All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of September 9, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending September 4, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.19/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 526K head, which was down 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 29, 86.7% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 9.9% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.4% 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 that same trend has continued this week through two 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, and that same trend has continued this week through two 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 has continued to decrease this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market declined last week but has increased this week through two 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 had limited through two 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. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through two days of trading. Analysts believe there will be some downside in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market decreased last week, and has continued to decline this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady to down in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has continued to be mixed but with Choice grade decreasing through two days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market decreased last week, but is up this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be choppy in the short term.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice Light Ribeyes and all grades of Heavy Ribeyes increasing while Select Light Ribeyes were flat. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, with Choice grade increasing through two 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 was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continued this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to increase in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing while Select has had limited trading through two days. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways through summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market declined last week, but has increased this week through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will soften now that Labor Day has passed.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term, then decline through fall.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market declined last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through two days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline going into fall.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market decreased last week but has increased this week through two days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be choppy in the short term.
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.