It’s amazing how the timing of something can make it or break it. Cattle that were worth $95.00 two months ago are now bringing $105.00, while some cattle have advanced over $15.00 a cwt! While most of that is probably related to the futures board being much higher in October, it would also seem like numbers of cattle would make a larger difference and the perception folks have of cattle coming off wheat.
Timing can make a pretty big difference in the pocket book also! If you happen to get to the gas pump on the right day, it might save you $40.00 or $50.00! It’s also a pretty big difference if a person goes out of town when everyone else does, or when everyone else doesn’t! Maybe it’s supply and demand, and then again maybe it’s just human nature.
Year after year cattle are perceived to be worth more in January than in March, and calves are worth less in October than they are in February. It’s been a repeating cycle for decades if not longer! However, with the advent of the futures board and a lot more forward contracting, some of the natural order has been skewed. The same set of cattle that may have been contracted for fall delivery could be worth $5.00 to $20.00 a cwt more or less when delivery actually happens! Is that a true market?
There are going to be many opportunities coming up in the next month or so. While most folks in Oklahoma will have their energy and thoughts on harvest, there will be some opportunities to do other things as well. If no one wants to buy a calf during harvest, maybe it’s a good time to get some! There will also be a lot of work to do during that time so maybe a person could get ready by buying their calves early or at the least look at buying some of the pairs and bred cows that are still selling!
The weather is still being somewhat fickle, with the southeast getting some much needed rain, but the west is looking more and more like it’s in a drought again. The number of cows has already been depleted in those areas, and with the cow market as good as it is, many cows are going to the packing plant instead of to new pasture! Think about the opportunity a person might have by buying those cows at the right time and possibly selling some replacements when the moisture comes back! All it takes is a place and some of your time.
SPECIAL MEMORIAL COW SALE NEXT TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008!
EXPECTING OVER 1000 HEAD OF PAIRS, BRED COWS AND YRLGS!
4C RANCHES 150 Fancy, blk/bwf 2nd & 3rd calf pairs
BAR BOX RANCH 300 Fancy blk/bwf bred cows, mostly 2nd & 3rd calvers
WW CATTLE CO 100 Blk/Bwf/RedAng 1st calf pairs
100 High quality blk/bwf running age bred cows and pairs
SAR FARMS 75 Blk/Red/Charx bred cows/pairs, 3-10 yrs
MIKE WILLEY 4 2-3 yr old beefmaster heifer bulls, out of reg. bloodlines
WW CATTLE CO 2 Angus bulls, 2-3 yrs old
Check www.cattleusa.com for more consignments and information!
