Sale of Oklahoma National Stockyards called off 

The Oklahoma National Stockyards is back on the market after the group of Oklahoma cattlemen led by Chris Franklin, had backed out of the sale. 

The historic Oklahoma National Stockyards, Oklahoma City, had been put up for sale Nov. 24, and it was announced in May that a buyer had been secured, and it was under contract until ONS recently announced the agreement had fallen through.  

 “We regret to announce that the proposed sale of the Oklahoma National Stockyards to a group rooted in Oklahoma ranching has not come to fruition,” read a statement on the ONY’s Facebook page. “While this outcome is disappointing, it renews our focus on finding a buyer who shares our vision: one who values the legacy of the yards and is committed to developing the surrounding area while preserving our core operations. The Oklahoma National Stockyards has served as a vital marketing outlet for cattle producers across Oklahoma and neighboring states for over a century. We fully intend to continue that tradition for generations to come.” 

Now, it’s back to the drawing board for the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market, which is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered the last terminal market.  

Representatives for the business have cited funding issues and expensive repairs as the reason for putting the auction up for sale. The mission has always been to find a buyer that plans to continue running it as a cattle sale and develop the main street area close to the auction. With the location of the stockyards along Interstate Highway 40, there were concerns the property could be purchased and demolished to make way for new real estate and housing development.  

Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].