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.
Summer heat and uncertainty surrounding the cattle market combined to slow movement this week, according to Hale. Hale said many producers chose to hold cattle rather than market them during the extreme temperatures. “It looks like it’s going to be hot the rest of the week,” Hale said. “I think it gave them a chance to take a breather. There is plenty of grass around right now. We’re getting dry in some spots, but it’s not like we’re completely out, so they could hold still for a minute, and probably not a bad idea.”
At the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Hale said the lighter receipts reflected the weather, and calf prices were lower. “The calves were dang sure cheaper,” he said, noting that declining fall feeder cattle futures also weighed on the market. However, demand for feeder steers remained surprisingly strong. “The feeder steer deal was fully steady, maybe just a pinch softer than a week ago,” Hale said, adding that buyers were actively pursuing 750- to 800-pound feeder cattle because supplies remain limited.
Hale said the biggest concern among cattle producers is the uncertainty created by outside influences rather than changing market fundamentals. “It’s not fundamentals that’s flipped this thing on its head,” he said. “We scare the heck out of each other, and then the market sells off.” Referring to the phased reopening of the Mexican border to cattle imports, Hale believes the market reaction has been overdone. “I don’t think there’s a massive amount of cattle to come when they do open it,” he said. “To me, not a $15 drawback from Friday.”
Despite the market volatility, Western Livestock has a busy week of sales scheduled across Oklahoma. Hale said the company expects around 1,500 head at Waurika, a quality stock cow offering at Comanche, and approximately 1,000 yearlings plus 300 cows at Woodward. With temperatures remaining high, he said the priority is caring for both livestock and people. “Just try to start early, keep them under sprinklers and keep everything cool, people and cattle.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
