CASCADE CO — At Western Livestock Auction between Great Falls and Vaughn, the fall season means long days, full pens, and steady sales, all part of what General Manager Ryan Perry calls the “normal rhythm” of Montana’s cattle business.

Despite national headlines about record-high beef prices, Perry says what’s happening locally isn’t a sudden surge. Instead, it’s the annual “fall run,” when ranchers across the state bring their cattle to auction before winter sets in.

“The market is great. It’s been on an unprecedented level throughout summer and early fall,” Perry said. “As we get into the end of October, we’re seeing more cows, so the supply’s rising. The demand is still good, but we’re getting more cows moving in and seeing a softer cow market.”

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Perry says that seasonal sof

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