Direct cash cattle markets are at a standstill. There are a few asking prices around $178 to $180 on the live basis in Kansas, but otherwise, the major feeding areas remain very quiet with no reported bids. Some very light trade was reported Tuesday in Kansas at $176 live and Iowa at $175 live and $275 dressed. It looks like this week’s widespread direct business will wait until tomorrow, if not Friday. The USDA’s semi-annual Cattle Inventory report is out at 3 Eastern/2 Central.

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