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. Today Ron Hays visits with Peyton Hale.
The first sale at the Oklahoma National Stockyards following the holiday featured a light run of around 1,000 head, according to Peyton Hale of Western Livestock. Hale said the market was difficult to gauge because of the small offering and mixed quality cattle. Early trade was lower after the futures board opened sharply down, but prices improved as the day progressed, with the market finishing closer to steady.
Looking back on the first half of 2026, Hale described the cattle market as highly volatile. He pointed to challenges including New World screwworm concerns, light cattle supplies, and ongoing herd retention. Despite the uncertainty, Hale believes the market should remain strong through the rest of the year if adequate rainfall continues and widespread drought conditions are avoided, which would likely keep cattle receipts on the lighter side.
Hale also discussed the Western Livestock markets his family operates in southern Oklahoma. The Waurika market, located just north of the Red River, draws many cattle from North Texas and averages about 2,000 head each week. The Comanche market, about 20 miles farther north, primarily serves southern Oklahoma producers and averages around 1,200 head weekly.
Sale volumes are expected to remain somewhat lighter this week because of the holiday schedule, with an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 head at Waurika and about 1,000 head at Comanche on Wednesday. Hale expects business to return closer to normal by midweek, with the Woodward Livestock Market also anticipating a more typical run of 1,500 to 2,000 head later in the week.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
