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.
Hale discussed this week’s lighter numbers at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, noting, “3500 compared to 8100. I think it was the rain, and, just the grass and everything. And I think people are holding off a little bit, maybe a little bit because of that market after yesterday.” He pointed out that the wet weather and uncertain markets both played a role in keeping cattle runs smaller than usual.
Reflecting on the steep market drop, Hale explained, “We had a big run at Woodward Thursday, and the market was probably three or four lower than we were last Monday. But then after that, limit down on Friday, and then had the expanded limits yesterday… the feeders down $13.75, and the fats down $10, something sure changed it.” He said orders reflected sharp losses, with “feeder steers 30 to 40 lower and calves 40 to 50 lower.”
When asked about political influence, Hale didn’t hold back. “ it sure didn’t [help]. And, we don’t know what they’re going to do… just a lot of uncertainty, plus what Trump said, that just doesn’t make good, smooth markets.” He questioned why federal officials would target cattle producers, Hale responded, “Why you would go to the guy that’s raising it? Now that it’s not a lot higher than it was then, it’s just cattle are higher. Kind of seems like it’s not a good plan to me.”
Hale expressed doubt that consumer prices would drop despite the sharp decline in cattle markets. “Absolutely not. The retail price is not going to come down; we’re just going to increase the middleman and the end sellers’ profit margin.” He added that beef remains “still cheap compared to everything else” and remains a strong value when compared to other proteins, even amid market volatility.
Looking ahead, Hale said his team expects “about 2000 at Waurika today, and gonna have a pretty decent run at Comanche tomorrow.” Still, he acknowledged unease in the countryside, especially among younger operators. “Everybody [is] just very cautious right now. You got some younger guys in the business now that had never seen this happen. We’ve seen this happen before… we’re never ready for it. And on this one, kind of seems like it was done by the President, so that makes it a little bit more bitter.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
