All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of September 30, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending September 23, 2026.
Live cattle sold between $2.19 - $2.23/lb. last week, which was steady compared to the previous week. Live cattle are expected to hold steady this week and next week, according to analysts.
Last week’s total cattle slaughter was estimated at 484K head, which was down compared to the previous week. This week’s slaughter is expected to be only slightly higher at 490K, before returning to more normal seasonal levels of 520K-525K head per week through 2026.
For grading the week ending September 19, 87.7% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 9.3% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.0% 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 higher last week, but has been steady this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to show weakness through Q4.
Ground Beef 81/19 
81/19 Ground Beef decreased last week, but has rebounded strongly this week through three days of trading. Analysts still expect some weakness in this market.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef was steady last week, but has increased moderately this week through three days of trading. Analysts still expect some weakness in this market.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market decreased last week, but has moved higher this week through three days of trading on all grades of knuckles. Analysts expect the market to continue gaining strength through the start of November.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing and Select grade having limited trading. This week, the market has increased strongly through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline through October.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing and Select grade decreasing. This week, the market has risen through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be mixed in the weeks ahead.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, with Choice grade moving higher and Select grade softening. This week, the market has moved slightly higher on both grades through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be strong going into the start of November.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market increased again last week. This week, the market has been mixed, as Choice grade has declined through three days of trading, while Select grade has continued to rise due to tight supply. Analysts believe the market will be steady to weaker in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade posting few trades. This week, the market has been steady to slightly higher through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady to slightly lower in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market fell last week, but has rebounded with renewed strength this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to move steadily higher through the holidays.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was higher last week, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market could show some weakness in the short term.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was mixed last week, with Choice grade moving significantly higher and Select stepping back slightly. This week, both grades have increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to rise in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade moved lower on minimal trading. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading, although Select grade has yet to trade. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways to lower in the short term.
Briskets
The Brisket market declined again last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade trading sideways to slightly lower, and Select grade jumping higher through three days of trading. Analysts expect both grades to be steady before elevating in the weeks ahead.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market fell last week, but has moved higher this week 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 was mixed last week, with Choice posting lower prices but Select jumping moderately. This week, both grades have weakened through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to regain some strength in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade falling and Select grade climbing slightly higher. This week, both grades have declined significantly through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to fall further in the near term, then pivot higher.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts fat- on market decreased significantly last week, but has rebounded nearly as strongly this week through three days of trading. The Peeled Outside Skirt market maintained its strength last week, and has continued rising this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect these markets to be steady to slightly higher in the very near 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.