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.
The Oklahoma National Stockyards had a strong market following the Labor Day holiday, with a little over 5,000 head selling Monday compared to about 6,000 a year ago. Hale said feeder steers were $15 to 25 higher, calves were also higher, and heifers were $10 to 20 higher. “Feeder steers were 15 to 25 higher, and the calves as well, and heifers about that 10 to 20 higher,” Hale said. He added that the market remains cautious on calves because of health concerns, but buyers are still looking to secure cattle for wheat grazing.
Hale said there is also growing interest from feeder buyers as some producers begin looking to add inventory. “On the feeder side of it, you know, the feeder guys and some guys that hadn’t been doing anything for a while are starting to buy some cattle,” he said. He noted that buyers are also watching supplies closely, particularly the availability of true long yearlings. “We’ve seen several 60 day wean eight weights, but that’s a lot different from 100 or 120 day yearling eight weight,” Hale said.
The cattle market also saw renewed activity after the volatility surrounding comments and proposed actions from President Donald Trump before Labor Day. Hale said the earlier $30 to $40 decline in the market was particularly damaging because it was largely driven by comments rather than changes in cattle fundamentals. “That 30 or $40 run that we did down was so devastating. I mean, all that was based on what he said,” Hale said. With prices moving higher again, Hale said producers are hoping the market can continue to improve so cattlemen can remain profitable.
Hale said buyers and sellers were generally pleased with Monday’s market but are still moving forward carefully as fall approaches. “I think a little bit optimistic, but still cautious,” he said, pointing to potential respiratory problems as cooler mornings arrive while daytime temperatures remain warm. Looking ahead, Hale said Waurika is expected to have about 2,000 head Tuesday, while Woodward will have about 400 cows, followed by another sale Thursday. He also said the Oklahoma National Stockyards will return to regular runs for the next two and a half months leading up to Thanksgiving.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
