The Calgary Stampede in Canada is one of the world’s great festivals and bills itself as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” and attracts over one million visitors per year. Fiso Hadebe is pictured upon arrival at The Stampede (BSA Picture).
Fiso Hadebe, a staff member at Bloodstock South Africa, has touched down in Calgary, Canada, where he will represent South Africa in the prestigious International Livestock Auctioneers Championship on Saturday, 12 July.
The event is a highlight of the Calgary Stampede Festival, a 10-day rodeo and exhibition extravaganza held annually in Alberta’s Rocky Mountain foothills, and known globally as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. The winning auctioneer will take home $US10,0000.
At just 24, Fiso is already making his mark on the South African stage. He was crowned the 2024 Toyota SA National Young Auctioneer of the Year, following several years as runner-up. Now, he’ll be one of 40 up-and-coming auctioneers from around the world vying for top honours in Calgary.
Fiso’s interest in auctioneering was sparked shortly after finishing school, when he enrolled at Weston Agricultural College in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal. Initially drawn to general farming — including crop production, irrigation, and livestock management — Fiso’s path changed when he learned about the Toyota National Young Auctioneer contest.
“The trip to Canada was a tempting prospect for all the boys,” he recalled. “When I tried auctioneering, I loved it!”
Under the mentorship of local farmer and seasoned auctioneer Angus Williamson, Fiso began his journey selling cattle and sheep, gradually sharpening his skills. Angus, a familiar bid-spotter at Bloodstock South Africa sales, later introduced Fiso to the thoroughbred industry, a world he took to like a duck to water.
Under the expert guidance of the Bloodstock SA team, Fiso mastered every aspect of a major thoroughbred auction — from the administrative intricacies to the delicate balance of keeping vendors and buyers satisfied. Building on this foundation, he made a confident leap into horse auctioneering. “I had incredible support from Steve Davis, Graeme Hawkins, and Andrew Miller,” Fiso said. “My first few sessions at the Nationals went particularly well,” he noted.
Now settled into his Calgary hotel, Fiso is busy rehearsing customary auctioneering ‘tongue-twisters’ in preparation for the competition, which kicks off with preliminary rounds on Friday, 11 July.
Contestants will be judged on their ability to spot and acknowledge bids, maintain auction cadence and rhythm, deliver clear and engaging presentations, demonstrate livestock knowledge, and uphold professional standards. “There are some differences I’m preparing for,” Fiso noted. “Here in Canada, they sell lots per kilogram and in dollars, and we’ll each have just a few short sessions to prove our worth.”
Fiso will be meeting with the organisers and a few of the other finalists ahead of the competition and said: “The weather is glorious and I am so privileged and excited to be here. This is my first ever trip outside the borders of South Africa.”
Michael Holmes, CEO of BSA, said: “Fiso is a talented and well-liked young man who has excelled at all the duties we have given him over the last few years. He has already done us proud, and we’ll be holding thumbs for him this weekend.”
