Twenty Two for 2022 ROGER JACOBS, AUCTIONEER Billings, Montana e: Auctions@JacobsLivestock.com by ABP & Roger Jacobs 1. How did you get started as an auctioneer? I was very fortunate to work for the American Angus Association for several years in the late 70s and early 80s as a regional manager where I made lots of great contacts that were willing to take a chance on me as a young inexperienced auctioneer. The first person to hire me was Russ Denowh at Gartner Denowh Angus Ranch, one of the most respected breeders in the industry and his endorsement really helped. My inspiration to become an auctioneer came from tagging along with my father to a few cattle auctions as a kid and later listening to and working with some of the great auctioneers in the purebred industry. 2. What’s the furthest away from home you’ve been as an auctioneer? I have sold in 25 states and Canada, the farthest away from home has been New York, California, Texas, Mississippi and Georgia. 3. Aside from being the world’s best auctioneer, you’re also the best tour guide, and probably the best real estate agent too. Is there anything else you do that we‘re not aware of? That’s enough to keep me busy. I also enjoy being a lector at our church once or twice a month. 4. With the above question in mind, I can’t imagine you have much free time. Aside from sleeping, how do you occupy the other minutes on a given day? I enjoy bird hunting, fishing and gardening in the little bit of spare time I have. My highest priority is to spend as much time with family as I can. 22
5. What do you think about where the cattle industry is headed? I’m an eternal optimist and believe the cattle market will improve over the next several years. World population growth is going to require increased production and the production sector will be in a stronger position in years to come. 6. What advice would you give to a younger rancher today? Everything in our world is changing with all the technology available to us today. Look at all of your options and be willing to change. Learn from the past and the mistakes along the way. You can’t change the past so be forward thinking. As I look back over my career nearly every time I resisted change I was wrong.
American Beef Producer
February 2022
