All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of June 17, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending June 12, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.56/lb. last week, which was steady 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 524K 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 July.
For grading the week ending June 6, 88.0% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 9.1% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.9% 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 through the summer.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded down last week and has continued to decrease 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 but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term before pushing lower after Independence Day.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef increased last week and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term before moving lower mid-summer.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade increased. This week, the market has increased through three 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. This week, the market has been steady, with limited trading through three days. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market decreased 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.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has decreased through three 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. This week, the market remains mixed but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady through summer.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing 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 flat while Select grade increased. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be steady in the short term before pushing higher into summer.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Choice Ribeye market increased last week, while Select Light Ribeyes decreased. This week, Choice grade has increased while Select Heavy Ribeyes have decreased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady going into summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline going into summer as seasonal demand declines.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased with limited trading through three days. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways going into summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline going into July, with overall supplies reported as good.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market fell last week, and has continued lower this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline in the short term. Overall supplies are reported as good.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market fell last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline over the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market has peaked and will decline going into late summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market remains volatile, although it fell 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.