Promoting professionalism by inspiring excellence

The Auctioneers Association of Alberta focuses on inspiring the highest standards

for professionalism and sound practices in the fields of auctions and valuations.

Alberta Auctioneers Shine Bright at LMAC 2025 in Virden

The 2025 Livestock Markets Association of Canada (LMAC) Convention and Canadian Auctioneer Championship wrapped up in Virden, Manitoba — and it was a massive showcase of Western grit, talent, and teamwork. But no province stood taller than Alberta, whose auctioneers dominated the podium and proved once again that Alberta sets the standard in Canadian livestock marketing.

Alberta: The Powerhouse at the Podium

Out of 39 of the best auctioneers from across the country, Alberta brought the heat:

• Champion Livestock Auctioneer: Casey Lawes from Provost Livestock Exchange took home the top prize — showing off not only command in the ring, but cool composure and crowd control that turned heads across the industry.

• Reserve Champion: Tyler Slawinski of Gladstone Auction Market with precision and poise, earning a well-deserved second-place finish.

• First Runner-Up & Highpoint Interview Winner: Rob Bergevin of Foothills Auctioneers Inc. proved once again why he’s considered one of the sharpest voices in the game.

• Second Runner-Up: Kirk Goldsmith, representing VJV Auction Group in Ponoka, brought his trademark energy and clarity to the ring.

• Third Runner-Up: John Baier, former Alberta Auctioneers Association Board Director, was very thorough and smooth as he always is!
  

• Most Improved Auctioneer: Kody Lakevold from Vermilion Livestock Exchange showed massive growth and professionalism, earning him a nod as a rising Alberta star.

• People’s Choice Award: Blaine Houston, also from Gladstone, Manitoba earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the crowd alike.

From the first call to the final ring, Alberta auctioneers brought their A-game and then some. It was a powerful showing of what this province produces: polished, authentic professionals who know how to move cattle and keep a crowd hooked.

Heartland Virden Delivers a World-Class Event

Behind the scenes, the team at Heartland Livestock Services in Virden hosted one of the most seamless and successful LMAC conventions to date. With 3,000 head of cattle sold and $16.8 million moved, the numbers speak for themselves — but the real story was the people.

Names like Justin Carvey (one of Canada’s best ring-men), Donna Swanston, and Karen Van Burren were instrumental in keeping things moving. From sorting cattle to clerking all day, they made sure the auctioneers had a perfect stage to perform on.

Industry Talks & Market Insight

This year’s event wasn’t just about the competition. It was packed with expert insights and future-focused panels. Brenna Grant, Senior Market Analyst at CanFax, gave a keynote that tackled current trends and pricing projections for the Canadian cattle market.

Other discussions included:

• Commission structures

• Sale-type strategies

• Scanning tech and traceability

• Regulatory updates from CCIA and CCA

Next Stop: Maple Creek, Saskatchewan (2026)

With the gavel still cooling off from Virden, the torch now passes to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, which will host the 2026 LMAC Convention. Dates TBD.

Competitors from Alberta:

• Rob Bergevin – Foothills Auctioneers Inc., High River
  → 1st Runner-Up & Highpoint Interview Winner

• Dale Dmytriw – Vermilion Livestock Exchange, Vermilion

• Corey French – Perlich Bros Auction Market, Lethbridge

• Kirk Goldsmith – VJV Auction Group, Veteran
  → 2nd Runner-Up

• Kody Lakevold – Vermilion Livestock Exchange, Vermilion
  → Most Improved Auctioneer

• Casey Lawes – Provost Livestock Exchange, Provost
  → 2025 Canadian Champion Auctioneer

• Leo LeBlanc – North Central Livestock Exchange, Beaumont

• Josh Poland – Olds Auction Market, Olds

• Tyler Rosehill –Olds Auction Market, Olds