Chicago Mercantile Exchange live and feeder cattle futures were sharply higher, optimistic about this week’s widespread direct cash cattle business. December live was up $1.05 at $184.67 and February was $1.25 higher at $186.42. January feeder cattle were $4.15 higher at $242.17 and March was up $4.10 at $244.42.

Direct cash cattle trade activity was quiet again Thursday.  Bids surfaced at $290 to $292 dressed.  Asking prices were around $294 dressed in the North and $188 live in the South.  It looks like buyers and sellers are in a standoff.  There’s been a little bit of business take place over the course of the week, but not near enough to establish a trend.

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