Direct cash cattle trade activity is slow to develop at midweek.  Bids have started to surface at $184 dressed in Nebraska.  Asking prices are $118 to $120 live in the South and $192 dressed in the North.  Packer inquiry is expected to improve as the day progresses.  Today’s Fed Cattle Exchange had an offering of 4,489 head, of which 1,160 head actually sold at $116 to $118. 

Boxed beef is higher at midday on good demand for light offerings.  Choice is $.70 higher at $245.553 and Select is $1.63 higher at $237.55.  The Choice/Select spread is $7.98. 

At the Ozarks Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week steer calves under 550 pounds were $2 to $5 higher, while heavier weights, including yearlings, traded $5 to $10 higher. 

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