Most areas here have missed the predicted rain. We are fortunate in that about half of our pastures got rain. The rest didn’t. So have pastures that are green and those that look like the dead of winter. Had to start feeding hay to one pasture last week. We have been only selling a few. Two weeks ago when they had their previous sale they had less than 50 cows and bulls and around 250 head total. Today had around 250 cows and bulls. Not sure how many calves. Started at ten and still going at 4. Seen several 4-6 y/o cows being sold simply because they held as long as they could. Some still fleshy. Others on the thin side. Most around here start feeding hay in Nov. Many had had enough hay if they stayed then. But would have to buy enough to carry them the next two months. It went downhill fast around here. Sure some of the thinner younger bred cows went somewhere to at least put on some weight. Many of the fleshy bred younger cows were going to the packer. Another barn 8 miles away from this one sold over 1 900 head yesterday. Not sure how many were cows. Some of these breeders ran light last year and then bought some this spring. Several say the oldest cow they had was 6. Hopefully it will rain. But for many it will be too late for this year.
Drought sell off starting in West Central Oklahoma
- Thread starter elkwc
- Start date
Down in Dixie
Well-known member
Not bad for a cow at all. Just helped a neighbor take some cows today and culled two cows. I just hope the old broke mouth cows bring more than $800
kenny thomas
Well-known member
Almost any cow that can walk into the ring is worth more than 800.
I watched head cattle over the weekend. Took a very nice cow to get 2000 or better. Seemed most breds were 1350 to 1800. Guess it's pretty dry here too from a forage growth standpoint. Some are feeding hay already.
We are in west central Oklahoma. Just read a post by a poster in central Oklahoma. Rains have been spotty over the whole state. A mile can make a big difference. And the rains have went over the same areas. Some areas are green but most brown. Wheat is being dusted in.
MurraysMutts
Well-known member
There was over 500 cows/bulls last week in Enid.
Then a few hundred at the special sale the following day. Prices are still pretty strong.
Dry around here too. But we are getting by.
Calf prices are down a bit tho
Then a few hundred at the special sale the following day. Prices are still pretty strong.
Dry around here too. But we are getting by.
Calf prices are down a bit tho
Calf prices here are holding on weaned calves. Unweaned are softer. Surprised they have held as good as they have. Without rain most will have to feed every bite. A lot of calves are being weaned early and light.
Some got moisture and their wheat is coming up. Most are dusting in. What we will do. The volunteer that came up never grew much and some burned up.
It is sad for those having to sell. Some just started rebuilding this spring from 22.
I'm south central OK and very dry! Got two inches this week but it's two late for real growth other than the little cool season grass I have. I haven't had to cull yet because of it but I was extremely strict on rotating every 3-4 days this year with electric fence. That has gotten VERY difficult lately as I have ponds sectioned off with electric fence and those ponds have gotten so low I don't have water in all sections. The drought has been quite a challenge. Glad to see the panhandle doing well for the first year in many though!
4hfarms
Well-known member
Dry conditions make everyone sell, and the cattle are being rounded up from the hills at this time which floods the market. I hear about producers cutting stock by50% now all this storm damage up the east coast ......
Do you think that the prices are going to be silly in the spring?
Do you think that the prices are going to be silly in the spring?
By all counts they should!
A lot will depend on the election in November. My partner and I talked a lot this weekend, and have decided to go in a different direction. Or rather, NOT go in a different direction like we had been working toward, but to nearly double what we have been doing. I will explain it all tomorrow on one of my "Update" threads .
Our big fall runs started early. Cattle are in good shape but it has turned dry. Prices started coming down and we got some cool weather. I think people decided it was time to get it while the getting was still good.
From the Winfield Livestock Auction last week:
market is definitely softer on unweaned cattle this week. Keep praying for rain!
