2022 Spring Newsletter

Hello MAA Friends,

Time flies, doesn’t it?  Here I am on the 10^th of March writing this article and it feels like last week we were in Lewistown, MT for our annual convention. What a good reminder to make the most of each day, as they come and go so quickly!

Thank you to Jayson & Kyle Shobe for hosting, yet another, wonderful convention this year, January 28^th & 29^th.   Forty-nine MAA members attended this year’s event.  Keynote speakers, John & Billie Jo Schultz, gave members an in-depth look at marketing best practices across many different marketing platforms.  In the bid calling contest, Myron Yoder was crowned 2022 Montana State Auctioneer Champion, followed in 2^nd place by Jeff Jedlica and 3^rd place by Brian Young.  Colton Young won the Rookie Division.  Congratulations to all the winners and contestants for being a part of this year’s contest!

A highlight of the convention was the induction of Jayson Shobe into the MAA Hall of Fame.  Jayson joins this select group of inductees who have dedicated countless hours and resources to the MAA and its efforts over the years.  Thank you, Jayson, for all that you have done for the MAA and Congratulations!

Three people we owe a big thank you to are: JK Kinsey, Gideon Yutzy and Kevin Hill. For the past three years, JK has served us as President, Kevin as Immediate Past President and Gideon as a Director, contributing greatly in doing so.  Thank you all for your commitment and leadership.  I’d also like to welcome and congratulate our new Directors, Blaine Ophus and Cole Morrison.

To date, the Board of Directors have met once since convention, and we have started identifying our objectives for the year.  We will outline what those objectives are in our next newsletter. In the meantime, please let us know if there are any specific projects you would like the board to consider.

As we all know, this is a busy time of year for our members and industry.  Please remember to utilize the resources provided by the MAA as you conduct auctions this spring.

Thank you for being a MAA member!

Kind Regards,

Nick Bennett, MAA President

Auctioneers And Friends,

First, I’d like to extend a big thanks to the Shobe Family for hosting the MAA convention.  It’s never a question of “will it be a successful” venue, but always satisfying to know we can count on Lewistown for a good time. Congratulations to Kyle & Jodie in their new role of purchasing the Lewistown Livestock Auction market, so appreciated the tour Friday afternoon and wish them the best in years to come. Next, it goes without saying one of Montana’s most deserving auctioneers was inducted into MAA’s Hall of Fame, Jayson Shobe. A great friend to all auctioneers, mentor to new auctioneers and respected businessman across the State of Montana… Congratulations.

I’m happy to report MAA’s finances are in good shape. Since it’s been 2 years since a convention our bank account was drawn down more than usual, however, because we’ve always kept a comfortable reserve the MAA was never in jeopardy. The Lewistown convention was a great success which helps to shore up the account once again. Currently our account balance is $37,715.51, which is on par compared to previous years, at this time of our fiscal calendar. We increased payment to Baze Management from $500 to $600 per month so it’s necessary to continue looking for ways to fundraise and support our association. Furthermore, with the upward spiral of inflation we’re sure to experience other increases in services going forward.  I also gave notice to the BOD and membership this would be my last year as treasurer. After 16 years as treasurer and 30 +/- consecutive years on the BOD, it’s time to pass the torch to someone else. I’ve enjoyed being involved with the MAA, its members and hope we are a better association today than we were 30 years ago. The BOD will vet a new nominee for treasurer and will present to the membership in 2023 for vote.

In closing, this will be my last article contribution so I’m cutting loose. In my humble opinion our country is in a state of dire straits of which I’ve never seen in my lifetime. We are at war with Russia, inflation is at an unprecedented level, fuel/fertilizer/seed/lumber/equipment at record prices, products becoming scarce or hard to get and an administration whose agenda and mindset is destroying the very values our country was founded on. We better all stock up, save up and buckle up because we’re going to see things get worse before they get better. Hope to see some of you in San Diego – have a safe summer!

Most sincerely,

Merton Musser, CAI
Musser Bros. Inc