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Beef Trends

Farmer's Report - February 13, 2026

 

All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of February 11, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending February 6, 2026.

Live cattle sold mostly around $2.41/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 536K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight, at 550-560K heading into March.

For grading the week ending January 31, 87.8% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 9.2% graded as Select, with the remaining 3% 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  arrow down

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  arrow down

81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect some softness in the market through early March.

Ground Beef 73/27   arrow down

The 73/27 Ground Beef market also declined last week, and has continued falling this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline through early March.

Rounds

Peeled Knuckles  arrow up

The Peeled Knuckles 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 be steady in the short term.

Inside Rounds  arrow steady

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 on limited trading through three days. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.

Bottom Round Flats arrow up

Bottom Round Flats increased last week, and have continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to hold steady in the short term.

Eyes of Round arrow steady

The Eyes of Round market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. 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  arrow up

The Strip Loin market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to push higher into spring.

Top Butts arrow up

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  arrow steady

The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market may be soft over the next few weeks.

 

Ribs

Ribeyes  arrow steady

The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will push higher into spring.

Chucks

Chuck Rolls arrow down

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 arrow steady

The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher into the spring.

Briskets  arrow down

The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to decline through February.

Thin Meats

Ball Tips arrow up

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 rise into spring.

Flap Meat  arrow up

The Flap Meat market pushed higher last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading, due to tighter supplies. Analysts expect the market to continue to push higher in the short term.  

Flank Steak  arrow up

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 arrow up

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 climbing into the spring.

 

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