Direct cash cattle trade has been relatively quiet.  Bids have surfaced in Texas at $180 to $181 live and in Nebraska at $293 to $295 dressed.  Asking prices are around $186 live in the South and $295 to $297 dressed in the North.  There’s only been some scattered business throughout the week.  Look for packer inquiry and business to pick up before the end of the day Friday.

Boxed beef is higher at midday on good demand for solid offerings.  Choice is $.42 higher at $298.65 and Select is $1.11 higher at $297.13.  The Choice/Select spread is at $1.52.

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