LMA Names Leadership for Coming Year

Newly appointed committees will guide LMA’s policy, advocacy and industry leadership efforts following record member participation at the association’s Annual Convention.

The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) announced the appointment of its leadership committees for the 2026–2028 term during the association's Annual Convention in Deadwood, South Dakota.

The appointments follow what was the largest Annual Convention turnout in LMA history, reflecting members’ commitment to working together on behalf of the livestock marketing industry and rural America.

"LMA has never been better positioned for members to get involved and make a difference," said LMA President, Joe Goggins. "The record participation at our convention demonstrates the strength of this association and the willingness of our members to come together, share their experiences, and advocate for the future of our industry."

Goggins credited past president, Mike Van Maanen, for expanding LMA's committee structure, creating additional opportunities for members to engage in the association's policy, advocacy, and industry leadership efforts.

"Under Mike's leadership, we expanded our committees and opened the door for more members to contribute their expertise and perspectives," Goggins said. "I'm excited about the opportunities ahead with our leadership committees and staff. It will be through their hard work and commitment that we continue building momentum for this association and achieving positive outcomes for our members."

Goggins encouraged committee members to approach their work with purpose, conviction, and a focus on finding solutions that benefit LMA members, livestock producers, and rural communities across the country.

"As a collective group, we must continue promoting and proving the value of the auction method of livestock marketing," he said. "This industry—and our country—depend on competition and true price discovery. Those principles are critical to maintaining a strong, viable livestock marketplace."

The following individuals will serve in committee leadership positions for the next two years:

Animal Handling and Facility Management Committee

1. Chairman: Todd Eberle, Burwell and Broken Bow Livestock Market (Nebraska)
2. Holland Brewer, Trenton Regional Stockyard (Tennessee)
3. Jared Cozzi, Dos Palos Y Auction Yard (California)
4. Daniel O'Donnell, Stockmen's Livestock Exchange (North Dakota)
5. Dr. Stephen Matthews, WNC Livestock Exchange LLC (North Carolina)
6. Tina Macedo, Tulare Sales Yard (California)
7. Ken Stauffer, Premier Livestock (Wisconsin)

Emergency Preparedness Committee

1. Chairman: Ben Hale, Western Livestock Commission Company (Oklahoma)
2. Wayne Cowley, Producers Livestock Marketing Association (Utah)
3. Chad Fleenor, Volunteer Stockyards (Tennessee)
4. Julie Hathaway, Overland Stockyard (California)
5. Nick Hayes, Winner Livestock Auction (South Dakota)
6. Heidi Nicholas, Empire Livestock (New York)
7. Rich Robertson, Crawford Livestock (Nebraska)

Government and Industry Affairs Committee

1. Chairman: Brody Peak, Emporia Livestock Sales (Kansas)
2. Jim Akers, Blue Grass Stockyards (Kentucky)
3. Devon Baum, Elgin Livestock (Nebraska)
4. Joe Don Eaves, Tulsa Stockyards (Oklahoma)
5. Josh LeMaster, LeMaster Livestock (South Carolina)
6. Bracken Marburger, Milano Livestock Exchange (Texas)
7. Jay Nordhausen, Ogallala Livestock and North Platte Livestock (Nebraska)
8. John Robertson, Coleman Livestock Auction (Texas)
9. Ty Thompson, Billings Livestock Commission (Montana)
10. Steve Sterchi, Steve Sterchi Livestock (Kentucky)

Market Access and Viability Committee

1. Chairman: Stephanie Barnett, Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock (Kentucky)
2. Megan Atchison, Wichita Livestock Sales Company (Texas)
3. Jason Lekin, Tama Livestock Auction Company (Iowa)
4. Bill Martin, Lonestar Stockyards (Texas)
5. Scott McCornack, National Livestock (Oklahoma)
6. Justin Mora, Humboldt Auction Yard (California)
7. Lander Nicodemus, Torrington Livestock Market (Wyoming)
8. Byron Wheeler, Wheeler Livestock Auction (Missouri)

Sheep and Goat Committee

1. Chairman: Michael Simpson, Warren County Livestock Company (Tennessee)
2. Charley Christensen, Producers Auction (Texas)
3. Mandy Geistweidt, Gillespie Livestock (Texas)
4. Abdullah Hussaini, Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales Association (Wisconsin)
5. Tristen Tyler, Colby Livestock Auction (Kansas)
6. Adam Williams, Calhoun Stockyard (Georgia)
7. Zach Zumstein, Treasure Valley Livestock Auction (Idaho)

World Livestock Auctioneer Championship Committee

1. Chairman: Kyle Shobe, Lewistown Livestock Auction (Montana)
2. Joe Fisher, Farmers Commission Company (Oklahoma)
3. Kevin Larson, Aberdeen Livestock (South Dakota)
4. Jared Miller, Lamoni Livestock Auction Market (Iowa)
5. Max Olvera, Turlock Livestock Auction Yard (California)
6. Robin Varleman, Livestock Exchange (Colorado)

Goggins expressed confidence in the newly appointed committee leaders and members.

"These individuals bring a tremendous amount of experience, perspective, and dedication to the table," he said. "I believe their leadership will help continue guiding our association in the right direction while strengthening the future of the livestock marketing industry."