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 is located in Oklahoma City, Woodward, and Comanche.
“We had about 11,400 on Monday,” Hale said. “Stronger again on all classes of feeder cattle. The grazing deal was extremely strong. I think they wound up calling it steady, but in some places, it looked extremely strong to me. Still a lot of optimism”
When talking with ranchers, Hale said most believe the outlook in general is good.
“Lots of demand out there and the cattle are getting along extremely well in all sales,” Hale said.
Many producers are utilizing risk protection recently, Hale said, to lock in some profit and have protection in the case that the market dips lower.
Hale said he expects to have a good run in Commanche and Woodward on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Woodward is shaping up to be good again on Thursday,” Hale said. “We had, I think, 4,060 last week and got a lot of nice cattle up there again for this Thursday.”
With these large numbers of cattle coming to town, Hale said he believes producers are pulling cattle ahead.
“We are still seeing a lot of 4 to 6-weight steers and heifers that are weaned and ready to go to turn out,” Hale said.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333.
