All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of May 6, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending May 1, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.55/lb. last week, which is up compared to the previous week and near record highs for the year. Live cattle are expected to remain steadily priced this week, according to analysts.
Last week’s total cattle slaughter was estimated at 534K head, which was up compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 540K per week through May.
For grading the week ending April 29, 89% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 7.7% 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 declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to be steady 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 be steady in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Ground Beef 73/27 
73/27 Ground Beef traded down 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, before moving higher into summer.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market was mixed last week, with Choice grade flat, while Select grade decreased. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has held steady with limited trading on both grades through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to steadily increase in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market increased last week, and has continued to rise 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 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 steadily increase in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market decreased last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market may have some downside risk in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market may see some downside in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be steady in the short term, before pushing higher into summer.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing for both Light and Heavy Ribeyes. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice Light Ribeyes and Select Heavy Ribeyes increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will continue to push higher into the summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market increased last week, and has continued to move up this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will see downside in the short term, as seasonal demand declines.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has declined through three days of trading. Analysts anticipate that the market will be steady in the short term.
Briskets
The Brisket market decreased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be mostly steady in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, but has decreased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market held steady last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing while Select grade has continued to hold flat through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to increase into summer.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing and Select grade holding flat. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher going into summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market remains volatile, decreasing last week, but increasing this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to climb higher into summer.