All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of July 22, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending July 17, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.38/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 525K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 510K-520K head per week through July.
For grading the week ending July 10, 87.3% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 10% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.7% 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, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to continue falling over the next month.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, and has continued to go down this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue declining through mid-summer.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to push lower over the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market declined 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.
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, with Choice grade still falling 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 expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market decreased last week, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market has peaked and will decline in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be more downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will trade lower through July.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye 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 mostly steady, with some possible downside risk through summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be choppy in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has decreased 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, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline through summer.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market fell last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to move lower in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market declined last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to decline through July.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market declined last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decrease through summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market remains volatile, although it declined last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be choppy in the short term.