Colleagues, friends and family describe Ross Annett as professional, dedicated, loyal and a man of integrity.
Unsurprisingly, the Livestock Markets Association of Canada paused to recognize Annett’s retirement from Bow Slope Shipping Association in Brooks, Alta., after a 50-year career, during the annual convention in Waterloo, Ont., in May.
“(Annett’s) brought the level of professionalism and expertise to the auction industry to a whole new level,” said Rob Bergevin of Alberta’s Foothills Auctioneers. “Thank you for your integrity and what you’ve brought to the livestock marketing industry.”
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In 1971, Annett moved from Ontario to Fort MacLeod Auction and Hurlburt Auction in Lethbridge. He learned the ropes under his father, Ralph, and his uncle, Harold, who instilled the importance of a good reputation and the value of honesty.
He joked that he made a dollar an hour pumping gas in Ontario and got 15 hours a week. Fort MacLeod paid $1.25 for all the hours he could manage.
“I should say that through the fall run out there, we’d work …36-hour shifts, go up and sleep in the stands,” said Annett. “And it was great. I never loved anything any more than that.”
In 1974, he took his talents to the Bow Slope Shipping Association in Brooks, building on those principles and eventually launching Annett Auction Center and T-Down Trailers. He assured everyone his April retirement from Bow Slope wouldn’t affect Annett Auction Center or the trailer business.
“I’ll do some live farm sales …and of course, we will go on with the ranch. That’s a way of life; it always has and always will be,” said Annett. “Not a whole lot has changed other than my Fridays now belong to someone else.”
World champion auctioneer Dan Skeels said Annett’s influence, impact on young auctioneers and commitment to the trade is noteworthy.
“The man is a bit of a legend,” said Skeels.
“He’s a class act. It’s been a pleasure to know him and a pleasure to share an auction block with him.”
Annett’s talent behind the mic is well documented: 14 times as a top-10 finalist at the Calgary Stampede, being crowned the 2004 Canadian Livestock Auctioneer Champion, the 2023 Brooks-Newell region Citizen of the Year, and his generosity and selflessness as a mentor. During the pandemic, Annett, a 45-year 4-H supporter, created a platform allowing the kids to sell their livestock online.
Albertan Jesse Lawes, 2023 Canadian Livestock Auctioneering Champion, said Annett set the bar high by elevating honesty and integrity within the livestock industry.
“I’ve sure felt the effects of your guidance and push to be a part of the associations and the competitions,” said Lawes.
Hall of Fame inductee Jack McKennitt, a Manitoba livestock dealer and market operator, was also honoured. McKennitt played an integral role in keeping the marketing business alive in Manitoba and served as president of both LMAC and the Manitoba Livestock Markets Association. When the terminal market in Winnipeg closed, McKennitt invested in a new auction market northwest of the city. When the province adopted the Beef Commission, threatening auction market sustainability and Manitoba’s free market system, his fiery passion ensured a clawback.
LMAC also honoured Winnipeg cattle buyer Doug Jackson, Ontarian Fred Jacklin, Maple Hill Auction and Ontario Livestock Exchange’s Jim Wideman’s entry into the Memorial Honour Roll.
