Another slow start for direct cash cattle business.  Bids have yet to surface.  Early asking prices have been floated around $174 to $175 live in the South, while the North remains quiet.  It’s likely significant trade volume will be delayed until midweek or later. 

Boxed beef is sharply higher at midday on solid demand for light offerings.  Choice is $2.06 higher at $294.97 and Select is $4.09 higher at $282.49.  The Choice/Select spread is $12.48. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, feeder steers were $4 to $12 higher with some light four-weight calves selling for $20 higher. 

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