Direct cash cattle trade activity is off to a slow start following Monday’s business.  Bids are at $144 live in Nebraska and $140 live in Texas.  Asking prices are at $142 live in the South, while the North has yet to disclose.  Business is expected to pick up over the balance of the week. 

Boxed beef was mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $.98 lower at $265.62 and Select is $.77 higher at $257.29.  The Choice/Select spread is $8.33. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week feeder steers were $2 to $6 higher. 

…