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 noted that just over 7,000 head came through—“compared to 13,000 a year ago”—but emphasized that the smaller run wasn’t due to weather, just “tighter numbers.” Even so, he said the sale “was a barn burner almost from the start,” gaining steam throughout the day.
Hale highlighted the unprecedented demand for grazing and stocker cattle. While feeder cattle were strong—“six to 10 higher… and a little under 800 pounds up to 30 higher”—the calf market stole the show. Hale said calves were “15 to 30 higher, spots of 40,” and he wasn’t convinced some lots weren’t “50, 60 higher than a week ago.” He added that five-weight cattle bringing “24.50 to 25.50 a head” reflected just how aggressive buyers were.
According to Hale, this surge is being fueled by good weather, strong wheat pasture prospects, and the looming holiday break. Buyers wanting to get cattle turned out on wheat simply pushed harder. Demand, he reiterated, is “very, very strong for stocker cattle.” He believes the market has returned to solid fundamentals, saying, “We might even out-raced our punt coverage in some areas, but it’s still an extremely strong market.”
Market volatility remains a reality, and Hale pointed out how quickly things can swing. “These markets just move faster than they used to… go down quick and back up quick,” he said. Sellers were grinning while buyers grumbled, with some waiting in hopes the market might soften. But Hale acknowledged it’s tough to hesitate when prices keep climbing: “It is hard to spend it for what they’re bringing, but… it’s just where we’re at.”
Looking ahead, Hale shared that several markets across western Oklahoma are expecting strong runs, including 2,500 head at Waurika, big calf consignments at Comanche, and a special cow sale at Woodward featuring “about 300 cows… pairs and bred heifers” along with 400 more in the regular sale.
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
