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.
Hale noted stronger receipts compared to last year. He said there were “6,200 head today compared to 4,200” a year ago, calling the market a “mixed bag.” Feeder cattle were described as “steady to three lower,” while front-end feeders were “fully steady, if not a little higher.” Calves remained “very, very active and higher,” making for what Hale called a “strong, strong market on all classes.”
Weather continues to influence producer decisions, with strong winds and dry conditions weighing on sentiment. Still, Hale pointed to recent snow, sleet, and spotty rain, saying it’s “unbelievable how much that wheat has changed in a short period of time.” With forecast chances of moisture ahead, he expressed optimism that conditions could improve, helping wheat and early grass and potentially easing some market pressure.
That moisture, Hale said, would only intensify what he called “green grass fever,” which he believes is already underway. Supported by a firm fat cattle market and solid fundamentals, he noted moisture would help “scatter these cattle out where they’re not all bunched up,” benefiting the broader industry. Buyer and seller attitudes remain positive, though Hale acknowledged some bankers are uneasy with rising costs. Even so, he emphasized, “these dollars per head are good,” citing heavy bred cows bringing “$3,800 to $4,300” and younger pairs reaching “$5,000 to $6,000.”
Looking ahead, Hale outlined active sales across the state, including upcoming runs at Comanche,Waurika, Woodward, and a return to Oklahoma City. He encouraged producers to reach out, saying, “We’d sure like the opportunity to work for you.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
