Direct cash cattle trade is still relatively quiet.  Packer inquiry is limited.  Asking prices are starting to surface and while the North is quiet, parts of the South have reported asking prices at $158-plus live.  Business is expected to pick up as the week progresses. 

Boxed beef was mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $2.22 lower at $284.73 and Select is $2.07 higher at $256.70.  The Choice/Select spread is $28.03. 

At the Kingsville Livestock Auction in Missouri, compared to the most recent sale, steers under 650 pounds were steady with spots of up to $8 higher. 

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