[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1379-E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN KORREY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB SCHAFFER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 1998

  Mr. BOB SCHAFFER of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
John Korrey of Iliff, Colorado who recently earned first place at the 
International Livestock Auctioneer Championship held in Calgary, 
Alberta, Canada. Along with farming and ranching, Mr. Korrey and his 
wife, Janna, own Korrey Auction Services and co-run Primary Livestock 
Sales Management in Iliff.
  John Korrey decided to be an auctioneer when his father, a produce 
farmer, took him to livestock sales. He listened and watched the 
auctioneers and adopted each trait that appealed to him. When 
describing his auctioneering experiences, Mr. Korrey stated, ``I didn't 
become a quality auctioneer overnight. It takes years of practice and 
learning. I learn everyday. Sales or mistakes, I always learn. If you 
are too old to learn, you are in major trouble.''
  With that energetic attitude, Mr. Korrey found himself competing in 
the International Livestock Auctioneer Championship. In the 
International competition 30 competitors auctioned cattle at the 
Alberta Fed Beef Expo in Strathmore, Alberta on the first day. On the 
second day, the top 10 auctioneers auctioned 3,000 cattle at the 
Calgary Fair.
  Five judges measured competitors on appearance, mannerisms, and 
deportment, worth 20 points; spotting bids, repartee and time; worth 40 
points. Each judge could award 100 points to each competitor. The 
competitors score was averaged over the two days with the high and low 
score tossed out. Korrey walked away from the competition with the top 
prize including $5000, a custom designed silver belt buckle, and an 
invitation to Jones and Vold Auction Company in Ponoka, Alberta.
  Korrey's daughters, Heidi and Lacey, were at the auction cheering him 
on and had eight of the 10 winners placed correctly. When asked if his 
daughters placed him first, Korrey laughed and said, ``They better. It 
was special to have them here.''
  This was Korrey's sixth year at the championship and he always 
finished in the top five. Although he will not be eligible to compete 
in next year's competition, Korrey can look forward to his new role as 
the contest's master of ceremonies. He will introduce all the 
competitors and conduct the auction at the Calgary Fair's champion 
livestock pens.
  As a member of Congress representing Colorado's Fourth District where 
John Korrey lives, works, and shares his passion for auctioneering with 
his community, I am proud to honor this talented man. I congratulate 
him

[[Page E1380]]

on this tremendous achievement. I also thank him for demonstrating 
excellence in a field which is so vital to this nation's ranching 
heritage and to rural Colorado.

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