The North Dakota Auctioneers Association is inviting FFA members from across the state to learn the art of the chant at its first-ever Fall Bid-Calling Camp, set for Wednesday, September 16, at Steffes Auctioneers in West Fargo. The one-day camp builds toward a live student auctioneering contest at 3:45 p.m. at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, held in conjunction with the Big Iron Farm Show.
Registration is free for the first 25 students to sign up; additional students may register for $75 to help cover camp costs. NDAA is covering all meals, contest items, and awards at no cost to students or their chapters.
Throughout the day, students will train directly with NDAA member auctioneers and Justin Kennedy of the Oklahoma Auction School, covering chant building, ringwork and item description, stage presence and public speaking, and the business side of an auction career.
“This camp gives kids a real, hands-on look at a profession most of them have never considered — and a lot of them are naturals,” said Ben Stiegelmeier, who is coordinating the partnership on behalf of NDAA.
Stiegelmeier told KFGO News, “It’s just a fantastic program for kids to get real-world experience in the auction industry and get a feel for it. See if they like it. A lot of them do. And when I found out about it in other states, I’ve I’ve been working to try to get it happening here in North Dakota, and it’s finally happening. We have approval from FFA to do this, and I think it’s going to be a big hit and a big success here.”
The Fall Camp is the first stage of a new three-stage pathway NDAA has built with North Dakota FFA. Students who continue can compete in a Preliminary State Contest at NDAA’s 75th Anniversary Convention in February 2027, with the top five to ten advancing to the North Dakota State FFA Bid-Calling Championship at the 2027 State FFA Convention.
Any participating FFA Student is eligible for this opportunity.
“If there’s parents or grandparents who hear about this, they want their kids to be involved. Check out the information at the North Dakota Auctioneers Association website. If you are going to be in Fargo at Big Iron, bring your checkbook because there’s going to be students selling real items to a real crowd for real money, and it’s going to be a lot of fun. So come out and enjoy the the live auction and support the kids,” said Stiegelmeier.
Ag teachers and FFA advisors are encouraged to share this opportunity with their students. Contact NDAA for registration details.
The registration deadline is noon on Friday, September 11th.
North Dakota Auctioneers Association news release, KFGO News
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