A Letter from the South Dakota Auctioneers Association President
Dear Fellow Auctioneers,
As we drove home from this year’s excellent convention in Deadwood, organized so well by Mr. Nick & Erica Stormo, I was reminded of what a gift it is to be part of this association. We built friendships, shared laughs, and created lasting memories together. However, we truly missed our Executive Secretary, Mrs. Dawn Luckett, who is healing at home. A big thank you to those who stepped up to fill her shoes, including Clayton Keck, Josh Luckett, Val Luckett, and Nick & Erica Stormo, among many others. Your efforts made a significant difference!
Being part of this association brings countless benefits, such as visibility, growth, and valuable relationships. When I was elected to the SDAA Board about ten years ago, I was hesitant, but I’m grateful I got involved. This journey has deepened my understanding of the auction industry. I vividly recall my very first real estate auction; it required a lot of courage for me to get up and auction off the property. After the sale, a family with two young daughters approached me. They had expected a gentleman auctioneer and for some reason, were pleasantly surprised to see me instead. That experience taught me how stepping out in faith can encourage others—just as Chisum Peterson said a few years ago, “put your best foot forward, because you never know when a six-year-old is watching!”
We invite all auctioneers to join this association, whether you want to compete or simply be part of the South Dakota Auctioneers team.
Think about getting involved in some way at our upcoming events:
- The South Dakota State Fair Bid Calling Contest on August 31st at 2 PM, taking place at the Farm Bureau Dakotaland Stage in Huron.
- The Black Hills Stock Show Bid Calling Contest in early February 2026. More details will follow, but please note that we limit contestants to 20. Be sure to get your name in the hat by texting or calling SDAA at 605-350-3020.
- Also, mark your calendars for the 2026 Convention in Brookings at the Brookings Inn on June 4 & 5. Reservations can be made at 605-692-9471.
Looking forward to seeing you at the events in the upcoming months!
Megan E. Hammond
SDAA President
Back: 2021 Ken Girard, Wakonda SD; 2015 Jared Sutton, Sioux Falls SD; 2012 Jeff Storm, Custer SD; 2023 Justin Dean, Artesian SD; 2018 Ron Bradeen, Custer SD; 2014 William Bill Eckert, Okaton SD; 2016 Randy Owen, Watertown SD;
Front: 2024 Nick Stormo, Hayti SD; 2009 Ben Meyer, Huron SD; 2007 Val Luckett, Wessington Springs SD
incoming President Scott Moore
Back Row: 2015 Jared Sutton, 2020 Tucker Petrak, 2009 Ben Meyer, 2007 Val Luckett, 2017 Clayton Keck, 2014 Bill Eckert, 2016 Randy Owen
Front: 2018 Ron Bradeen, 2021 Ken Girard, 2012 Jeff Storm
from the 2017 People’s Choice Winner Clayton Keck from St Lawrence SD.
Notice Proud Dad Moment as President Ted Petrak Chamberlain SD looks on.
2019-2020 South Dakota Auctioneers Association President
Ted Petrak, Chamberlain, SD
Wayne Bessman presenting 2019-2020 SDAA President Ted Petrak
the traveling briefcase in memory or Warren Bessman
Front L to R: 2015 Jared Sutton Flandreau SD; 2018 Ron Bradeen Custer SD; 2012 Jeff Storm Custer SD; 2011 Don Sweeter Worthing SD; 2007 Val Luckett, Wessington Springs SD.
Wayne Bessman presenting 2018-2019 SDAA President Ken Girard
the traveling briefcase in memory or Warren Bessman
Back L to R: 2016 Marlin Fjelland Clark SD, 2015 Dan Clark Winner SD, 2004 Don Sweeter Worthing SD, 2002 Dale McPerson Rapid City SD, 2015 Wayne Bessman Madison SD, 2006 Vernell Qualm Platte SD, 2016 Terry Haiar Alexandria SD, 2017 Judson Seaman Rapid City SD, 2017 Tom Souvignier Canton SD
Front L to R: 2011 Marvin Girard Wakonda SD, 2018 Richard Wieman Marion SD, 2007 Darwin Fox DeSmet SD, 2012 Chuck Sutton Flandreau SD
Front Row L to R: Dale McPherson, Tom Souvignier, Judson Seaman, Bob Penfield
Front Row L to R: Val Luckett, Clayton Keck, Jared Sutton
