After listening to some of the top auctioneers in the state in a contest here this week, one observer said "you better have a good back" to succeed in the field.
"Because you're going to be responsible for moving items from one sale to another," he said.
But it was his strong voice, along with other skills of auctioneering, that won the day for Jonathan Hummer of Manheim.
Besting 29 others, Hummer was named champion auctioneer at the 33rd state Auctioneers' Association Bid Calling Contest, held Wednesday at the Farm Show.
Michael Martin of New Holland was named the contest's first runner-up.
Contestants were judged on voice timbre, microphone control, knowledge of the products being sold and timing of calling out bids, organizers explained.
The participants drew at random for their position in the bid-calling contest and could identify themselves only by their contestant number "so they could be judged without bias," officials said.
Spectators Wednesday could bid and buy items as part of the contest, with proceeds going to the state Farm Show Scholarship Foundation.
Some of the prized items included a veterinary book from the 1860s, a hand-crank record player, championship Hereford banners from the 1960 Farm Show and various chinaware and collectible items.
Pennsylvania is known for having "elite" auctioneers because of its strict regulations to obtain a permit, one auctioneer here said.
Also in the top 10 in this week's contest were Curtis Shenk of Manheim, who finished third, Rhonda Nissley of Mount Joy, who finished ninth.
While the 96th state Farm Show is winding down after nearly a week of events, there are plenty of activities remaining Friday and Saturday.
They include:
• Friday — 11:30 a.m., supreme champion wool sheep; 2 p.m., supreme champion dairy cattle; 2:30 p.m., cow milking contest; 3 p.m., best doe of show; 7 p.m., circuit finals rodeo.
• Saturday — 9:30 a.m., farm class horse pulling; 1 p.m., supreme champion boer goat; 5 p.m., circuit finals rodeo.
See the Farm Show webpage at www.farmshow.state.pa.us for a complete list of events.
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