Direct cash cattle trade activity is picking up around midday.  Bids have surfaced at $174 live in the South.  Asking prices are around $176-plus live in the South and $276-plus dressed in the North.  We could see some business develop as the day progresses. 

Boxed beef is lower at midday on light demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $1.12 lower at $300.54 and Select is $1.54 lower at $286.84.  The Choice/Select spread is $13.70.

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