Another quiet start for direct cash cattle trade activity.  Packer inquiry remains limited as bids have yet to surface.  Early asking prices have been noted at $156-plus live in parts of the South, while the North has been quiet.  Significant trade volume will likely hold out until midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for light offerings.  Choice is $1.25 higher at $265.08 and Select is $4.18 lower at $234.39.  The Choice/Select spread is $30.69. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, compared to last week, feeder steers were $5 to $8 lower. 

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