KC Sheperd, Farm Director, is back talking with Bob Rodenberger, a Stockman Oklahoma Livestock Marketing partner, as he gives the latest on the cattle markets.
Rodenberger experienced a good run of 600 cows compared to 400 cows a year ago, but said they were mostly cull cows as producers are running out of water and/or forage.
“We are back in the same situation as we were in 2011 and ’12,” he said. “I knew we were dry, but I didn’t think we were back to that same level, but it looks like we are.”
While there has been talk of herd rebuilding beginning, Rodenberger has yet to see any sign of it as people continue to cull cows and sell heifers, and prices for them still make that an inviting option, especially considering the increasing drought.
“If you are having to sell cows, we are getting way more than we’ve ever been accustomed to getting,” he said. “When a cow brings $1.30, I’m old enough to remember when she brought $0.30. It’s a blessing that if you are having to cull down, you are still getting value for your salvage.”
He said that there was still tremendous demand for calves under 700 lbs despite there being no wheat pasture prospects in southwest Oklahoma and few elsewhere. He advised keeping six-weight bulls and heifers for ninety days before selling them because feeder cattle will likely still be in high demand at the beginning of 2025.
