Direct cash cattle trade is off to a slow start again this week.  The bitterly cold temperatures and extreme winter weather are likely contributing to the delay in business.  Bids and asking prices haven’t surfaced.  Significant trade volume will likely be delayed until late in the week.

Boxed beef is higher and sharply higher at midday on good demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $2.73 higher at $294.15 and Select is $6.92 higher at $279.48.  The Choice/Select spread is $14.67. 

In Kentucky last week, feeder cattle sales were mixed. 

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