Schaben qualifies for the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championships
By Jenna Comes, Editor, Mapleton Press
Austin Schaben of Dunlap Livestock Auction punched his ticket to the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championships. He qualified after finishing fifth overall at the WLAC Texas Qualifying Event in early September. The event was held at the Gillespie Livestock Company in Fredericksburg, Texas.
There were 36 participates at the WLAC Texas Qualifying with the top 10 qualifying for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championships. By qualifying for the World Livestock Auctioneer Championships, Austin becomes the third generation of Schabens’ to qualify for the WLAC. His father, Jon Schaben, won the 2003 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship title and his grandfather, Jim Schaben Sr. also competed in the WLAC.
Austin has been working at Dunlap Livestock Auction since he was a kid and has spent years watching his grandfather, father and uncles auctioneer. He didn’t go to auctioneering school until after he was out of college.
“I knew I always wanted to be back at the livestock auction, but wasn’t sure I was going to be an auctioneer,” he said.
Austin has now been in the auctioneering side for the past 10 years.
“I really thought I wanted to make a go at it and make my own stamp in this industry,” Austin said. “The legacy part was a big push to it too. I felt like I could make my mark and be helpful in the business (livestock market).”
For the past few years, Austin has been competing in auctioneer contests. This was his fifth time trying to qualify for the WLAC.
He has learned from competing in different competitions, how to evolve his “auction chant” as he has seen different styles. Austin said he was always worried about being fast. His dad gave him a tip - clarity is a big thing so people can understand and pick up numbers.
Austin has also received feedback from follow competitors/auctioneers as they help evaluate each other.
“Through the process of competition I have learned to slow down my chant and use my booming voice (from previous generations),” Austin said. “I’m allowing my voice to be clear and instead of worrying about being fast.”
Though this experience, he has developed friendships from competing as he has auctioneer friends from all over the United States.
Austin will compete in the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in June. The convention will be held in Deadwood, South Dakota, and the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship will be held at St. Onge Livestock in St. Onge, South Dakota.
Dunlap Livestock hosted the 2025 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship back in June.
