All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of May 27, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending May 22, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.60/lb. last week, which is down compared to the previous week. Live cattle are expected to remain steadily priced this week, according to analysts.
Last week’s total cattle slaughter was estimated at 528K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 520K-530K head per week through early July.
For grading the week ending May 16, 88.5% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 8.2% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.6% being Ungraded.
Analysts report that the cutout values were higher last week, and remain above the $300 level of a year ago, due to lower harvest levels, resulting in low supply availability and higher prices. They expect these values to remain elevated through the summer.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck was up last week, but has decreased this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to be steady over the next few weeks.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef traded up last week, and has continued to increase this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term, before moving higher into summer.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade flat and Select grade increasing through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Inside Rounds 
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade increasing, while Select has remained flat on limited trading through two days. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market was mixed last week, with Choice grade flat while Select grade increased. This week, the market has decreased through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market may see some downside in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continued this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be steady in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice Heavy Ribeyes increasing while Choice Light Ribeyes decreased. This week, the ribeye market has increased, except for Select Light Ribeyes, which have decreased through two days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will push higher into the summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was flat last week, but has decreased this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be soft as seasonal demand declines.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continued this week through two days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market may increase in the short term, as overall supplies remain tight.
Briskets
The Brisket market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be mostly steady in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips 
The Ball Tips market decreased last week, but has increased this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has decreased through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing, while Select grade has had limited trading through two days. Analysts expect the market to push higher into summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market remains volatile, falling last week, but rising this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.