Direct cash cattle trade activity remains quiet.  Bids are elusive.  Asking prices are around $184 to $185 live in the South, while still not established in the North.   Some business may develop before the end of the day.  But, significant trade volume is likely going to hold out until sometime Thursday or Friday. 

Boxed beef is lower at midday on light demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $.23 lower at $297.79 and Select is $.74 lower at $291.90.  The Choice/Select spread is $5.89

At the Philip Livestock Auction in South Dakota, it’s been a month since the most recent sale, so no comparisons were available. 

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