US Beef Price Report
A weekly snapshot of the US fed cattle and boxed beef market — live steer prices, the boxed beef cutout, the Choice/Select spread, and individual cut prices, sourced directly from USDA AMS.
Week ending Sep 18, 2026 · published Sep 21, 2026 (USDA AMS)
Price Trend 2026
5-Area live steer vs. National Comprehensive boxed beef cutout, USD/cwt
Individual Cut Prices
Choice grade, USD/cwt (USDA LM_XB459)
Packer Spread — Week-over-Week
The spread widened week-over-week as the boxed beef cutout firmed while live steer prices eased — a modest improvement in packer margins.
Choice Cut Prices — USDA LM_XB459
| Cut | IMPS Code | USD / cwt | USD / lb |
|---|
Market Assessment
Fed cattle prices continued easing in mid-September, with the 5-Area live steer average down modestly week-over-week and roughly 6.6% below year-ago levels — consistent with a broader late-summer pullback in cash cattle trade. The boxed beef cutout held comparatively steady, nudging higher on the week even though it remains below last year's comprehensive value, widening the packer spread to $157.26/cwt. Retail-ready middle cuts such as ribeye and tenderloin continue to command a significant premium over primal averages, reflecting sustained demand heading into the fall grilling and holiday season.
Sources: USDA AMS National Weekly Cattle & Beef Summary (LSWWCBS), National Daily Cattle & Beef Summary (LM_XB403), and National Weekly Boxed Beef Cutout and Cuts — Negotiated Sales (LM_XB459).