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.
Hays and Hale open with a discussion of the post-Thanksgiving cattle run, where roughly 4,500 head were reported by USDA Market News. Ben Hale notes that colder weather “probably slowed it down a little bit,” especially compared to the 10,000 head seen a year earlier. Still, he emphasizes that tighter numbers were expected and that the market “come roaring back, 20 to 30 higher, and in some places up to 40 higher.” Hale highlights that the presence of high-quality, weaned, and vaccinated Angus-type calves helped support the stronger market.
As the conversation shifts to broader market forces, Hale agrees that the industry may be moving beyond some of the political noise from Washington. He explains that if the next couple of weeks continue with lower volumes, “they’re gonna be a big hole,” reinforcing that feeder cattle demand remains strong. The lighter cattle on offer illustrated this reality, and Hale says strong buyer interest created “lots and lots of competition.”
Hale also provides a snapshot of runs at other regional markets. He expects about 2,000 head at Waurika, 1,500–1,700 at Comanche, and a solid run Thursday at Woodward. Looking ahead, he believes weather conditions are improving and predicts “a good run next Monday in Oklahoma City,” anticipating active regional movement as temperatures moderate.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
