Live Cattle Higher In Early Trading

February Live Cattle is up 1.65 at 1.6412. March Feeder Cattle is trading sharply higher, up 3.80 at 215.70. The weather is expected be cold and wet this week, which can lead to poor feeding. The Wholesale market was firm at the end of last week, as a few packers looked for cattle during the holiday. USDA boxed beef was up 58 cents higher at $244.52. Cash markets traded at $162.00-$164.00 last week, up from $156.00-$160.00. Average dressed steer weights for the week ending December 13 was 899 pounds, up from 872 last year. Many traders are still on holiday and thin markets are expected. Traders are expecting range-bound choppy trading.