Torrington Livestock Markets changes hands after 36 years under Madden leadership

TORRINGTON (WNE) –– Chuck Petersen and Lander Nicodemus became partners in Torrington Livestock Markets on July 10, taking over one of the nation’s largest auction markets by volume after longtime owner Lex Madden stepped away due to health concerns. 

The transition marks the end of an era for the southeastern Wyoming facility, which has operated under the Madden family leadership since 1989. 

Brothers Shawn and Lex Madden built the operation into what industry sources describe as the largest independent livestock market in the nation.

Petersen joined Torrington Livestock Markets as a field representative in 2008 and became a partner when Shawn Madden retired eight years ago. 

Nicodemus worked as a field representative and auctioneer for the company for a decade before becoming a partner when Michael Schmitt retired. 

The facility processes up to 18,000 head of cattle per week and draws livestock from a nine-state region including Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, South Dakota and Montana. 

On sale days, up to 60 employees work at the facility.

“We’re not going to try to make a lot of change,” said Petersen. “We’re just going to stick to the process that has worked so well for so many years and do the best we can to serve.” 

The Madden brothers established their reputation as champion auctioneers during their tenure. Lex was named World Livestock Auctioneering Champion in 1998, followed by Shawn in 2001. They remain the only brother duo to achieve this distinction. Both were inducted into the Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame in July 2024. 

This story was published on July 30, 2025.