On Tuesdays, Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays visits with Ben Hale of Western Livestock Auctions as he talks about the latest in the markets and more. Established in 1995, Western has grown into a multi-generational family-owned and operated business and stands as a symbol of tradition, excellence, and a deep-rooted passion for the cattle industry. Western Livestock Auctions operates the Western Livestock Commission Firm, which sells cattle on Mondays and Tuesdays. They also operate the livestock auction markets in Woodward, Comanche, Waurika, and Knoxville, Iowa.
A steady-to-strong start to the week greeted cattle markets at Oklahoma National Stockyards, Hale said Monday’s run totaled “almost 6,500” head, notably higher than the prior week. While overall tone remained positive, Hale noted differences across classes: “the feeder deal was sure stronger, and the calf deal was extremely good,” with heifers “maybe a little bit stronger,” even if the market wasn’t quite as aggressive as earlier in the month.
Hale pointed to a sharp rally since New Year’s Day, calling the first weeks of the year “quite a rally.” Weather is playing into expectations, too. He said scattered moisture has helped but more is needed: “three-tenths to a half inch…is all going to help, but I think it was kind of hoping would get a little wider spread.” Even recent sleet and snow offered some benefit—“it sure greened it up and it started trying to grow”—which could buy producers some time.
On the demand side, Hale described buyers as “cautiously optimistic,” especially in the feeder market. With cattle coming off wheat ahead of combining, he expects runs to stay decent as the market tests itself in the next couple of weeks. He added that grazing pressure is tightening, prompting steady buying: “people know that it’s going to get tighter, and so they’re going to have to get some of these numbers.”
Looking ahead across the state, Hale outlined active schedules: Waurika with “12 to 1,500” head and solid runs at Woodward and Comanche, and cattle already lined up for later in the week. Despite adequate movement, he doesn’t foresee being overwhelmed: “I don’t think we’re going to be overwhelmed by any stretch, but…be enough to get somebody some cattle.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
