Another quiet start to the day for direct cash cattle trade activity.  Asking prices are around $125 to $126 live in the South, while they’ve yet to surface out of the North.  Bids are non-existent.  A little scattered business may develop yet today, but it’s likely significant trade volume won’t happen until at least midweek or maybe later. 

Boxed beef was lower at midday on light demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $.27 lower at $280.85 and Select is $2.19 lower at $261.45.  The Choice/Select spread is $19.40. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week feeder steers were $2 to $4 higher.  Feeder heifers under 650 pounds were $2 to $5 higher and heifers over 650 pounds were $4 to $9 higher.  The USDA says supply was light, but demand was good.  Receipts were up on the week and down on the year.  Feeder supply included 46% steers and 64% of the offering was over 600 pounds.  Medium and Large 1 feeder steers 717 to 747 pounds brought $152 to $161.50 and feeder steers 880 to 893 pounds brought $145 to $148.  Medium and Large 1 feeder heifers 763 to 787 pounds brought $142.25 to $144 and feeder heifers 864 to 898 pounds brought $135 to $138. 

Cash hogs are about steady at midday with strong negotiated purchases. 

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