Oklahoma City Stockyard

[MurraysMutts]

There is a lot of pride in Oklahoma, I think, about the okc stockyards.
And cattlemens steakhouse.
Both very historic places and I think oklahoma would do well to do whatever it takes to ensure continued operations of everything in that particular area.

 

[Lucky]

my whole texas family, including in laws and out laws. was in the ranching business. all had substantial sized properties. some had even expanded to oklahoma. with the current generation none of the offspring are interested in ranching. none. some sold ranch and went to other states, but not just for the money, just no more interest in cows.

that includes my own offspring and theirs and theirs. no interest in ranching. no sign of selling out for me. i figure you retire on the day you do not wake up. a friend says "someone else will sell my last cattle." suppose that fits me too.

I think this happens to allot of businesses. I can definitely see it happening more in ranches though. Any sizable ranch is worth way more than could ever be made just cattle ranching. Throw 3 or 4 heirs in on top of that and there will most likely be a sale. We had a young guy out the other day to help work cattle. I'd guess his Dad owns around 5,000 acres that's been paid for forever. They lease a fair amount out and run cows on some. I can tell he would like to keep the land and I imagine he'll try but at the same time he's doing day work for extra money and sitting on maybe $20 million worth of land. One of the guys ribbed him a little about owning the big ranch and he said yea it's paid off but the land taxes are around $30k a year. To a guy that's been in the game along time the taxes might not be a big deal but to a young guy just starting a family I can definitely see why they'd sell rather than struggle.

 

[elkwc]

Stockyards City is actually its own municipality, independent of jurisdiction of Oklahoma City proper. Obviously there is cooperation because they do receive services from OKC. But it does remain free of OKC's zoning restrictions, otherwise it probably would have been gone a long time ago. The city of OKC though, is more ag friendly than most. They appreciate the business agriculture brings to town.

All that said, I realize that anything could happen. But there's still plenty of reason to be optimistic about the future of the OKC Stockyards.

OKC's current leaders aren't as interested in ag, livestock and associated events as in the past. There has been several events relocate because of the la k of support. I still have a text from the mayor where he made it plain what was important to OKC and ag and livestock wasn't part of them.
I hope the stockyards continues doing business as they have.

 

[Ky hills]

OKC's current leaders aren't as interested in ag, livestock and associated events as in the past. There has been several events relocate because of the la k of support. I still have a text from the mayor where he made it plain what was important to OKC and ag and livestock wasn't part of them.
I hope the stockyards continues doing business as they have.

Unfortunately, part isn't surprising.
The each generation is further removed from any real working knowledge of agriculture.
I hope they continue in business too.
Such a shame when agriculture and the people involved are looked down on.
Here the city was glad when we didn't have a stockyards anymore.
Our city leaders supposedly rejected a proposed Cracker Barrel and turned down multiple attempts from Cattlemen's Roadhouse to build restaurants here, the reason being they didn't want to be associated with country themed businesses. They said it was over signs that didn't meet their codes but there are huge signs everywhere from other businesses.
We have a Rural King, which is kind of debatable as to authentic agriculture but it's close enough that a lot of town folk are fussing about it being in town and having all those "farm implements" on their lot, which they say is a code violation.

 

[texoman]

From th National Stockyards Facebook page....


Oklahoma National Stockyards Secures Future with New Ownership

Oklahoma City, OK – April 30, 2025 – The Oklahoma National Stockyards (ONSY), a
cornerstone of the region's and nation's agricultural industry and infrastructure, has been placed under contract for purchase by a group led by an Oklahoma cattleman and
business owner. This strategic acquisition ensures the continued operation of one of the
nation's premier livestock markets. Following productive discussions, the nine commission companies operating at ONSY have expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the new ownership. The buyer is steadfast in their commitment to maintaining ONSY's legacy of excellence, with plans to serve customers and the agricultural community for decades to come. Additionally, the buyer plans to actively engage with leading agricultural organizations in Oklahoma, including the Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, American Farmers and Ranchers, and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, to strengthen partnerships and support the state's agricultural ecosystem. "We are excited about this new chapter for the Oklahoma National Stockyards," said Chris Franklin, managing member of the group purchasing ONSY. "Our focus remains on
supporting our customers, preserving the stockyards' vital role in Oklahoma's and the
nation's agricultural economy, and fostering a thriving marketplace for the livestock
industry." Operations at ONSY will continue seamlessly, with no disruptions to services or
schedules. The new ownership group is dedicated to upholding the stockyards' tradition of integrity, reliability, and community partnership.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Morgan, Brown & McCormick, PLLC
Attn: Craig Brown
405-840-5151
[email protected]

 

[MurraysMutts]

OKC's current leaders aren't as interested in ag, livestock and associated events as in the past. There has been several events relocate because of the la k of support. I still have a text from the mayor where he made it plain what was important to OKC and ag and livestock wasn't part of them.
I hope the stockyards continues doing business as they have.

Glad I don't live there. Sounds like they need a new mayor!!
You just can't live in any city in Oklahoma and not be connected to agriculture and livestock.

But from the @texoman post, it sounds like they've figured it out!

 

[Lucky]

The guy that runs the commission firm I sell through at OKC has the OKC Commission Firm and owns 4 more Sale barns. We send one truck load a year to him and the way he answers my phone calls or text you'd think I sent a truck load a month. I feel like he honestly wants me to make the most I can with our calves. I always think this guy has to be super busy and doesn't have time for me but he always answers. Makes me think maybe they have a little different mind set there than other areas. Really hoping things stay the same there. I hate to say this but the Eastern half of Texas is getting away from Ag mindset, the Western half still seems to be wide open though.

 

[elkwc]

Is that Westetn Livestock Auctions? If so they have the Woodward auction. We have been selling there since January. His son manages it. Always quick to answer the phone. We are very pleased with them.

 

[bird dog]

Ben Hale and family. Good folks. I use a smaller one of the commission guys just becasue Ben had so much other business, mine kind of fell thru the cracks. Not all his fault. He had more calves than pens. I only had 12 to 15,000 lbs or so, so I was small potatoes compared to most.

 

[Lucky]

Is that Westetn Livestock Auctions? If so they have the Woodward auction. We have been selling there since January. His son manages it. Always quick to answer the phone. We are very pleased with them.

Yes, Western. I deal with Ben Hale. Been selling through him for probably 6 or 7 years now. I don't holler at him often but when I do he responds. I had know idea he had as much going on as he does until last year. Looks like it's a family deal now.

Edit: we planned on selling May 26th this year and didn't know it was Memorial day. He offered to sell at Woodward and thought I'd get along just as well there. We want to go to the sale this year so are selling June 2nd at OKC. We've never been so plan on staying in Brick Town for a few days after the sale.

 

[Ky hills]

Wife is from southeast Oklahoma, she went to a college in OKC.
Right after we got married we went to OK . I wanted to see the stockyards there in OKC. I'd heard about it many years ago from an ag teacher that had been there for an FFA convention.
We didn't get there on a sale day, but did get to see the place on the outside.
That evening we went to Bricktown and took the boat tour.

 

[elkwc]

Yes, Western. I deal with Ben Hale. Been selling through him for probably 6 or 7 years now. I don't holler at him often but when I do he responds. I had know idea he had as much going on as he does until last year. Looks like it's a family deal now.

Edit: we planned on selling May 26th this year and didn't know it was Memorial day. He offered to sell at Woodward and thought I'd get along just as well there. We want to go to the sale this year so are selling June 2nd at OKC. We've never been so plan on staying in Brick Town for a few days after the sale.

Ben's son Seth manages the Woodward sale. The previous owner got in financial trouble and it became more of a trader sale. It lost a lot of cattle. They have slowly rebuilt it. Numbers have increased. They have the buyers. They announce all home raised cattle. Our cattle have sold well. The owner of the sale we sold at for 5-6 years died. They have been honest with us.

 

[MurraysMutts]

Yes, Western. I deal with Ben Hale. Been selling through him for probably 6 or 7 years now. I don't holler at him often but when I do he responds. I had know idea he had as much going on as he does until last year. Looks like it's a family deal now.

Edit: we planned on selling May 26th this year and didn't know it was Memorial day. He offered to sell at Woodward and thought I'd get along just as well there. We want to go to the sale this year so are selling June 2nd at OKC. We've never been so plan on staying in Brick Town for a few days after the sale.

Gotta go to Cattlemens and eat!

 

[cowman82]

I think this happens to allot of businesses. I can definitely see it happening more in ranches though. Any sizable ranch is worth way more than could ever be made just cattle ranching. Throw 3 or 4 heirs in on top of that and there will most likely be a sale. We had a young guy out the other day to help work cattle. I'd guess his Dad owns around 5,000 acres that's been paid for forever. They lease a fair amount out and run cows on some. I can tell he would like to keep the land and I imagine he'll try but at the same time he's doing day work for extra money and sitting on maybe $20 million worth of land. One of the guys ribbed him a little about owning the big ranch and he said yea it's paid off but the land taxes are around $30k a year. To a guy that's been in the game along time the taxes might not be a big deal but to a young guy just starting a family I can definitely see why they'd sell rather than struggle.

with 5k acres I'd think he'd make more than enough to live a nice life and have plenty of money for a 30k tax bill. Maybe he makes a million a year on the cattle? I'm not sure how many he runs but if its around a million that'll only take 20-25 yrs to make back.. just imagine keeping something like that in the family for generations.. just think 200 yrs down the road how much money that place will bring in compared to the "one shot 20 million"

I know starting a ranch from nothing has been a big challenge and has taken a toll on me.. but getting something like that for free I would NOT be struggling in any sense.

 

[Brute 23]

Some ones dad owning 5k acres is a long ways from him owning it. Hope he can make it work.

 

[Lucky]

with 5k acres I'd think he'd make more than enough to live a nice life

Some ones dad owning 5k acres is a long ways from him owning it. Hope he can make it work.

Yes family owning a big ranch is a long way from you owning a big ranch. I'd guess his Dad to be 55-60 and quite a ways from retirement. I honestly think this young man will be better off struggling and learning the ropes rather than handed the ranch.

 

[Lucky]

Ben Hale was on with Crockett Carothers today. Long but good watch