All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of July 29, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending July 24, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.31/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 528K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter was expected to continue to be tight at 510K-520K head per week through July.
For grading the week ending July 17, 87.5% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 9.7% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.8% 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 continue falling over the next few weeks.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to fall through mid-August.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 Ground Beef decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to push lower over the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market declined 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.
Inside Rounds 
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has increased 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 down 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.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market decreased last week, but has increased this week 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 decreasing. This week, the market has remained mixed, with Choice grade continuing to decrease through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be more downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market remains mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be choppy through Labor Day.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye 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 will be mostly steady, with some possible downside risk through summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls 
The Chuck Roll market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to trend higher into Labor Day.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market declined last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways through summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Choice grade holding steady while Select grade decreased. This week, the market has remained mixed, but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market fell last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will move lower in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline into August.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decrease through summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market declined last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to fall in the short term.