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.
Another strong week at the Oklahoma National Stockyards reflected continued demand for cattle across Oklahoma, with auction activity staying active and prices holding firm in most classes. Hale said the market was “pretty well steady,” noting some heavier nine- and ten-weight cattle may have been “a little bit softer,” but overall it remained “a real, real good market on the grazing cattle the feeder cattle and heifers as well.”
Hale said quality remained solid, though the yards are beginning to see more new crop calves entering the pipeline. He explained there were “a lot of soft calves” along with others that had been “30 or 40 days weaned,” giving buyers a range of options. That mix likely influenced some grazing cattle values, especially among unweaned or short-weaned calves, but he emphasized the market stayed highly competitive with “lots and lots of demand on pretty well the feeders and the calves.”
Recent rainfall has also helped fuel buyer interest in certain parts of the state. Hale said producers with improved pasture conditions are eager to add stockers, cows, or pairs. “The ones that have had the rain, they are very optimistic,” he said, adding that many are “calling wanting to buy cows or find something to turn out on the grass they got.” Even with historically high replacement costs, he said many operators are adapting to current price levels and continuing to buy.
Looking ahead, Hale pointed to several upcoming sales around the state, including a special cow sale in Waurika featuring around 700 cows. He also reported strong movement in regional markets, with large runs recently at Woodward, Comanche, and other auction barns. Summing up the broader trade, Hale said simply, “All markets have been good everywhere.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
