Oklahoma City Stockyards for Sale, Marking a Historic Shift
OKLAHOMA CITY — Nestled near a vibrant downtown filled with upscale hotels and trendy eateries lies a historic gem of Oklahoma City’s western heritage: the Oklahoma National Stockyards, one of the largest cattle stockyards in the world.
However, this iconic site may be facing an uncertain future.
The Oklahoma National Stockyards, the last major city stockyard in the United States, has officially been put on the market for $27 million. This extensive property spans 100 acres along the Oklahoma River in a rapidly growing city with a population of approximately 700,000. With plans for a state-of-the-art NBA arena and aspirations for the tallest skyscraper in the nation, the location is undeniably prime for redevelopment.
While the current owners hope to find a buyer committed to maintaining the cattle operations, they recognize the land’s redevelopment potential is highly attractive.
This sale reflects broader challenges in the livestock auction and cattle market, which have been under strain due to drought, heightened production costs, and the lowest number of cattle recorded in the U.S. since the 1950s.
Economic uncertainties, including newly imposed tariffs, have added further complications to the industry. Although the effects of these tariffs remain unclear, the U.S. continues to be the largest beef producer globally, while still relying on imports, primarily from Canada and Mexico.
Jerry Reynolds, president of the stockyard, noted that cattle movement has decreased by roughly 20% over the past two years.
The stockyards have been in the same family since 1910. However, younger generations are increasingly uninterested in managing such a labor-intensive operation, which demands around-the-clock oversight and auctions tens of thousands of animals weekly.
“The changing landscape has made it challenging for stockyards in urban areas,” said an industry expert. “As cities expand, maintaining a stockyard becomes more complex due to environmental considerations.”
The stockyard was placed on the market in October, with no set timeline for the sale’s completion.
Weekly, approximately 10,000 cattle still traverse this urban estate, a holdout in an industry increasingly relegated to rural America. As one of the largest stocker/feeder cattle markets globally, the Oklahoma City site stands as the last of the historic “terminal markets” that once flourished across the Midwest.
Historically, stockyards thrived in major cities like Chicago and Kansas City, but advances in refrigeration and the rising value of urban land have led to a migration toward rural areas close to feedlots and meatpacking facilities.
Should the Oklahoma City stockyard close, a competing auction market in Joplin, Missouri, may emerge as the largest in the country, alongside another substantial facility in El Reno, Oklahoma.
Chris Bakwin, chairman of the stockyard’s board, expressed a deep familial connection to the land. “I have strong feelings about its future,” he stated, recognizing the need to prioritize shareholder interests.
The stockyard’s historic pens sit on the original bricks laid over a century ago. Visitors can hear the sounds of cattle and the lively atmosphere of auctions, where buyers connect with sellers through rapid-fire bidding.
In a recent visit, rancher Garrison Duke shared how he continues the legacy of visiting the stockyard with his family, hoping to instill similar values in his children as he recalls fond memories of his own experiences.
The surrounding business district, rich with Western charm, attracts tourists seeking an authentic slice of Americana amidst the urban landscape.
Oklahoma City’s population has surged by 3% in recent years, solidifying its status as the nation’s 20th largest city.
Despite other major city stockyards closing, the Mayor of Oklahoma City expressed optimism about the stockyard’s ability to coexist with the city’s growth, citing its geographical advantages.
Concerns linger, however, among those who depend on the stockyard for their livelihoods. “The future is uncertain, and what a new buyer might choose to do could change everything,” stated a local business owner heavily reliant on the stockyard’s operations.
