All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of August 19, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending August 14, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.28/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 517K head, which was up 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 7, 86.5% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 10.5% graded as Select, with the remaining 3% 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 has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to increase over the next few weeks.
Ground Beef 81/19 
81/19 Ground Beef increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue increasing going into Labor Day.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef decreased last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher into Labor Day.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market increased last week, and that same trend has continued this week 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 increasing while Select grade was flat, and that same trend has continued this week 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 up last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week 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 climb this week through three 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 increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be choppy through Labor Day.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market increased last week, and has continued to trade higher this week through three 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 increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue climbing into Labor Day.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market increased last week, and has continued upwards this week through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways through summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market was up 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.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, and has continued to push higher 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 continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline after Labor Day.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market decreased last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline through summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week, but has declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to fall in the short term.