The Choice boxed beef cutout averaged $374.26 per cwt for the week ending September 18, down $3.91 from the prior week, while the Select cutout rose 89 cents to $354.13, according to USDA data released September 18. The Choice-Select spread widened to $20.13.

Negotiated sales totaled 505 loads for the week—336.75 loads of Choice cuts (13.47 million pounds), 52.86 loads of Select cuts (2.11 million pounds), 41.54 loads of trimmings (1.66 million pounds), and 73.75 loads of ground beef (2.95 million pounds). Daily cutout values showed the Choice declining from $376.08 on September 15 to $371.94 on September 18, while Select moved from $356.36 to $353.26 over the same span.

Primal values reflected mixed movement. The Choice rib primal averaged $642.86 per cwt, while Select rib came in at $532.65—a spread of $110.21. Choice loin averaged $465.55 versus $422.99 for Select. In the round complex, Select outpriced Choice: $308.87 per cwt compared to $303.60. Chuck primals also favored Select at $324.01 against Choice’s $322.46. Brisket, short plate, and flank primals showed tighter spreads, with brisket at $316.95 (Choice) and $315.51 (Select).

Ribeye prices remained elevated—Choice heavy ribeyes (112A) ranged from $1,480.00 to $1,629.00 per cwt with a weighted average of $1,533.40 across 107 trades totaling 157,684 pounds. Select heavy ribeyes averaged $1,128.16, spanning $1,075.00 to $1,200.00. Strip loins showed similar strength: Choice 0x1 strips (180) averaged $971.43 across 181 trades, while Select averaged $784.19. Ground beef 81% lean averaged $333.28 per cwt across 157 trades totaling 1.18 million pounds.

The week’s load count of 505 reflects activity across all categories, with Choice cuts commanding the bulk of volume. The narrowing Choice cutout and widening spread suggest differentiated demand between quality grades as the market moves deeper into autumn.

[Source: USDA LM_XB459 — September 18, 2026]