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.
As Oklahoma’s cattle markets move into June, market watchers are seeing some seasonal adjustments even as overall demand remains strong. Hale said the first June sale at Oklahoma City featured about 5,500 head, down from a year ago, with markets softer than they had been in recent weeks. Hale explained that conditions were expected to ease following the holiday break, noting, “We knew it was going to be 500 to 1500 head lower compared to two weeks ago,” though he added the market “still got along pretty good” as the board showed strength.
Hale said softer calf prices were especially noticeable among heavier, fleshy calves as hotter, more humid weather settles in. “The soft calf deal was what I saw probably really took the biggest hit with this heat and humidity,” he said, explaining that larger calves carrying more condition and hair often face discounts this time of year. Even so, Hale stressed those calves are “still selling extremely well, dollars per head,” though not at the pace seen over the prior several weeks. He added that producers with access to grass, particularly east of Interstate 35, may have more opportunities to hold cattle on pasture.
Beyond seasonal market shifts, Hale said concerns surrounding screwworm continue to linger while feeder cattle supplies tighten. “The feeder cattle numbers are just pretty well drying up,” he said, pointing to smaller runs and uncertainty about how markets will react to shrinking supplies and movement in futures. Hale noted cattle feeders and sellers are watching closely as the board fluctuates and trying to gauge “what’s going to happen on these types of numbers we get.”
Looking across the state, Hale said sale barns are returning to normal schedules after Memorial Day, with steady runs expected at locations including Waurika, Comanche, and Woodward. He expressed cautious optimism that feeder demand could improve deeper into summer, saying, “Hopefully, we usually get into June and then into July, we can pick that feeder deal up and hopefully can get that board to level off.” Still, Hale emphasized that moisture remains top of mind for cattle country, adding, “We need to keep praying for that.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
