Auctioneer named world champion

After competing for the title four times, Billings livestock auctioneer Ty Thompson has been crowned world champion by the Livestock Marketing Association. Thompson beat 32 other auctioneers from across the nation to win. Lewistown auctioneer Kyle Shobe was runner up. Thompson won use of a pickup for a year, $500, a custom saddle and a bronze statue. The 36-year-old will now travel the country, auctioneering at two dozen livestock sales events. Livestock auctioneers are expected to make split-second judgments on the value of livestock to start the bidding process, and balance the interests of ranchers trying not to sell too low with buyers trying not to overpay. AP