Saskatoon Auctioneer fast talks his way to Canadian title

Ryan Hurlburt jokes that his first five years as an auctioneer were awful.

Obviously he's learned a thing or two over the years. The Saskatoon native is now a national champion.

Hurlburt works at Saskatoon Livestock Sales. Earlier this month, he beat out 29 competitors to win the Livestock Markets Association of Canada national auctioneering title.

"Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be an auctioneer," Hulburt explained on CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

He first caught the auctioneering bug as a kid when he would travel with his grandpa to farm auctions across Saskatchewan. In 2007, Hurlburt enrolled in auctioneering school in Denver, Colorado.

"It was just a two week program so it's definitely trial by fire," said Hurlburt.

When Hurlburt takes part in competitions, he's judged in several different categories. Clarity, chant, rhythm and professionalism are all scored by judges. 

Hurlburt said it's a challenge balancing speed and clarity.

"I would sacrifice a little bit of speed for clarity just because it will make it fast in the long run. If the people buying your product know where you're at, then they'll bid quicker. If they can't hear you, they  kind of hold back."

Off to the Calgary Stampede

As Canada's top auctioneer, Hurlburt is getting set for the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships this summer at the Calgary Stampede. He's competed there before but never as a Canada champion. 

Being in a competitive environment is something Hurlburt really embraces and says he can't wait to show his skills against the world's best.

"They always put on a great show at the Calgary Stampede. I've been there two or three other times and it's just been phenomenal every time."