Direct cash cattle trade activity is off to a quiet start this week as buyers and sellers are taking inventory.  Bids and asking prices have yet to surface.  Look for business to develop as the week progresses.  Last week’s trade was marked at mostly $120 live in the South, steady to $1 higher than the prior week’s weighted averages.  Dressed business was at mostly $191, fully steady with the previous week’s business. 

Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for light offerings.  Choice is $.76 higher at $339.74 and Select is $1.28 lower at $310.50.  The Choice/Select spread is $29.24. 

In South Dakota last week, compared to the prior week’s sales, feeder steers under 900 pounds were $4 to $8 higher and steers over 900 pounds were steady to $1 higher, except 950-to-1000-pound steers which were $3 higher.  Feeder heifers under 750 pounds were $2 to $6 higher and over 750 pounds were steady to $1 higher.  The USDA says demand was very good for all weights and classes, but the best demand was on cattle that will finish in the last part of this year and the first part of next.  There were a lot yearlings offered and the ongoing drought is forcing cattle producers in the worst regions to sell early.  The market was active.  Receipts were up on the week and the year and feeder supply included 58% steers with 85% of the offering over 600 pounds.  Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 754 to 796 pounds brought $139 to $161.50 and feeder steers 951 to 993 pounds brought $118.50 to $135.25.  Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers 653 to 699 pounds brought $130 to $149 and feeder heifers 706 to 746 pounds brought $131 to $145.50. 

Cash hogs are higher at midday with strong negotiated numbers. 

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