Cash cattle markets are expected to remain quiet throughout the day as feedyards, processors and traders assess the impact of the season's first major winter storm. Heavy snow and blizzard-like conditions caused road closures and some plant stoppages yesterday in the Central and Southern Plains.

Worst-hit areas for cattle were northwest Texas, southwest Kansas and eastern Colorado. The severe conditions could cause cattle to lose weight near-term and leave feedyards muddy and sloppy as the snow melts.

Today's slaughter expected to be reduced from normal, and Monday's figure could be downwardly revised. Boxed beef prices rose yesterday. (curt.thacker@dowjones.com)

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 20, 2011 09:20 ET (14:20 GMT)
DJ MARKET TALK: Cash Cattle Traders Assess Winter Storm Impact->copyright