Direct cash cattle trade activity is at a standstill.  Bids and asking prices have yet to be established.  Showlists this week are mixed, higher in Kansas, Nebraska/Colorado, and lower in Texas.  Significant trade volume could be delayed until midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is sharply higher at midday on strong demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $4.52 higher at $289.72 and Select is $4.81 higher at $279.16.  The Choice/Select spread is $10.56.

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week feeder steers under 600 pounds were steady to $3 lower, while weights over 600 pounds were steady to $3 higher.  Feeder heifers were steady to $5 lower with most of the decline on heavier weights.  The USDA says supply was moderate with good demand.  Receipts were down on the week and the year.  Feeder supply included 49 percent steers and 50 percent of the offering was over 600 pounds.  Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 500 to 546 pounds brought $162 to $176 and feeder steers 600 to 635 pounds brought $151 to $168.  Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers 700 to 725 pounds brought $124 to $132 and feeder heifers 751 to 795 pounds brought $123 to $125. 

Cash hogs are sharply higher with moderate negotiated runs. 

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