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, Waurika, and Knoxville, Iowa.
Ben Hale of Western Livestock, opened with a strong report from the Oklahoma National Stockyards leading into the July 4th holiday. Hale noted the sale was a “Pretty good one, higher money on these yearling cattle,” with strong demand and prices bouncing back. Compared to last year, “Had about 4750 yesterday compared to about 2450 a year ago.” He emphasized that both steer and heifer markets were up, saying, “Just a lot of demand, very active bidding by lots of bidders.”
Discussing the overall market dynamics, Hale explained that recent dips were short-lived. “We kind of thought that summer slump on these soft calves would be bad but, yesterday it came roaring back.” He acknowledged that while not all the cattle were immediately ready for market — “not cattle that are ready to go do something, you’re gonna have to do something to them” — the buying interest was strong. Ron noted that grass availability must also be a driving demand: “The fact that a lot of folks have got grass has to help demand.” Hale agreed.
Hale commented on the upbeat attitude in the country cattle markets, even with recent prices. “Attitude’s has got to be pretty good,” he said, adding that “true yearlings they’re very hard to find,” and when they do show up, there’s “a lot of activity trying to get them bought.” The lack of long-weaned yearlings added to the competitive bidding.
On the schedule side, Hale shared upcoming plans: “Going to have a 150–200 cows today at Woodward and about 1200 plus cattle at Waurika today,” but added, “we’re done for the rest of the week.” He clarified that the Oklahoma City market would be off early next week, but “Comanche, Waurika, and Woodward will all be back on schedule starting next week.” He also highlighted an upcoming benefit event, saying, “Thursday, July 10th…you’ve got auction back and got a special benefit auction.”
That benefit auction, a “rollover benefit auction for Scott Dobrinski,” will support a local family in need. Hale explained, “We just wanted to do a little something to help Scott and his wife.” A donated steer will be auctioned repeatedly to raise funds. “We just launched it and we’ve already had people calling wanting to donate” he said. He encouraged listeners to visit the Woodward Livestock Auction Facebook page or reach out to Luke, Seth, mike, or Hale himself for donation details.
