Direct cash cattle trade activity is very slow to get moving this week.  A few bids have surfaced at $222 and $226 dressed in the North.  The rest of cattle country has been quiet.  Asking prices have surfaced in the South at $143 to $144 live, while the North has yet to disclose asking prices in that region.  Look for more business to develop over the balance of the week. 

Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $1.75 higher at $262.22 and Select is $.17 lower at $239.13.  The Choice/Select spread is $23.09. 

At the Ozarks Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week steer calves over 550 pounds and all weights of heifers were $3 to $6 higher. 

…