August 18, 2025
This Issues Topics:
2025 • Business Connections • Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce • Chehalis • Lewis County
Photo's Provided

Chehalis Livestock Market has been a member of the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce off and on since 1993. Shown here is Brenda Balmelli.

By Cynthia Mudge
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce

Sitting in the livestock arena, observers will hear the clipped cadence of the auctioneer echoing across the floor as cows are guided into the ring and bids fly. Moments later, a triumphant “sold!” signals the winning offer.

With only four livestock auction houses in Washington State, Chehalis Livestock Market provides a unique and crucial service to rural Lewis County and surrounding regions. Toppenish is the closest cattle auction.

Founded in 1987 by Dave Balmelli and Joe Parypa—lifetime Lewis County residents—Chehalis Livestock has remained a family-operated business for nearly four decades. After Joe Parypa passed away in 2019, the Balmelli family continued co-owning the business with Parypa’s wife, Ellen, until 2024 when the Balmellis purchased and took over sole ownership. Their continued stewardship marks Chehalis Livestock as a true heritage business—rooted in tradition and driven by family values.

Chehalis Livestock draws sellers and buyers from across Western Washington and even parts of Oregon, including the coast. When asked how COVID-19 affected operations, Brenda Balmelli explained that livestock auctions were deemed essential and continued uninterrupted. However, the equipment auctions had to shift to an online format due to pandemic restrictions.

“It turned out to be one of the positive changes,” said Balmelli. Online equipment auctions are now a permanent fixture, held annually in March, May, and September. “We also offer estate auctions and off-site auctions for folks retiring or downsizing their farms or businesses,” she added.

Still, the rural landscape is changing. “There is no conventional dairy farm left in Lewis County,” noted Balmelli. “They have all shifted to organic.” With fewer working farms and more land converted to housing, auction houses like Chehalis Livestock face challenges. Yet they remain committed to supporting the next generation of farmers, particularly youth interested in agriculture.

Chehalis Livestock hosts live auctions every Friday and on the last Saturday of each month in a heated arena. Dairy cattle are auctioned first, followed by beef cattle from the yard. A veterinarian is on staff, giving buyers the option to vaccinate livestock onsite.

Adding to the sense of community, the Stockman’s Café serves buyers, sellers, and anyone else from the ag world who stops in. “The market is more than just a place to buy and sell livestock,” said Balmelli. “It’s a gathering place for the agricultural community. Many people come just to connect, share stories, and learn about the market.”

A sign near Brenda Balmelli’s desk sums up their purpose well:
“Livestock auction markets provide a reliable, transparent, and secure way for sellers to receive fair and competitive prices. Representing both small and large producers, auctions offer valuable marketing expertise and price discovery through competitive bidding.”

Lewis County is fortunate to have such a dedicated family business serving the ag community.

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