A slow start for direct cash cattle business.  Bids have surfaced at $179 to $181 live.  Asking prices are around $182 live in the South and $290 plus dressed in the North.  Packer inquiry is expected to improve as the day progresses.  There was a light trade reported in parts of Kansas and Texas on Tuesday at $178 live, about $2 lower than the previous week’s weighted averages. 

Boxed beef is lower at midday on light demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $1.08 lower at $328.15 and Select is $.44 lower at $297.99.  The Choice/Select spread is $30.16. 

At the Kingsville Livestock Auction in Missouri, the majority of steers and heifers were $3 to $8 higher, steady on spots of calves. 

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