Direct cash cattle trade activity started the day slow, but packer inquiry is expected to pick up as the day progresses.  A few bids have surfaced out of the North at $150 live and $237 to $238 dressed.  Asking prices are around $143 to $146 live in the South and $240-plus dressed in the North.  Look for significant trade volume to develop over the balance of the week. 

Boxed beef is about steady to lower at midday with light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $.06 higher at $265.50 and Select is $.56 lower at $238.56.  The Choice/Select spread is $26.94. 

At the Ozarks Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week, steer and heifer calves were $4 to $8 higher with some lighter calves up to $12 higher. 

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