All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of October 21, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending October 14, 2026.
Live cattle sold between $2.23 - $2.28/lb. last week, which was higher compared to the previous week. Live cattle are expected to hold steady in this higher range this week and next week, according to analysts.
Last week’s total cattle slaughter was estimated at 535K head, which was higher than the previous week, and above recent prior week’s levels. Analysts expect harvest levels to remain within a seasonal range of 525K-530K head through the end of Q4.
For grading the week ending October 10, 88.7% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 9.4% graded as Select, with the remaining 1.9% being Ungraded, which was the same as last week.
Analysts report that the cutout values slipped lower last week, with lower trade levels for Choice grades. Analysts expect the overall Choice cutout value to remain steady for the next couple of weeks, before declining in November.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded higher last week, and has continued rising this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to be steady to slightly lower through the end of October, then decline through the balance of Q4.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef was steady last week, but is showing some gains this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect this market to trade slightly higher through October before showing some weakness through the balance of Q4.
Ground Beef 73/27 
73/27 Ground Beef rose last week, but has declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect this market to rebound higher through the end of Q4.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
Choice Peeled Knuckles traded higher last week, and are continuing to climb this week through three days of trading. Select Peeled Knuckles also increased last week, but have moved lower this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect Choice knuckles to continue rising for a few more weeks, but they expect Select knuckles to fall in the weeks ahead.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade rising and Select grade falling. This week, Choice Inside Rounds have declined through three days of trading, while no trades have been reported for Select grade. Analysts expect the market to be choppy through the rest of October before moving higher.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market fell again last week, but has moved higher this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in the weeks ahead.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, as Choice grade traded higher while Select grade fell. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts forecast this market to strengthen in the weeks ahead.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market was mixed last week, with Choice grade climbing and Select grade moving lower, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market could weaken moderately through Q4.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade moving lower, while Select grade did not post any trades. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market could weaken moderately through Q4.
Tenderloins
Tenderloins were mixed last week, with Choice grade trading higher and Select grade falling. This week, the market has risen through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to move steadily higher through the holidays.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, as Choice grade declined and Select grade moved higher. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, as all grades of heavies and Select lights have increased through three days of trading, while Choice lights have declined. Analysts believe the market could continue to be mixed going into the holidays.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market remained mixed last week, as Choice grade declined while Select grade climbed. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect weakness ahead in the Chuck Roll market.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, as Choice grade moved higher while Select grade fell. This week, Choice grade has declined, while no trades have been reported on Select grade through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will fall in the weeks ahead.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, as Choice Briskets continued to trade lower, while Select grade rebounded higher. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts expect both grades to find strength in the weeks ahead.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market was mixed last week, with Choice grade continuing higher and Select grade continuing lower. This week, the market has climbed through three days of trading. Longer term forecasts point to significant weakness ahead, but analysts note that current overall tight supplies could counteract those forecasts.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market fell last week, but has rebounded this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to find some short-term strength before retreating in late Q4.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing and Select grade increasing. This week, the market has reversed, with Choice grade moving higher and Select grade moving lower through three days of trading. Analysts expect this market to be steady to lower in the short term, before it pivots higher in late October.
Skirt Steak
Both the Outside Skirts fat-on and Peeled Outside Skirts markets fell last week, but have turned higher this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect these markets to be mixed in the weeks ahead.
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.