E.H. Fowler (2013), Billy Perrin (2015) and Ernie Van Hooser (2017). The LMA Industry Icon Award is presented to individuals who, through their remarkable impact on livestock marketing and leadership contributions, have advanced the mission and ideals of LMA and its members.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts.