Direct cash cattle trade activity remains quiet.  Bids and asking prices have yet to be established.  It’s likely significant trade volume will likely be delayed until Wednesday or later. 

Boxed beef was sharply higher at midday on strong demand for moderate offerings. Choice was $3.63 higher at $312.51, and Select was $.90 higher at $299.78. The Choice/Select spread was $12.73. 

At the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Missouri, feeder steers and heifers sold steady to $5 higher. 

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