All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of January 21, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending January 16, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.32/lb. last week, which is up 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 562K head, which was up compared to the previous week. Slaughter is expected to level out and remain tight at 550-560K head in January and February, according to analysts.
For grading the week ending January 10, 86.9% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 10.5% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.6% being Ungraded.
Analysts report that the cutout values were lower last week, but remain above the $300 level of a year ago, due to lower harvest levels, resulting in low supply availability and record high prices. They expect these values to remain elevated in the $350-$360 range during early 2026.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded up last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts think the Ground Chuck market could possibly decline into February.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef increased last week, but has decreased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect some softness in the market through February.
Ground Beef 73/27
The 73/27 Ground Beef market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline through February.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has still been mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to up in the short term.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to move higher in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
Bottom Round Flats increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to hold steady 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 decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady 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 expect the market to continue to push higher into spring.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect prices to be steady in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be steady into March.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has remained mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline into early February, then push higher into spring.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will climb into February.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade was flat, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher in the short term.
Briskets
The Brisket market traded down last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline through February.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips 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.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will continue to rise through February.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady into February.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue climbing into February.