United States: Midday cash livestock markets

It’s a relatively quiet start for direct cash cattle trade following several days of scattered, light business across cattle country. For the week, Live deals in the South have ranged from $171 to $175, mostly $174 to $175, $2 to $3 below the previous week’s weighted averages. Northern dressed business has been steady at $275, $4 lower than the prior week’s weighted average basis. There could be some additional business develop today, but not much is expected. Boxed beef is mixed at midday on light to moderate demand for solid offerings. Choice was $1 lower at $298.02 and Select was $1.16 higher at $265.91. The Choice/Select spread is $32.11. At the Mitchell Livestock Auction in South Dakota, feeder steers up to 600 pounds sold with a higher undertone. Steers 600 to 900 pounds were $2 to $8 higher. Light heifers, up to 700 pounds, sold on a higher undertone. Heifers 850 to 950 pounds were $4 to $7 lower. The USDA says demand was good. Receipts were up on the week and ...