Normally 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.
Hale noted that the markets have continued to improve throughout 2024 and that rain came through when it was needed leading to good grazing throughout the fall. Lasting warmth after the fall rains has allowed winter wheat a longer fall growing season to undo the negatives of the major drought of late summer and early fall.
While the closing of cattle movement at the Mexican border is negative, it has strengthened American markets due to the lowered supply of cattle.
While the auctions in Oklahoma are closed during the holidays, the facility in Iowa experienced a good sale on Saturday, December 28. “We had some really good quality cattle and got along extremely well up there,” Hale said. “Every time I go up there, I have to readjust. You get to thinking that those five-weight steers aren’t that high, but a lot of times they are a lot fleshier than what we are looking at here. The quality is good, but a lot of times, those things are pretty big and beefy and just good cattle.”
He says cheaper feed in Iowa makes a big difference in how they do things when compared to Oklahoma’s producers. While they may not turn out very many, they can feed a lot of corn.
Hale says the diverse locations of his markets add value to his overall profitability because they don’t detract from each other, but rather each one adds value to the overall operation. He said that the only way he can handle them all is because his sons are willing to help.
“It helps cross over buyers and sellers alike,” Hale said. “They work hand in hand, not really in competition with each other, but just adds to what you are doing already. It just gives people more options.”
Hays mentioned that the big question for producers in the upcoming year is whether or not to begin herd rebuilding to which Hale replied that some may be holding heifers back, but there are still a large number being sold.
