OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Improved wheat pasture conditions are supporting stronger calf prices in parts of Oklahoma as recent rainfall encourages more farmer and stocker demand.
At OKC West, steer calves were reported $10 to $20 per hundredweight higher, with some instances as much as $40 higher. Heifer calves were $10 to $15 higher, with demand described as good.
The market report says farmers became more active following needed rainfall. Wheat pasture planted ahead of the storms is growing well, creating more grazing opportunity for cattle entering the fall and winter period.
Some recently planted wheat fields suffered damage from heavy rain and may need to be replanted. Buyers are also becoming more selective as seasonal temperature swings increase health risks for newly weaned calves.
The stronger calf market reflects improved forage potential, but cattle availability remains tight. The Cattle Report says demand for replacement animals is strong while supplies remain limited across many grazing regions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Better wheat pasture conditions are supporting calf demand, but tight cattle supplies could keep replacement markets firm.