All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of July 8, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending July 3, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.29/lb. last week, which was 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 433K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 510K-520K head per week through July.
For grading the week ending June 27, 86.4% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 10.1% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.5% 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 through the summer.
Grinds
Ground Chuck 
Ground Chuck traded down last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to decline over the next month.
Ground Beef 81/19 
81/19 Ground Beef was steady last week, but declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push lower through mid-summer.
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 lower over the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease 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. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing 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 decreased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to see downside in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market decreased last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some more downside 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 will be steady in the short term.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Choice Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice Light Ribeyes increasing while Choice Heavy Ribeyes decreased. This week, the market remains mixed, but with Choice Light Ribeyes and Select Heavy Ribeyes increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady through summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways during summer.
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 through summer.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market fell last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market is near its peak and will decline going into late summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market remains volatile and decreased last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be choppy in the short term.