All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of September 2, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending August 28, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.20/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 542K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter was expected to continue to be tight at 510K-515K head per week through 2026.
For grading the week ending August 8, 86.5% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 10.2% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.3% 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 up last week but has decreased 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 this week, and that same trend has continued 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, and continued to decrease 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 was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has decreased 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 decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market decreased last week, and has continued to decline this week 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 has moved higher through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
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 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 increased last week for all grades of light and heavy Ribeyes. This week, Choice grade has continued to climb while Select grade has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be mostly steady, with some possible downside risk after Labor Day.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to increase in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways through summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market has reached its peak and will continue falling after Labor Day.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has remained mixed but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term, then decline through fall.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue falling after Labor Day.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decrease through summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to fall in the short term.