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 operates the Western Livestock Commission Firm, which sells cattle on Mondays and Tuesdays. They also operate the livestock auction markets in Woodward, Comanche, and Knoxville, Iowa.
Monday’s sale in Oklahoma City ran 4,800 head compared to 3,150. “It usually gets a little slower going into April,” Hale said. “We are all praying that we get the rain this weekend and no bad weather.”
If the rain comes as it should, numbers will lighten up as the wheat perks back up and pastures green up. “This weekend could be a game changer for us,” Hale added.
The markets were called a little lower is some places, but as high as prices have been elevated over the past several weeks, they could go quite a bit lower without a negative effect as other markets are still steady to higher – specifically five-weight steers.
“We had a lot of new crop calves yesterday, which was kind of surprising, and they were sure a little softer than what the weaned yearlings were, but man, they sold high for just a soft, soggy calf,” Hale noted. “They aren’t going to do what those five-weight yearlings that have been dry wintered are, for sure.”
He expects good runs at Apache and Woodward this week, depending on the weather outcome. “I hope we see some rain, and it wouldn’t even hurt my feelings if the runs are lighter because it’s too muddy to get out next week. It would be fine with me!” Hale stated.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
