THE HAWKEYE AUCTIONEER

Quarterly E-Newsletter

SUMMER 2025

Inside This Issue:

• From the President's Desk
• World Livestock Auctioneer Championship
• Summer of Events & 2026 Conference Preview
• Find Us At the Fair
• FFA and the Future of Auctioneering
• Iowa FFA Auctioneer Invite
• It's Not Too Early to Save the Date
• Sponsors
• Board of Directors

View past newsletters on the IAA website:

https://iowaauctioneers.org/news/

Hello IAA Members and Friends,

Following the strong recommendations from our members at the 2025 Annual Conference, the IAA Board proudly took action by securing a booth at the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference held this April in Ames. While stage time was limited this year, we're already working to secure that opportunity for next year’s event.

Thanks to a fantastic group of IAA member volunteers, our booth was a huge success. Over 80 students signed up for more information about participating in next year’s FFA Bid Calling Invitational—a remarkable number that shows just how bright the future is for our industry. If even a fraction of these students follow through, we’re set for an outstanding competition in 2026!

A heartfelt thank you to Paul McCarton, Jim Huff, Corey Fraise, Heath DeYoung, Justin Steward, JJ Wise, David Chadduck, and David Whitaker for stepping up to staff the booth and engage with these young leaders. Your professionalism, time, and dedication are deeply appreciated—you represented the IAA with excellence.

Up next: the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Dunlap Mark your calendar for June 7th, when Dunlap, Iowa, hosts the prestigious World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). We're proud to support this event by sponsoring the host BBQ dinner on June 5th, thanks to the generosity of Jon Schaben and Dunlap Livestock Auction.

Vice President Leon Martin and I will be there to represent the IAA and support this iconic industry event. We look forward to bringing you a full report following the competition.

Finally, keep an eye out for updates on the NAA Conference & Show—we're working to coordinate an Iowa gathering space where we can connect under the Iowa flag and continue building momentum for our association on the national stage.



Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep working together to grow and promote this great profession.

See you soon!

Rodney A. Backes

President, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Hello Fellow Auctioneers and Industry Professionals,

I hope 2025 is off to a strong and successful start for each of you! As we roll into June, it's time to mark your calendars for some exciting events coming up this summer and beyond.

First up: the National Auctioneers Association Conference & Show Join us July 15-19 in Schaumburg, Illinois (just outside Chicago) for the NAA Conference & Show—an incredible opportunity to network, learn, and reconnect. We're working to organize an Iowa meet-up area for a group photo, video, and some good conversation. Whether you're catching up with old friends or making new connections, this is a must-attend event!

We’re especially proud to cheer on Asher Henson, our Iowa FFA State Champion Bid Caller, who will compete in the IJAC Preliminaries Wednesday night and, with any luck, advance to the Finals on Friday. Let’s show up strong and support him!

Register for the NAA Conference & Show

Next up: the Iowa State Fair Champion Auctioneer Competition

Join us Monday, August 12 at 9:00 AM on the Anne & Bill Riley Stage for our premier IAA competition. Eleven top-tier semifinalists will take the mic, competing for the coveted title of 2025 IAA Grand Champion Auctioneer. After the competition, we’ll open the stage to all IAA members—and any aspiring auctioneers—for a fun, high-energy auction.

Stay tuned to our IAA Facebook page in July as we begin to spotlight contestant bios and announce our esteemed judging panel—including past champions and respected professionals from across the industry.

And looking ahead: the 2026 IAA Conference & Show

Mark your calendars for February 5–7, 2026 as we return to the Sheraton in West Des Moines. Vice President Leon Martin is already working on another outstanding lineup of speakers, competitions, and educational sessions. The Sheraton continues to be a fantastic host, and we're excited to return.

Wishing you a successful summer season.

I hope to see you at one—or all—of these events!

Kind regards,

Rod Backes

President, Iowa Auctioneers Association

Auctioneering has always been a time-honored profession, known for its dynamic, energetic atmosphere and one-of-a-kind appeal. But as we look ahead, a key question arises: How do we ensure the continued growth of our ranks and showcase the power of the auction method of marketing to the next generation?



I believe the answer lies in engaging young people early. Opportunities like the Iowa FFA Bid Calling Championship play a critical role in introducing students to the auction world. By participating in this contest, students get firsthand experience with the energy, skill, and potential of auctioneering. These experiences not only preserve tradition—they inject the profession with fresh enthusiasm and forward momentum.

After spending the morning at the Iowa State FFA Convention and visiting with many bright, driven young FFA members, I’m more convinced than ever that the future of our industry is promising. While some students were hesitant to approach our booth—maybe more interested in a free t-shirt than a conversation—it was clear there's curiosity and potential waiting to be tapped.



It’s true that not every auctioneer believes in bid-calling contests. Some see them as unproductive or unrepresentative of real-world auctioneering. And that’s okay—“to each their own.” But many of us got our start through contests like these, and I firmly believe this new FFA Bid Calling Championship is going to grow and shine a spotlight on the auction method of marketing. It’s our chance to show these young men and women that auctioneering isn’t just a job—it’s a rewarding, exciting career.

So how do we reach them?

We each get 86,400 seconds in a day. Take just 300 of those seconds—five minutes—to talk with an FFA student, an advisor, or even a parent. Bring up the contest coming in February 2026. Share your story. Highlight the opportunity for scholarships. And with county fair season just around the corner, many of us will already be volunteering or donating our time—what better moment to spark interest?



Let’s get the ball rolling. Start spreading the word today. We’ll see you at the Iowa State Fair—and as always, God bless.