By Andi Anderson
Boxed beef values have increased sharply in early 2026, led by rising prices for loin and rib cuts. The Choice boxed beef cutout moved above $400 per hundredweight, marking its highest level since the peak seen in September 2025.
Since the beginning of the year, the Choice cutout has gained about $50 per hundredweight, showing strong momentum in wholesale beef markets.
The Select cutout has also posted significant gains and is now near levels last observed during May 2020.
Despite the overall rise in prices, the price difference between Choice and Select beef has remained relatively narrow. This suggests buyers are not paying a large premium for Choice compared to Select, even as overall beef values increase.
The main reason for the higher Choice cutout has been strong gains in loin and rib primal values. Since the start of the year, loin prices have increased by nearly $100 per hundredweight, representing a gain of over twenty percent.
Rib values have also climbed sharply, rising more than $80 per hundredweight. Together, these two primals account for roughly half of the total increase in the Choice cutout.
Other beef primals have also moved higher. Short plate and flank values have shown strong percentage gains, although their lighter weight limits their effect on the total cutout.
Chuck and round values, which carry more weight in the cutout calculation, have increased at a slower pace but still contribute positively to overall boxed beef prices.
Traditionally, boxed beef values rise gradually during the first quarter before accelerating in the spring and reaching a seasonal peak ahead of summer grilling demand. In 2026, however, prices strengthened earlier than normal.
Tight cattle supplies and limited beef availability are outweighing usual seasonal patterns and pushing prices higher sooner in the year.
When beef supplies are limited, wholesale prices tend to respond quickly. Buyers may also be increasing purchases earlier than usual in anticipation of even higher prices later in the spring. For cattle producers, strong boxed beef prices early in the year are supportive of fed cattle markets.
Overall, firm demand and tight supplies continue to support beef values in 2026, with loin and rib prices playing a key role in driving the market higher.
Photo Credit: istock-emholk
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle