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relentlessly to achieve his goals. Born in Kingston, Missouri, in 1939, Bud grew up on a livestock and grain farm in Hamilton, Missouri. At the tender age of 11, Bud's father passed away, leaving him and his older brother responsible for the farm and teaching their mother how to drive. Bud developed a strong work ethic from an early age, taking on various jobs such as clipping sheep, milking cows, and working in a clothing store.

CREATING A LEGEND: BUD SLOAN

APRIL 24, 1939 - JUNE 30, 2023

A legend can only be imitated, never duplicated. Clifford "Bud" Sloan embodies this sentiment. When Bud spoke, everyone listened. He commanded attention without demanding it. His unmatched reputation was grounded in humility. With a work ethic second to none, his impact on youth is immeasurable. After a lifetime in helping others in the livestock business, Bud's life will be remembered as one of the most extensive and respectable careers in the livestock industry.

Bud established his reputation in the livestock industry at a relatively young age, gaining the respect of cattlemen. His appointment as beef cattle superintendent of the American Royal in the early 1970s showcased his expertise as a herdsman, consultant, and superior cattle marketer. His dedication, extensive experience, and management techniques earned him a promotion to livestock superintendent in 1991.

Neil Orth, Executive Vice President of the American International Charolais Association, emphasizes Bud's long and successful career in the merchandising of purebred livestock. Being in business since 1971 speaks volumes about Bud's trustworthiness, honesty, and respectability.

However, Bud's success did not come overnight. He paid his dues and worked

Actively involved in 4-H and FFA, Bud's FFA chapter consistently ranked among the top two or three in the state. His successful show career exhibiting pigs and cattle laid the foundation for his expertise in cattle evaluation and handling. In 1957, Bud married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Blackburn Sloan. Their shared adventures included raising four daughters, two grandchildren, one greatgrandson, and countless heads of livestock.

Bud's livestock career began after high school when he joined Ruben Edwards as a herdsman in Middletown, Missouri. At HampAn Farms, Bud diligently worked with Hampshire hogs and Angus cattle, gaining valuable experience in marketing and sale management. He then spent ten years at Dor Mac Angus Farms in Lyma, Illinois, working for J.C. McLean, an inductee of the Angus Heritage Foundation.

McLean played a pivotal role in Bud's knowledge and experience, as they raised four consecutive international bull champions and achieved numerous other accomplishments. Bud started his show circuit in July with county fairs, travelling across the country fitting and showing cattle. One of Bud's notable moments was witnessing the entry of the Dor Macs Bardoliermere 150th Angus show bull, representing one of the last Dor Mac bull champions in 1959.

In the late '60s, Bud transitioned from herdsman to livestock merchandiser. He joined the Drover's Journal in 1968, where he worked alongside colleagues Neil Orth and Stanley Stout. Bud's salesmanship skills developed rapidly as he travelled across the Midwest, selling advertising and marketing livestock. The Drover's Journal, a weekly livestock publication, provided a fertile training ground for Bud, exposing him to various auctioneers and fieldmen.

In 1971, Stout informed Bud about a new business venture, leading to the establishment of North American Auction Company with Curt Rodgers. As one of the first businesses in the purebred cattle industry to offer full-service marketing, North American pioneered new and innovative techniques. Their early success included selling over $12 million in Charolais cattle sales in the first year.

Bud's involvement in the American Royal spanned over 44 years. Serving as either beef cattle superintendent or livestock superintendent, Bud played a vital role in reorganizing the structure of the American Royal, transforming it into the premier show it is today. His dedication to the industry led to the establishment of scholarships and financial assistance programs for youth involved in agriculture.

Bud's impact extended beyond his professional achievements. He served as a mentor and advisor to countless individuals seeking his guidance. His colleagues and peers recognized his talent and named him the Livestock Marketeer of the Year in 2008, further validating his contributions to the industry.

When asked about his success, Bud attributes it to hard work and the people around him. He believed in building relationships and fostering trust, which has been the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

Bud’s legacy in the livestock industry remains etched in the hearts and minds of those who have had the privilege to know him. He is a true legend, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and a generation of future agriculturists who have been inspired by his dedication, expertise, and unwavering integrity.

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