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.
Hale said this week at Oklahoma National Stockyards, runs totaled 8500, down from 10,700 last year. This is the first week in a row that the numbers have fallen below a year ago, Hale added.
“We will see less cattle moving forward because everybody is already jockeying for a position on what they are going to combine and graze out, I would assume,” Hale said.
Hale said he expects to see good runs at the Comanche auction and in Woodward. Because the Woodward market is located close to areas that the recent wildfires have impacted, Hale said the market has been opened up as a donation point for hay and a place to keep cattle.
“Just offering it up if somebody does need it because it has sure been a devastating time in the last week,” Hale said.
Looking into the next few weeks, Hale said he expects to see less cattle, but he is curious to see how high prices will go.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333.
