Cow-Calf Corner | October 7, 2024

Fall Cattle Market Update

Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist

Drought conditions continue to advance in Oklahoma, following the La Niña forecast that meteorologists have been suggesting for about a year. The latest Seasonal Drought Outlook, issued by the Climate Prediction Center, suggests that drought will persist and expand in the central and southern plains for the remainder of the year. Forage production is mostly done for this growing season (with the exception of winter wheat) so dry conditions are not an immediate threat to forage pasture and range. Oklahoma hay supplies are quite large for the winter. However, water supplies may become a significant concern in the coming months. Many ponds are already low and typically do not recharge much in the fall and winter

Winter wheat planting is running behind schedule due to the dry conditions. At the end of September, wheat planting in Oklahoma was 22 percent, compared to a 32 percent average for the previous five years. Some wheat has been “dusted in” to dry soil to await moisture. Some wheat is up but stands are small and not growing much due to the lack of moisture. Opportunities for wheat grazing are slipping away quickly.

The fall run of feeder cattle has started in Oklahoma. While the total auction volume of feeder cattle is down 9.2 percent year over year thus far in 2024, the auction volume of feeder cattle has been larger by 12.9 percent year over year since Labor Day. In early October, the auction volume included calves as well as big feeder cattle from summer grazing programs. It is possible that drought conditions and deteriorating pastures is resulting in earlier-than-planned marketings of calves and feeder cattle.

Feeder cattle prices continue to climb back from the August stock market and futures market corrections. Oklahoma auction prices for calves and feeder cattle have increased recently (Figure 1). For the calves, this is a counter-seasonal move as calves typically move lower through October into November. However, limited cattle numbers may continue to push feeder prices higher despite the lack of stocker demand this fall.

A double line graph with a blue and red line. A line of blue that starts up near $290 and continually rises and falls that ends near $310 and represents Steer and Feeder Calves that weigh 450 to 500 lbs. There is a green line that reresents Steer and Feeder Calf Prices for 750 to 800 lbs that starts at $250 and rises and falls to just below $250.

Figure 1. Steer Calf and Feeder Prices. Oklahoma Auctions, 450-500 lbs., M/L #1, $/cwt.

Cull cow prices remain above year ago levels but did drop in September. Cull cow prices typically decrease to a seasonal low in October/November. However, boning cow prices increased counter-seasonally in the first week of October. The volume of cull cows in Oklahoma auctions in 2024 is down 32.5 percent year over year, consistent with the 16.4 percent year to date decrease in beef cow slaughter thus far this year. The reduced inventory of cows likely means that seasonal cull cow price pressure this fall will be less than usual.

BQA Calf Hauling Guidelines

Mark Z. Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist

Transportation is one of the biggest causes of stress for cattle. As we move through the fall months, most calves will be taking at least one trailer ride after weaning. Quiet and low stress animal handling techniques used when loading and unloading will significantly reduce animal stress and make it easier for calves to acclimate to their new surroundings. As well, it is important to remember load density when transporting calves. Load density is the amount of area (measured in square feet) that calves need during transport for comfort and safety. The square feet per calf will vary according to size as shown in the Calf Hauling Loading Density Guidelines chart.

Also, keep the following in mind, when hauling calves:

If hauling horned or tipped calves reduce the number by 5%
If hauling during hot weather, the number of calves should be reduced
Total weight of load should not exceed capacity of the truck or trailer and/or legal load requirements

Direct Impacts of Eastern Redcedar

Dana Zook, OSU Cooperative Extension NW OK Area Livestock Specialist

In many areas of the state, the Eastern Redcedar tree has been present in the landscape for a long time and it can be easy to overlook its true impact on rangelands. This species can thrive in many different soil types and under a variety of weather conditions and it seems that no landscape is immune. Some might not feel like the cedar tree is an issue but research on the impacts to forage production and water use tells the true story.

As Eastern Redcedar trees grow, they shade out forage plants that are used for wildlife and livestock production. Areas dominated by the Eastern Redcedar may see reductions in rangeland carrying capacity (stocking rate). This might be hard to initially identify but evidence of this could be detected by increased feed costs or earlier need for supplementation compared to the past.

Recently, Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension published an infographic documenting the change in Eastern Redcedar Tree Cover from 1950 to 1985. The impact is astonishing. In that time, the amount of land taken up by this species statewide went from 1.5 million acres to 3.5 million acres (140% increase). In Northwest Oklahoma, the increase went from 92,750 acres to a staggering 697,350 acres (652% increase). If we simply say that 1 acre of native grass produces 1,000 pounds of forage that would be a substantial loss for livestock production. There is no denying the spread of the Eastern Redcedar has reduced forage production. You can view the post @Oklahomalands on Facebook.

Water is becoming one of our most limited resources, especially in Western Oklahoma. While both water availability and water quality are reduced in some areas, the Eastern Redcedar quietly but efficiently encroaches our grasslands. Is there a relationship here? According to the OSU Factsheet L-439 “Water Use by Eastern Redcedar”, a single Eastern Redcedar uses up to 21 gallons of water each day, all year long. Water use by this species will vary depending on soil type and research shows it can adapt to drier conditions but also increase water uptake in areas where the water table is closer to the surface.

Precipitation will also be less available in areas where the Eastern Redcedar tree has dominated the landscape. When it rains, a portion of the precipitation will be caught in the canopy of the tree and litter layer on the ground and is eventually lost through Evaporation and Transpiration. In areas where rainfall is so desperately needed, Eastern Redcedar trees reduce the amount of water that could enter the soil, would be available for natural stream flow, and could replenish groundwater supplies.

Who knew that one type of tree could have so much impact? For assistance identifying the impact of Eastern Redcedar on rangelands or evaluating supplemental need for livestock, contact your local OSU Extension office.