All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of September 23, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending September 18, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.22/lb. last week, which was 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 529K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter was expected to continue to be tight at 520K-525K head per week through 2026.
For grading the week ending September 12, 88.4% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 9.0% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.6% 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 lower supply availability and higher prices. They expect these values to remain elevated throughout the remainder of the year.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded down last week but has increased this week through three 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 decreased last week and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef decreased last week but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing and Select grade having limited trading, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. 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 decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts believe there will be some downside in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady to down in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market increased last week and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be choppy in the short term.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be mostly steady, with some possible downside in the short term.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to rise in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways in the short term.
Briskets
The Brisket market decreased last week and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will see more downside in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market rose last week but has decreased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term, then decline through fall. Overall supplies remain tight.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market declined last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline in the short term.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market decreased last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be choppy in the short term.
The data contained in the Farmer’s Report is provided for informational purposes only, is not tailored to your specific purchasing needs, and is not intended as a substitute for any other publicly-available market data or information. The Farmer’s Report is compiled from the last-received market data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or other market sources, and is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein is the opinion of US Foods®. US Foods neither assumes any legal liability nor makes any warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.