All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of January 28, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending January 23, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.34/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 535K head, which was down compared to the previous week, due to the impacts of the winter storms. Slaughter is expected to continue to be tight at 550-560K head into February, according to analysts.
For grading the week ending January 17, 87.8% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 9.8% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.4% 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 record high 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, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts think the Ground Chuck market could possibly decline into February.
Ground Beef 81/19 
81/19 Ground Beef declined last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Tighter supplies and increased demand are keeping prices elevated, according to analysts, but they expect some softness in the market through February.
Ground Beef 73/27
The 73/27 Ground Beef market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to decline in February.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles 
The Peeled Knuckles market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. 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 through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
Bottom Round Flats were mixed last week, with Select grade increasing while Choice grade remained steady. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade increasing 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 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 will be steady in the short term.
Loins
Strips
The Strip Loin market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to push higher into spring.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market increased last week, and has continued to rise this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect prices to be steady in the short term.
Tenderloins
The Tenderloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has remained mixed, but with Choice grade increasing through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will be mostly steady into March.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market was mixed last week, with Choice Light and all grades of Heavy Ribeyes decreasing, while Select Light Ribeyes increased. This week, all grades and sizes have increased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline into early February, then push higher into spring.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market was mixed last week, with Select grade increasing while Choice grade remained steady. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline into February.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select grade remained steady. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, but with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher in the short term.
Briskets
The Brisket market was mixed last week, with Select grade decreasing while Choice grade remained steady. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will decline through February.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to increase into spring.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat market increased last week, and has continued to climb this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market may have downside risk in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has decreased through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady into February.
Skirt Steak
The Outside Skirts market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue climbing into February.