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. Today, Luke Hale speaks with us.
Luke Hale with Western Livestock kicked off the update by confirming a strong market despite the intense summer heat. “Was a lighter week this week at Oklahoma City,” he said, referencing the just under 3,000 head sold. “But it sure didn’t stop the markets and the cash markets and what they were doing.” He emphasized, “I believe they ended up calling it eight to 13 higher, with some showing even 20 higher on the feeder steers… feeder heifers and calves were about 10 to 20 higher as well.”
The demand for cattle remained robust, driven by tight supplies and strong competition among buyers. “There was no problem with demand and good, good quality cattle that were rolling through there,” Hale noted. Despite ongoing reports of low cattle numbers, “it sure hasn’t scared away the buyers and the market, prices that those cattle are bringing… just seems to continue marching higher week after week.”
Hale attributed some of the upward momentum in prices to recent rainfall and improved grazing conditions. “Some good rain over the last couple of months has obviously created a lot of opportunity, as far as lots of grazing,” he explained. “That money continues to compete for those lower numbers of cattle, which obviously is where some of these higher prices have been coming from.”
Looking beyond Oklahoma City, Hale gave updates on several regional markets. “Waurika has been staying pretty steady… the market has been just as strong there as anywhere else.” He noted an uptick in cow and calf dispersals despite favorable pasture conditions: “Seems that some of these guys are wanting to capture some of the prices that are bringing for these animals.” He shared specifics, saying, “This week at Comanche, we’ve got good dispersal of about 75 to 80 head… same thing at Woodward… around of about 500 cows having two dispersals.”
To wrap up, Hale invited listeners to reach out for more information. “You’re more than welcome to visit the Western Livestock website, westernlivestock.com,” he said. He also offered his direct contact: “You can get ahold of me at 940-456-0972,” and added, “You can also get ahold to my dad, Ben Hale, at 940-631-2333.”
