Direct cash cattle trade was quiet, with significant trade likely holding off until Wednesday.

There are indications from Friday’s USDA cattle reports that supplies are tightening. That could increase the likelihood of feedlots holding out for higher cash.

Boxed beef cutout values were higher at midday, with choice up $2.72 at $270.60 and select up $2.92 at $253.84.

Monday at the Joplin Regional Stockyards, there were 4,683 cattle on the auction.

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