Despite a blizzard forecast threatening to disrupt logistics across the region, the cattle markets in Oklahoma remain resilient. In a recent conversation at Stockman’s Livestock Auction in Apache, Bob Rodenberger reported that, while the approaching weather is causing anxiety, the trade itself has not faltered.
“According to David Payne, I’m in a blizzard, but I’m not feeling it yet,” Rodenberger joked, noting that while the storm might “wreak havoc on the markets” later, the current trade remains solid.
Steady Markets Amidst Uncertainty
Reflecting on the past week, Rodenberger described the market as “steady,” noting that they haven’t seen any drastic swings. While there was a hint of softness in some grazing cattle on Monday, the demand for quality strings remains high.
“We had like 1,800 [head], but we had like 800 cattle in the big, big bunches,” Rodenberger said regarding Thursday’s trade. “That market was not any softer on the big strings of calves and yearlings that come through there.”
Weather Disrupts Logistics, Not Demand
The primary concern moving into next week is logistics rather than a drop in cattle value. With severe wind chills and snow predicted, moving cattle becomes a safety and animal welfare issue. Rodenberger confirmed that Oklahoma City’s market will be closed Monday and Tuesday to protect both livestock and personnel.
“The weather is going to just create havoc amongst our minds, not necessarily amongst the markets yet,” Rodenberger observed. He explained that feed yards in Kansas are halting receipts to avoid stressing cattle in “blizzard conditions.”
Producers Buying Cows Instead of Retaining Heifers
A significant trend emerged during the recent Jack Sherry dispersal sale. Rather than retaining heifers—a slow process for rebuilding herds—established producers with cash equity are stepping in to buy young, proven cows.
“We had a lot of people that run cows… instead of buying heifers… they stepped in and bought these younger cows to build their herd,” Rodenberger explained. He noted that these buyers are typically using their own capital rather than financing, avoiding the risk of high-interest loans on high-value animals. “They were just increasing their herd size based off of cash equity and not having to go out and borrow money on a $5,000 cow.”
Strong Prices at Dispersal
The demand for quality breeding stock was evident, with the sale described as “standing room only.” Rodenberger highlighted that three main buyers purchased nearly 80% of the offering, with cattle heading to Lubbock, Kingfisher, and Caddo County.
Prices for the replacement females were robust:
- 3-Year-Old Cows: $5,100 – $5,500
- 4-to-5-Year-Old Cows: $4,500 – $5,000
- First-Calf Heifers: $4,000 – $4,200
- 7-to-9-Year-Old Cows: $3,500 – $3,800
One buyer from Lubbock, a cotton and peanut farmer looking to utilize his irrigation and dry lands, made a significant impact by purchasing the majority of the young stock. “If he bought the first five, he took all in that draft all day,” Rodenberger said.
Looking Ahead
While early-week sales in Oklahoma City remain closed, Rodenberger expects Stockman’s Livestock Auction in Apache to open by Thursday, weather permitting. He anticipates the market will remain largely unchanged once commerce resumes, though the “fat cattle market” will continue to set the tone.
“Fat cattle market is going to dictate us right now,” Rodenberger concluded. “There’s going to be a slump in here, but… none of us are going to be open to sell cattle the first part of the week.”
