08/14/2026
Iowa State Fair Contestant Keenan Thygesen is a first-generation auctioneer who grew up in Tunbridge, Vermont.
His journey into the auction industry began in June 2023 when he attended the Western College of Auctioneering. Since then, Keenan has earned the title of Iowa Auctioneers Rookie Bid Calling Champion in 2024 and joined the team at O'Sullivan Auctioneers in Minnesota.
Keenan is especially passionate about fundraising auctions, where he enjoys helping schools and nonprofit organizations to raise money to support their missions. He also enjoys calling county, and state fair Purple Ribbon Auctions to help the next generation of livestock youth continue their passions.
A recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, Keenan now works with Nelson Dairy Consultants, serving dairy producers throughout the Upper Midwest. Outside of work, he enjoys judging dairy cattle shows and fitting dairy cattle.
Keenan is honored to compete in the Iowa State Auctioneers Bid Calling Semi-Finals and appreciates the opportunity to showcase his passion for the auction profession alongside some of the industry's finest auctioneers.
