All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of March 25, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending March 20, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.35/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 503K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 530K per week through April.
For grading the week ending March 13, 88.8% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 7.9% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.3% 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 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 up last week but has decreased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to see some downside before moving higher into summer.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef decreased last week, and has continued to fall this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to have some downside in the short term before pushing higher into summer, with increased seasonal demand.
Ground Beef 73/27
The 73/27 Ground Beef market decreased last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in the short term before moving higher into summer.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market was up last week but has decreased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to move lower in the short term.
Inside Rounds 
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade was flat on limited trading, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to down in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market declined last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue falling in the short term.
Eye of Round
The Eye of Round market decreased last week, and has continued to move lower this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue falling in the short term.
Loins
Strips 
The Strip Loin market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue higher into spring.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to lower in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market increased last week, and has continued climbing this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will continue to go higher through early spring.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with all grades of Light and Heavy Ribeyes increasing except Select Light Ribeyes, which had limited trading. That same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will push higher through early spring.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market fell 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, as seasonal demand declines.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that lower production levels will continue to push the market higher.
Briskets
The Brisket 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 the market could push higher in the short term due to tighter supplies overall.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to stay elevated due to overall tighter supplies.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat 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 continue to increase into summer.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing and Select grade having limited trading through three days. Analysts expect the market to be steady to up going into summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week, and has continued moving up this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue rising into summer.