A Letter from the South Dakota Auctioneers Association President

Fellow Affiliates!
Spring has sprung, and I hope this finds you enjoying green grass, the freshness in the air and a new season!
I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve as President of the SDAA for the 2025/2026 year. Many memories were made between the SD State Fair Bid Calling Contest last August and the Black Hills Stock Show Bid Calling Contest in February. Working with several of our members throughout the year as well as witnessing growth and excellencies in our craft through these contests have been a privilege for me.
Now, the SDAA 64th Annual Convention is right around the corner, June 4th and 5th, in Brookings this year. I am excited to share that we have a variety of local professionals teaching us about Trust Law & Contracts, Emotional Intelligence in Sales, Land Management, and a Banker Panel ranging from AI, Fraud, and ACH to Leadership. We also have one of our own, the Girard Auction Team, graciously giving of their time to teach us how they utilize Shipping Saint and AI in their business! Calling auctioneers of all kinds to attend convention this year to make time for relationships and gain treasures from training that can transform your next year!
There is a unique line up of local attractions for the ladies and/or guests to enjoy a taste of Brookings as well! If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so on www.sdaa.net/events. There is .pdf option you can print and fill out, and also a Microsoft Word option you can download, fill out, and either print or email.
Hope to see you soon!
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



