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 described a standout run at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, noting, “it was good last week, and then it kind of tailed off… and that deal just took off yesterday morning on those grazing cattle.” He added that feeder cattle were “kind of steady to a little higher,” but in some cases, “it was sharply higher on some of those eight-weight cattle and nine-weight cattle,” calling it “just an awful good market, lots of activity.”
Demand for grazing cattle has been especially aggressive, even amid ongoing dry conditions across the region. Hale said, “Those grazing cattle just almost didn’t seem like there was a top on them. They were wanting them so bad,” pointing to what many in the industry refer to as “the promise of green grass fever.” Despite concerns about drought, optimism remains tied to potential rainfall, with Hale explaining producers are “already banking on that rain, hopefully,” and adding, “if it did rain, I think they may grab another gear on them.”
Market sentiment continues to vary widely depending on whether producers are buying or selling cattle. Hale explained, “the ones that are selling don’t want to leave any money on the table,” while buyers are facing a much different reality, saying they “can’t believe what it’s costing.” He summed it up simply: “It’s way two different conversations, just depends on what side of the coin you’re on,” noting the financial strain has pushed some to rely more heavily on lenders, as “it’ll eat a half a million dollars up pretty quick.”
Looking ahead, Hale expects relatively steady runs across regional markets, with numbers holding consistent in places like Waurika, Woodward, and Comanche. However, the weather will remain the key factor influencing movement. “I think we’re probably going to level off here,” he said, adding, “if we would start getting some rain… these runs would tighten up.” Until then, he characterized the overall pattern as steady, concluding, “all in all, we’re just in a slow pattern, especially if it starts raining.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
