All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of June 24, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending June 19, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.59/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 522K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 520K-530K head per week through July.
For grading the week ending June 13, 88.4% of cattle graded as Choice or higher and 8.7% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.9% 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 up last week and has continued to increase 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 lower after Independence Day.
Ground Beef 73/27
73/27 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 moving lower in mid-summer.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market increased last week and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts forecast the market to be steady in the short term.
Inside Rounds 
The Inside Rounds market was flat last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade decreasing, while Select grade has had limited trading through three days. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats 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.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round 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 steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady through summer.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some downside in the short term.
Tenderloins 
The Tenderloins market increased last week, but has decreased 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 increased last week, while Select Heavy Ribeyes decreased. This week, the Choice grade has continued to increase, while Select grade has continued to decrease through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady through summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll 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 expect the market to show softness going into summer as seasonal demand declines.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has increased with limited trading through three days. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways going into summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market decreased last week but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline going into July, with overall supplies reported as good.
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. Overall supplies are reported as good.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing, and that same trend has continue this week through three days trading. Analysts expect the market to decline over the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak 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 has peaked 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.