Direct cash cattle trade activity remains relatively quiet.  Bids have surfaced in Nebraska at $280 dressed.  Asking prices have been floated in the South at $182-plus live, while the North remains quiet.  While some business could develop yet today, it’s more than likely any significant trade will hold out until sometime Thursday or Friday.

Boxed beef is higher at midday on good demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $1.39 higher at $295.46 and Select is $.35 higher at $284.95.  The Choice/Select spread is $10.51. 

At the Interstate Regional Stockyards in Missouri, feeder steers were $3 to $5 higher. 

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