Cattle and Beef Prices End Week Mixed

Beef cutout falls below $400 after rally, while fed cattle and top quality beef see steady to higher prices

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:08pm

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The Choice beef cutout fell below $400 this week after rallying higher last week, averaging $394.71. Negotiated cattle trade was slightly higher last week with steady to higher prices projected for this week. Top quality beef steers and heifers brought $225-$245/cwt, while mixed Choice and Select steers and heifers ranged from $212-225/cwt. The cutter cow carcass cutout value continues to work higher, averaging $348.92 last week.

Why it matters

Beef prices are a key indicator of the overall health of the cattle industry. The fluctuations in the Choice beef cutout and fed cattle prices provide insight into supply and demand dynamics, which can impact consumers, producers, and the broader agricultural economy.

The details

The Choice beef cutout fell below $400 this week after rallying higher last week, averaging $394.71. There is likely support at $392 and resistance at $412, keeping wholesale and retail prices at current levels with potential for higher prices heading into spring. February beef prices were 1.4% higher than January and up more than 14% from February of last year. Projections for 2026 include a double-digit percentage increase in beef prices. Negotiated cattle trade was slightly higher last week with steady to higher prices projected for this week. The cutter cow carcass cutout value continues to work higher, averaging $348.92 last week, which was $38 higher than the first week of January. Ninety percent lean trim averaged $448.67 last week compared to $394.96 to open the year.

  • The Choice beef cutout averaged $394.71 last week.
  • February beef prices were 1.4% higher than January and up more than 14% from February of last year.
  • Projections for 2026 include a double-digit percentage increase in beef prices.

The players

Jeff Swenson

DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist who prepared and wrote the Market Update.

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The takeaway

The fluctuations in beef and cattle prices highlight the ongoing volatility in the industry, with factors like supply, demand, and production costs continuing to impact wholesale and retail prices. As the industry looks ahead to 2026, further price increases are expected, underscoring the need for producers, processors, and consumers to closely monitor market conditions.