Master the Auction Chant With the Dean of Auctioneering

Ralph Wade, a legendary figure in the cattle industry, has trained hundreds of auctioneers, many of whom became world champions themselves. He co-founded Champions Chant with Max Olvera in Turlock, California, focusing on personalized bid-calling training. He also offered online courses and produced a 90-minute instructional video on auctioneering techniques.

Ralph was inducted into the Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame in 2022, a prestigious honor from the Livestock Marketing Association recognizing his outstanding contributions to competitive marketing and true price discovery. Crowned the 1995 International Livestock Auctioneer Champion at the Calgary Stampede and the 1974 World Champion Auctioneer, Wade’s rhythmic chant and commanding presence transformed cattle sales at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. His expertise extended to purebred livestock, exotic animals, and zoo animals, earning him acclaim as “the best auctioneer anywhere in the country” from George Hall, president of the stockyards. With business interests in cattle herds across Oklahoma and Wyoming, Wade’s influence as a versatile industry leader is unmatched.

Wade’s legacy as a mentor and educator has profoundly shaped the next generation of auctioneers, with his teaching expertise evident in the success of world champions like Max Olvera, Bailey Ballou, and Charly Cummins, all influenced by his guidance. Through his 90-minute instructional video and personalized coaching at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Wade imparted his showmanship and deep livestock knowledge to aspiring auctioneers, including Will Epperly, who credits Wade’s mentorship for his achievements. Wade’s hands-on approach and commitment to fostering talent have produced a lineage of industry leaders, cementing his 2022 Hall of Fame induction as a testament to a career dedicated to elevating the cattle market’s integrity and competitiveness.