Direct cash cattle trade is off to a slow start again.  There are a few early asking prices that have been noted around $114 plus live in the South, with nothing established yet out of the North.  Bids remain elusive.  While some business could start to develop today, it’s very likely significant trade volume will be delayed until the last half of the week. 

Boxed beef is steady to weak at midday on light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $.62 lower at $205.28 and Select is $.13 higher at $196.62.  The Choice/Select spread is $8.66. 

At the Kingsville Livestock Auction in Missouri, compared to two weeks ago, steers and heifers were unevenly steady.  The USDA says supply was moderate to heavy and demand was mostly moderate and good in spots.  Receipts were down from a year ago.  Feeder supply included 58 percent steers and 68 percent of the offering was over 600 pounds.

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