Direct cash cattle markets are quiet. Asking prices are around $144 to $145 on the live basis in the south and $230+ dressed in the north. Bids are $141 live and $224 to $227 dressed. Many packers are short bought, even after moving some supplies forward last week. The uncertainties about a potential railroad strike are also contributing to some of the cautious cash livestock business. This week at the Fed Cattle Exchange, 1,728 head were on offer, with zero sales.

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