Another quiet start to direct cash cattle trade activity.  Bids have yet to surface.  Asking prices in the South have been noted at $142 to $143 plus live while the North has yet to disclose.  While some business could develop today to kick off the week’s trade, it’s likely the bulk of the week will hold out until midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $2.63 lower at $271.33 and Select is $1.14 higher at $269.89.  The Choice/Select spread is $1.44. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week feeder steers under 550 pounds were $5 to $12 higher with three-weight steers $20 higher. 

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