All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of March 4, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending February 27, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.43/lb. last week, which is 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 516K head, which was flat compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter is expected to continue to be tight, at 535K per week through March.
For grading the week ending February 21, 88.6% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 8.4% graded as Select, with the remaining 3.0% 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 
Ground Chuck traded down last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to move higher now through spring.
Ground Beef 81/19 
81/19 Ground Beef increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to increase into spring, with increased demand.
Ground Beef 73/27
The 73/27 Ground Beef market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to higher through spring.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market was up 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.
Inside Rounds 
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing on limited trading. This week, the market has remained mixed, with Choice grade continuing to increase through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
The Bottom Round Flats market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to hold steady in the short term.
Eyes of Round
The Eyes of Round market was higher last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady 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, and has continued to go up this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect prices to continue climbing in the short term.
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 continue to go higher through spring.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select Light Ribeyes decreased. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will push higher into spring.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market has reached bottom and will continue to push higher now through spring.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market increased last week, but has declined this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher through April.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market could continue to push higher in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
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 stay elevated, due to overall tighter supplies.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to increase into summer.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to up going into summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week, and has continued higher this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue rising into spring.