Beef Chuck, Clod, Top Blade
USDA Spec
IMPS 2020 §114DIn simple termsThe top blade, also called the flat iron after the inner shoulder tendon is removed by a butterfly cut. One of the most popular value steaks in the market. Sold to retail and casual-dining steak programs at chain restaurants and pubs. Main muscle: infraspinatus.
Derived from Item 114; consists of the M. infraspinatus, untrimmed.
- Weight range
- 3-4+ lb
- Key muscles
- infraspinatus
- Primal
- Chuck
Last 6 months
Recent prints
| Date | Choice (¢/lb) | Select (¢/lb) | Ch/Se Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | 608.62¢/lb | 608.62¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-27 | 624.76¢/lb | 624.76¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-26 | 625.12¢/lb | 625.12¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-25 | 615.17¢/lb | 615.17¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-24 | 631.82¢/lb | 631.82¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-20 | 627.44¢/lb | 627.44¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-19 | 648.96¢/lb | 648.96¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-18 | 618.50¢/lb | 618.50¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-17 | 625.24¢/lb | 625.24¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-14 | 626.74¢/lb | 626.74¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-13 | 604.46¢/lb | 604.46¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-12 | 608.31¢/lb | 608.31¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-11 | 592.58¢/lb | 592.58¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
| 2026-08-10 | 613.62¢/lb | 613.62¢/lb | +0.00¢/lb |
Frequently asked
What is the current wholesale price of beef chuck, clod, top blade?
$6.09/lb as of 2026-08-28, Choice grade, from the USDA AMS National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout report. That's down 3.0% week over week.
Where has chuck, clod, top blade traded recently?
Up 9.6% over the last six months. Bid side has been in control.
How is beef chuck, clod, top blade priced?
Wholesale beef chuck, clod, top blade is priced FOB plant in cents per pound and reported daily by USDA AMS as part of the National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout, Negotiated Sales (LM_XB403) report. Prices reflect weighted-average negotiated trades for delivery within 0-21 days.
What drives chuck and round pricing?
Two demand channels: whole-muscle roasts and the grind. When lean trim runs expensive, more chucks and rounds go to the grinder, which supports the whole primal. Roast season adds a cold-weather retail pull.
What is IMPS 114D?
IMPS 114D is the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications code for Beef Chuck, Shoulder (Clod), Top Blade. It's the standard spec used in wholesale trading and procurement contracts.
About this cut
The infraspinatus muscle from the top of the shoulder clod. When the central seam of connective tissue is removed it becomes the flat iron steak.
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