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Live Auctions: Torrington Livestock Markets serves as the state’s largest livestock auction

by Wyoming Livestock Roundup

Torrington Livestock Markets, LLC has proudly served as a cornerstone of Wyoming’s agricultural community for decades. 

This vibrant auction house is not just a local favorite, it has become a vital resource for cattle producers throughout the nation.

Characterized by its bustling atmosphere, the market draws in cattle from across a diverse nine-state region, including Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, South Dakota and Montana. 

As Wyoming’s largest livestock market, it offers a variety of dynamic sales options catering to different needs. 

Whether a producer prefers the traditional excitement of live auctions, the convenience of video auctions or the personalized approach of private treaty sales, Torrington Livestock Markets has something for everyone. 

How it all started

The Torrington Livestock Commission Company was built in 1934 by the Petsch family. In the early 1940s, Mac Swanson purchased, then later sold to L.W. Maxfield in 1949.

 Over the years, Maxfield did extensive remodeling and in the 1960s, installed a sales ring to increase the efficiency of this market.

For 35 years, Maxfield continued to build the business, making it the largest auction in Wyoming, and it was ranked as one of the top five in the nation at the time.

Maxfield sold the yards to his sons Mike and Lester Maxfield, Jr. and Oliver Dicken in the late 1970s.

Mike and Oliver bought out Lester, Jr. in 1988, and a year later, Mike and Oliver sold one-half interest to two local brothers, Shawn and Lex Madden.

“We were leasing and operating Stockman Livestock south of Torrington, and in 1989, we partnered with the Maxfield brothers, merging the two sale barn companies to form Torrington Livestock Markets,” state the Madden brothers.

In 1999, Mike retired and Torrington Livestock Markets became the largest independent livestock market in the nation. After Oliver passed away in 2002, the Madden brothers were the only partners left running the operation.

As time passed, Michael Schmitt joined the Madden brothers, who ran the operation until 2017 when Shawn retired, and Chuck Petersen stepped in, taking over Shawn’s piece of the business.

“I always liked the Torrington area, and my family bought bred cows out of the barn. After finding a little house in town, I made a phone call to Lex. We visited a little bit, and by the end of our chat, he told me to come in after New Year’s Day for an interview. I’ve been working for Torrington Livestock Markets for 17 years now,” states Chuck.

In January of 2022, Michael Schmitt decided to retire from ownership at Torrington Livestock Markets and his then partners, Lex and Chuck, allowed Lander Nicodemus to join in ownership. 

“I originally joined the Torrington Livestock Markets as a field representative in 2014, and in the following year was given the opportunity to try my hand at auctioneering,” Lander notes. “For the past 10 years, I’ve been very fortunate to help market cattle for some of this region’s greatest livestock producers.”

Inside the operation

Torrington Livestock Markets is a full-service cattle marketing company, and at the core of the operation is their fixed facility livestock auction, which serves as the state’s largest livestock market.

“We offer multiple sales and sell up to 18,000 head per week,” Lex notes. “On sale days, we have up to 60 employees working. They make it possible for us to be successful, and we owe them many thanks.” 

Over the years, the operation has expanded, and the facilities have been improved, but technology and sale offerings have been fundamental to their success.

“The livestock marketing industry is a fast-paced business and is always changing, but technology has transformed much of the business,” Lander adds. 

As the operation continues to grow under the hard work and leadership of Lex, Chuck and Lander, they pride themselves on the relationships they have built.

“What we do day in and day out is business with people, building relationships with ranchers and cattle feeders,” Lander says. “The livestock market exists for one purpose – to create market opportunity for livestock producers.”

Chuck adds, “Right now, the demand for beef is strong, which is helpful for everyone involved in production from pasture to plate.”

For more information, visit torringtonlivestock.com or call 307-532-3333.

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.

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