Direct cash cattle trade activity is picking up. A few bids have surfaced in the South at $177 live. Asking prices are around $182-plus live in the South, while the North remains quiet. Packer inquiry has been limited through midday, but it could pick as the day progresses. However, it’s also very likely significant trade volume is going to hold out until late in the day Friday.
Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for light offerings. Choice is $.34 lower at $303.18 and Select is $.06 higher at $278.20. The Choice/Select spread is $24.98.
At the Bassett Livestock Auction in Nebraska, there were limited comparable offerings for yearlings, but steers 600 pounds were $2 lower, and steers 950 pounds and up were $3 higher.
