Final livestock sales for 2025 wrapped up on a strong note across Western Livestock markets, according to Ben Hale. Looking first at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, Hale said receipts totaled about 8,500 head, up from 7,400 a year earlier. While some classes eased slightly, overall demand remained solid. “The feeders were higher, heifers were higher, steer calves and heifer calves were a little lower,” Hale explained, adding that the declines were modest given recent price strength. “It was such a big jump the week before… it’s still extremely strong.”
Hale said momentum carried through the rest of Western Livestock’s markets, including Waurika, Comanche, and Woodward. Strong demand was fueled in part by favorable weather and buyers wanting to secure cattle ahead of the holiday shutdown. “The weather is good, and I think everybody just wanting to get some inventory, since we’re going to be shut down for those three weeks,” he said. Overall, Hale described the tone simply as “strong, strong markets on all classes.”
Reflecting on the year as a whole, Hale noted how volatile cattle markets have been in 2025. “We watched it climb week after week after week… and then crater there for about three or four weeks, and then it’s come back and put new highs on all these grazing cattle,” he said. Despite the ups and downs, Hale called it “a wild year and a fun year to watch,” pointing to renewed confidence as prices recovered late in the year.
Pasture availability and expectations for tighter grazing supplies also played a role in buyer behavior. Hale said many producers are looking ahead to spring conditions. “Every week you go, you get closer to that grass,” he explained, adding that limited grazing supplies tend to persist regardless of cattle numbers. As a result, “I think some guys want to get some inventory for sure,” especially ahead of potential wheat grazing opportunities if moisture improves.
Looking ahead, Hale said the latest Cattle on Feed report reinforced a bullish outlook. “They had to call slightly bullish,” he noted, pointing out that placements remain relatively light. Hale also highlighted the quality of cattle seen late in the year, saying, “The last two weeks, we had a lot of nice cattle come in the quality has been extremely strong.” Western Livestock will resume sales January 5 in Oklahoma City, with Hale adding, “Starting January 5, it’ll be business as usual everywhere.”
Hale can be contacted at 940-631-2333. Check out more about the marketing options that Western offers by clicking here.
