All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of August 5, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending July 31, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.32/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 512K head, which was down compared to the previous week. According to analysts, the slaughter was expected to continue to be tight at 520K-530K head per week through 2026.
For grading the week ending July 24, 86.2% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 10.9% 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 throughout the remainder of the year.
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 fall over the next few weeks.
Ground Beef 81/19
81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to decrease through mid-August.
Ground Beef 73/27 
73/27 Ground Beef decreased last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push lower over the short term.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased 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 while Select grade was flat. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing and Select grade holding steady 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 increase 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 increased 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 was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline in the short term.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that there will be some downside in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be choppy through Labor Day.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye 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 be mostly steady, with some possible downside risk through summer.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to trend higher into Labor Day.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market increased last week. This week, the market has been mixed, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade has had limited trading through three days. Analysts anticipate that the market will trade sideways through summer.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Choice grade holding steady while Select grade decreased. This week, the market has remained mixed, but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline in the short term.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, and has continued to push higher this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will be steady in the short term.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market declined last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue falling into August.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak 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 decline through summer.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market declined last week, and has continued to decline this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to fall in the short term.