Direct cash cattle trade has been quiet to start the day again.  Bids haven’t surfaced.  Asking prices were at $186 to $187-plus live in the South, and $300 dressed in the North.  A handful of deals were reported on Wednesday, but not enough to establish an accurate price trend.  Look for more business to develop before the end of the day Friday.

Boxed beef is sharply higher at midday on solid demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $2.74 higher at $309.51 and Select is $3.09 higher at $297.40.  The Choice/Select spread is $12.11.

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