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.
The numbers were good this week at the Oklahoma National Stockyards. “We had about 5,300 compared to about 8,100 [a year ago], and about 900 of those were in conjunction with our Special Angus Ssale we have in August. Our next one will be the first week of December,” Hale said.
He said that the Special Angus Sale improved the overall quality of the cattle. Six-weight cattle were standouts with prices ranging in the nineties, and 680s were quoted from $2.70 – $2.99. He said, “There were a few sets of those that were all black steers with some condition and were some of the knockout cattle that we had there yesterday,” he said. “There were a lot of light grazing cattle, too. It was a good offering of a lot of good cattle.”
He said that buyers are still paying for quality but are being pretty cautious. “I think everyone is holding their breath about what this board is going to do. We had a good rally on Friday, but then yesterday, that deal closed off $2, so I think they are just wanting some stability in the market.”
Hale is predicting lighter numbers in the upcoming sales at Comanche and Woodward but expects a decent run on Thursday’s feeder cattle sale in Woodward.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
