Beef Trends
January 9, 2026
All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of January 7, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending January 2, 2026.
Live Cattle
$2.38/lb.
last week’s total catal slaughter +550K
All current beef pricing trends are based on USDA data as of January 7, 2026. Last week’s trends refer to the USDA market for the week ending January 2, 2026.
Live cattle sold mostly around $2.32/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 550K head, which was up compared to the previous week. Slaughter is expected to level out and remain tight at 550-560K head in January and February, according to analysts.
For grading the week ending December 27, 87.2% of cattle graded as Choice or higher, and 10% graded as Select, with the remaining 2.8% 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 flat last week, but has increased this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the Ground Chuck market to steadily increase going into March.
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 continue moving higher going into February and March.
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 continue to increase going into March.
Rounds
Peeled Knuckles
The Peeled Knuckles market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to up in the short term.
Inside Rounds
The Inside Rounds market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing while Select held flat, and that same trend has continued this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to move higher in the short term.
Bottom Round Flats
Bottom Round Flats increased last week, and have continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to continue to increase 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 continue to increase 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 expect the market to hold steady through January, then push higher going into February.
Top Butts
The Top Sirloins market was mixed last week, with Choice grade decreasing. This week, the market has increased through three days of trading. Analysts expect prices to be steady in the short term.
Tenderloins 
The Tenderloins market declined last week, and has continued to decrease this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will continue to see downside through late February.
Ribs
Ribeyes
The Ribeye market declined last week. This week, the Light Ribeye market has increased, while the Heavy Ribeye market has continued to decrease through three days of trading. Analysts believe that the market will decline into early February.
Chucks
Chuck Rolls
The Chuck Roll market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts believe the market will continue to climb in January.
Teres Majors
The Teres Majors market was mixed last week, with Choice grade increasing. This week, the market has continued to be mixed, with Choice grade decreasing through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to push higher in the short term.
Briskets
he 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 push higher in January.
Thin Meats
Ball Tips
The Ball Tips market increased 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.
Flap Meat
The Flap Meat 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 trend higher in the short term.
Flank Steak
The Flank Steak market increased last week, and has continued to increase this week through three days of trading. Analysts expect the market to be steady to up in January.
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 going into February.