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 are located in Oklahoma City, Woodward, and Comanche.
Rising temperatures have certainly affected the markets, as Hale said, “The board was down big on Thursday, and at Woodward, our heifers were pretty even money, and some of the steers would be a little lighter. When we took it down $4 or $5 on Friday, we knew something else was going on. Yesterday was four to eight lower, finishing back four lower, so, we sure took some money off of it yesterday in Oklahoma City.”
Oklahoma City sold 3,800 head compared to about 6,200 a year ago. Hale said that the heat is a component of the current market situation, but it is typical of this time of year and the additional rainfall in July should have helped pastures. Overall, he said there are just fewer cattle to sell.
“We had some thousand-pound steers that didn’t seem to be much cheaper at all,” Hale said. “We sold several of those good, tight four-weight steers at $3.40 – $3.45, but those soft calves were sure a good bit cheaper. I think everybody was just a little cautious. I got the board up this morning right up to about a dollar on these feeders, so maybe we can find a bottom. They are still bringing good dollars per head, we would just like to have it back.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
