It was another quiet start for direct cash cattle business.  Packer inquiry has been limited and bids are elusive.  Asking prices are at $142 to $145 live in the South, while nothing has surfaced out of the North.  While some initial business could take place before the day is over, it’s likely that significant trade volume will be delayed until Midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is higher at midday on strong demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $1.88 higher at $266.34 and Select is $1.09 higher at $240.81.  The Choice/Select spread is $25.53. 

At the close, at the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week feeder steers and feeder heifers were steady to $5 higher. 

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