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.
The Oklahoma City National Stockyards sold 7,500 head, 400 more than a year ago in Monday’s auction. “The market was real strong and they came ready to buy some after that little dip we took a week or ten days ago,” Hale shared.
Highlights of the sale were when several 780 – 880 lb. cattle nearly reached the $3 mark. On several occasions, 580 – 590 weight cattle in good condition approached $4 per pound. Hale said that the day, prices, and quality got better as the day progressed. He thought grazing cattle may have been a bit softer, but not enough to be sure.
A positive aspect of the rain is that worries about drought are being pushed further from the minds of cattle buyers with each shower.
Today’s sale in Waurika is expected to run 2,500, including 350 calves from one operation. Cattle are already being delivered to Comanche for tomorrow’s sale to get ahead of the torrential rains being forecasted this week. Hale expects all of the Western Livestock Auctions to experience good runs, with only next Monday’s sale in Oklahoma City being a wildcard due to the rain.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
