From staff reports OKLAHOMA CITY – Ben Hale of Western Livestock Auctions, a multi-generational, family-owned business, gave his latest take on the markets.
Hale noted that on Tuesday, at the Oklahoma National Stockyards, around 7,000 head of cattle sold compared to 9,000 a year ago. Hale did question the availability of grazing acreage for cattle under 700 pounds.
“Cattle over 700 pounds were a little better, and under 700 was a little softer. So it kind of makes you wonder if some of those grass deals are getting filled up completely,” Hale said.
Regarding the market’s response to avian influenza found in certain dairy herds, Hale said the market is starting to recover from the event.
“We are still getting quite a bit of dollars per head for these cattle,” he said.
Although lighter cattle runs are expected in Comanche and Woodward, Hale said there will still be good quality cattle at both.