Ellington Peek, born in 1928 in Stockton, California, was deeply rooted in the livestock industry, carrying forward a legacy established by his great-grandfather in the 1850s. Raised in a family of ranchers and cattle buyers, Peek gained early experience hauling cattle with his father. After serving in Korea, he returned to California and, alongside his wife, Betty Gomes, established what would become a monumental contribution to the cattle industry: Shasta Livestock Auction Yard.
In 1955, Peek managed the Susanville Auction Yard before leasing and eventually purchasing the Shasta Auction Yard in Anderson. By 1966, the business moved to a larger facility in Cottonwood, growing into the highest-volume auction yard west of the Rockies. The yard became a hub for ranchers, featuring a restaurant, veterinary clinic, farm supply store, and Betty’s Shasta Western Shop.
A family-run enterprise, Shasta Livestock thrived under Peek’s leadership, with his children Andy, Callie, Brad, and Laurie playing pivotal roles. The family expanded their influence by establishing Western Video Market in 1990, a leader in video cattle auctions broadcast nationwide. Over decades, the business earned awards for environmental stewardship, marketing, and innovation, including Peek’s 2007 Chester A. Reynolds Award.
Beyond commerce, Shasta Livestock fostered strong ties with local cattlemen’s associations and generously supported the industry. Peek’s legacy of integrity, innovation, and community service endures through his family, who continue to manage Shasta Livestock Auction Yard and its contributions to the livestock industry in Northern California and beyond.
