Local auctioneer wins Canadian livestock auctioneering championship

Mitchell auctioneer David Jacob accepts the Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Championship plaque from Shayla Chappell of the Canadian Shorthorn Association following the May 10 competition in Maple Creek, Sask. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Anyone who has attended a livestock, farm or estate auction in the Mitchell area has likely heard David Jacob’s rapid-fire chant echoing across the sale ring.

Now, the longtime auctioneer has the national title to prove just how skilled he is behind the microphone.

Jacob recently won the Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Championship in Maple Creek, Sask., competing against 41 other auctioneers from across the country.

Raised in Perth County between Stratford and Sebringville, Jacob grew up around auctions while accompanying his father, longtime Perth County auctioneer Doug Jacob, to sales throughout the region.

Auctioneering quickly became a passion.

David Jacob recalls getting his start at just 13 years old when another auctioneer helping his father became delayed in traffic. Despite concerns he was too young, David Jacob stepped into the ring and began selling.

“The rest is history,” Doug Jacob said with a smile.

Unlike many auctioneers who attend formal auction schools, David Jacob said he learned the trade through hands-on experience, practicing behind the family barn and learning how to pick up bids while working alongside experienced auctioneers.

He also spent time working with well-known auctioneer Dave Carson near Listowel to further develop his skills.

Over the years, both Doug and David Jacob have become well known not only for their auctioneering abilities, but also for their support of charitable causes throughout the region.

Both men have received the Paul Harris Award, Rotary International’s highest honour, in recognition of the many charity auctions they have managed and auctioned free of charge over the years.

Doug Jacob said his own career began decades ago while working alongside notable local auctioneers including Stratford’s Franklin Buuck, Hickson’s Wally Ross and Tavistock’s Joe Zehr before founding Doug Jacob Auctions in Mitchell in the early 1970s.

David Jacob took over the family business in 2011 and has remained in high demand ever since.

Today, he regularly auctions at Brussels Livestock, Ontario Stockyards in Cookstown and Hoard’s Station Sales Barn, while also selling vehicles each week in Brampton and Ayr.

In addition to commercial work, David Jacob continues to support numerous community and fundraising auctions including Lions club events, Stratford Agricultural Society fundraisers, the annual Amish school sale, Hickson Lions Daze and many Mitchell-area charitable auctions.

Jacob Auctions also hosts four major consignment equipment auctions annually at its Mitchell yard.