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.
Hale said cattle numbers were about even with a year ago, but calf prices were significantly higher during the latest sale. Hale said he was surprised by how strong the market was, especially given the recent pressure on the feeder cattle board. “I didn’t expect it to be that much higher, and it started out yesterday morning on fire, and it just grew as the day went on,” Hale said. He added that feeder steers were particularly strong, while feeder heifers saw less activity.
Hale said the stronger calf market is being supported by improved wheat pasture conditions across a large area of the Southern Plains. With favorable weather expected over the next couple of weeks and much of the wheat already planted and emerged, buyers are beginning to secure calves. “They’re just what they want some. Not necessarily buy them all, but get me some a gooseneck or a pot, whatever you can get,” Hale said. He also noted that the feeder cattle board gaining about $6 helped buyers pay more for calves.
Looking ahead, Hale described cattle producers and buyers as cautiously optimistic, pointing to low placements and a continued limited supply of feeder cattle. He believes there could still be some upside in the feeder market but said stronger fed cattle prices are needed to support the rest of the market. “We just need to get this deal up,” Hale said. He explained that recent declines in fed cattle prices have made it harder for feedlots to remain profitable, adding, “To get a lot of activity in it, we need the fat deal up, and these guys to quit losing money.”
Western Livestock has several sales scheduled this week, including approximately 2,800 head at Waurika, around 350 at Woodward, and 800 to 1,100 head at Comanche. Hale also expects another strong run at Woodward on Thursday. He said he does not anticipate a major increase in cattle numbers until colder weather arrives, adding that he does not see a freeze in the forecast over the next 10 days.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
