Another quiet start for direct cash cattle trade activity.  Packer inquiry has been limited.  Asking prices are around $145 to $146 live in the South, while not yet established out of the North.  Look for significant trade volume to develop midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $.61 lower at $251.84 and Select is $1.82 higher at $227.21.  The Choice/Select spread is $24.13. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week, feeder steers were steady to $3 higher. 

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