Direct cash cattle trade is off to its typically quiet start to the week.  Bids and asking prices have yet to surface as buyers and sellers are busy taking inventory and preparing for the week ahead.  It’s likely significant trade volume will be delayed until midweek or later.  Business last week, for the most part, held out until Friday, and it was worth the wait.  Dressed deals in the North were at mostly $300, $5 higher than the prior week’s weighted averages.  Live deals in the South were at mostly $186, $2 higher than the previous week’s business.  This week could be a repeat, especially with Cattle on Feed numbers out Friday. 

Boxed beef is higher at midday on solid demand for moderate offerings.  Choice is $.80 higher at $314.25 and Select was $3.95 higher at $301.35.  The Choice/Select spread is $12.90.

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