All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of February 18, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending February 13, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.47/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 541K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight, at 550-560K per week heading into March.
For grading the week ending February 7, 88.4% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 9.0% 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 higher prices. They expect these values to remain elevated in the $350-$360 range during early 2026.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded down last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to be soft through early March.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect some softness in the market through early March.
Ground Beef 73/27 
The 73/27 Ground Beef market increased last week, but has declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline through early March.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles 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 in the short term.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing on limited trading. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade increasing 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 increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to hold steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, with Choice grade flat. This week, the market has moved up through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher into spring.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect prices to be steady in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market may be soft over the next few weeks, before pushing higher into spring.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will push higher into spring.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to decline through March.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing on limited trading through three days. Analysts expect the market to push higher into spring.
Briskets
The Brisket market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline during the rest of February.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to stay elevated, due to tighter supplies.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market pushed higher last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to rise in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading, due to reported tighter supplies. Analysts expect the market to be steady during the rest of 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 rising into spring.