Direct cash cattle trade is off to a quiet start as buyers and sellers are busy taking inventory. Bid and asking prices have yet to be established and it is likely the bulk of the week’s business will be delayed until midweek or later. Deals last week were at mostly $218 dressed in the North, generally steady with the prior week’s business. Live deals were at mostly $137, $1 to $1.50 higher than the previous week’s trade.
Boxed beef was higher at midday on moderate demand for light offerings. Choice is $.35 higher at $292.76 and Select is $1.69 higher at $284.02. The Choice/Select spread is $8.74.
In Missouri last week, compared to the previous week feeders were unevenly steady from $2 lower to $2 higher. The USDA says the supply was moderate as winter weather kept many cattle home. Demand was moderate with the most demand for 500 to 600 pounds.
