By Jamie Martin
Cattle and beef prices have been rising steadily over the past few months, driven by tight supplies. Since mid-April, auction prices for feeder steers have increased by 5 to 10 percent, depending on the region.
Last week, live steer prices hit an average of $238.68—a new record and 13 percent higher than mid-April. Compared to last year, prices for feeder and live cattle are up 20 to 25 percent.
Beef values are also rising. On June 16, the Choice boxed beef cutout value reached $382.11 per cwt. This marks a 19 percent increase from last year.
Remarkably, the weekly choice cutout has been growing consistently since mid-April, surpassing the usual seasonal peak seen before summer grilling season.
“The continued weekly increases have already pushed past when many would normally expect the seasonal peak to occur ahead of summer grilling season,” the report noted. The only previous time cutout values exceeded $380 per cwt was during the COVID-driven spike in May 2020.
Looking deeper, primal cuts are showing strong gains. The rib value is up 10 percent ($538.29), chuck up 21 percent ($316.32), round up 20 percent ($311.73), loin up 19 percent ($541.41), brisket up 30 percent ($324.36), short plate up 29 percent ($270.75), and flank up 26 percent ($211.57). These figures highlight how primal markets influence total carcass values.
Tight cattle and beef supplies are keeping prices high. While April and May typically see peak prices, 2025 is following a recent trend with increases stretching into June, like in 2023 and 2024.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: National