Rainfall Brings Relief to Wheat Pastures as Cattle Numbers Surge at Stockman’s Livestock Auction: Beneficial rains and strong cattle numbers are driving optimism in the Oklahoma cattle market this week. In a recent interview with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Bob Rodenberger of Stockman’s Livestock Auction in Apache reported that the area received over an inch of rain Thursday morning, providing critical moisture for producers.
Timely Moisture for Wheat Grazing The rainfall comes at a crucial moment for wheat pasture conditions. Rodenberger noted that water is standing in the terraces at the sale barn, a welcome sight for those managing winter grazing.
“It looks great here,” Rodenberger said. “It’s going to help this wheat a lot. If we didn’t get this rain, producers were going to have to start pulling cattle early again.”
Cattle Runs Above Year-Ago Levels Cattle volume has been heavy across the region to start the new year. Rodenberger reported that Stockman’s in Apache had already taken in 3,000 head by Thursday morning and expected to reach 3,500 for the week.
This surge in numbers is mirrored elsewhere, with El Reno reporting over 10,000 head compared to 6,000 at this time last year. Rodenberger attributes the increased runs to two main factors: producers holding cattle until after the first of the year for tax purposes, and the dry conditions prior to Thursday’s rain that forced some to market early.
Despite the high volume, demand remains robust. “The market was extremely good,” Rodenberger said. “We sold a little over 1,300 on our video for cattle to deliver in the next 15 days, and the market was excellent on those cattle.”
Market Outlook and Industry Balance Looking ahead, Rodenberger sees no immediate reason for the market to change over the next couple of weeks, barring an unforeseen “Black Swan” event. However, he emphasized the need for balance within the industry to ensure long-term stability.
“The people buying these cattle to go to the feed yards have a considerable loss built into them at what they’re giving,” Rodenberger explained. He noted that while producers are seeing strong returns, packers are currently operating in the negative. “We’ve got to get him [the packer] back in the black to maintain this kind of market. We can’t strangle one part of the industry just to benefit all the rest of us.”
The upcoming Jack Sherry Dispersal Stockman’s Livestock Auction is also preparing for a significant event next week. The Jack Sherry Dispersal sale is scheduled for Friday, January 17th, at 1:00 p.m.
Rodenberger stated that roughly seven loads—about 300 cows—are already on-site for potential buyers to view. “They are mouthing and pregging about what we thought,” he said. “It is an exceptional set of cows we’re going to have to offer.”
Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. prior to the sale. Producers with questions about the upcoming dispersal or current market conditions can contact Stockman’s Livestock Auction at 1-800-926-9696.
