Overview

To provide an avenue to explore and bring awareness to the auction industry. This contest aims to shine a spotlight on the rich traditions and valuable bid-calling skills associated with the auction industry, promoting its significance as an industry that not only fosters commercial transactions, but also serves as a vibrant platform for verbal and interactive communication. 

 

Objectives:

1.  Skill Demonstration: To offer participants the opportunity to showcase their bid-calling abilities in a competitive environment, encouraging them to hone their techniques and fluency. 

2. Industry Exposure: To introduce and familiarize young individuals with the broader aspects of the auction industry, including its history, significance, and career opportunities. 

3. Communication Development: To understand the importance of verbal and interactive communication skills. Through active participation and feedback, contestants will learn the value of clarity, confidence, and engagement in the art of auctioneering. 

4. Networking: To connect participants with industry veterans, mentors, and peers, fostering relationships that could guide them should they choose a path in the auction industry. 

5. Education: While the contest emphasizes skill and professionalism, it also seeks to create an environment where participants can learn, be inspired, and most importantly, enjoy the fast-paced environment of the auction industry. 

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Event Format:​

• Official FFA Dress is required.

• Read the Contest Structure section of the rules document.

• Each contestant sells two items consecutively in both the qualifying and state championship rounds. Contestants will sell the items they themselves provided for the contest. A list of ideas can be found in the rules.  These can be donated items through your community and FFA Chapter.

• • The contestant will be selling in a live auction setting to real buyers for real money. The contestant is responsible for knowing the amount each item sold for and the bidder number of the winning bidder. 

• There will be 3-5 judges from the MSAA Board and MSAA FFA Auctioneering Contest Committee.

• On the scorecard used for the qualifying round, the total possible points in each category will be as follows: 

  • Professionalism - 20 points 

  • Chant/Voice - 45 points 

  • Effective Auctioneering - 35 points 

• On the scorecard used for the state contest round, the total possible points in each of the categories will be as follows: 

  • Professionalism - 10 points 

  • Chant/Voice - 25 points 

  • Effective Auctioneering - 25 points 

  • Interview - 40 points 

• The scores of the judges will be added together for the contestants' final scores. 

• In the event there is still a tie, the contestant with the highest score in the Chant/Voice category will be selected. If necessary, the third tiebreaker would go to the contestant with the highest score in the Effective Auctioneering category. 

• The scores from the qualifying round determine who will go on to finals. Scores will reset for the finals contest round. 

• The top 3 contestants will be announced at the completion of the finals round. Contestants will be recognized at the MN FFA Convention in April 2026. 

• All finals competitors will be asked a pre-published interview question prior to selling their two auction items during the finals round of the contest. 

• Only finals competitors will interview. Contestants will have up to two minutes to answer the question. Responses will be timed. Contestants are not penalized if they do not use the entire two minutes to answer the interview question. 

• Winners of the FFA Auctioneering Contest will be announced at the end of the finals contest round at the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association Conference & Show and will perform and be recognized at the State FFA Convention.

 

Prizes and Awards

• Second Runner Up 

  • Second Runner Up Trophy 

  • Complimentary conference registration for the 2027 MSAA Conference & Show 

• First Runner Up 

  • First Runner Up Trophy 

  • Complimentary conference registration for the 2027 MSAA Conference & Show 

• State Champion 

  • State Champion Trophy 

  • 2026 Minnesota FFA State Champion Auctioneer Buckle 

  • Conference registration for the 2026 National Auction Association Conference & Show in San Antonio, TX 

  • 2026 International Junior Auctioneer Championship (IJAC)

  • Registration Fee (Championship to take place at NAA Conference & Show in San Antonio, TX) 

  • Travel Scholarship to cover travel expenses for NAA Conference & Show and IJAC 

  • Full Scholarship to Auction School (TBD)

  • One Year Paid Membership for the Minnesota State Auctioneers Association 

  • Complimentary conference registration for the 2027 MSAA Conference & Show 

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