Beef Loin, Sirloin, Tri-tip
USDA Spec
IMPS 2020 §185CIn simple termsThe tri-tip, the tensor fascia muscle of the bottom sirloin. A West Coast and California-BBQ signature cut, increasingly mainstream in casual-dining and butcher-counter programs across the US. Main muscle: tensor fasciae latae.
Individual muscle. Consists of the M. tensor fasciae latae from the bottom sirloin butt, separated from the ball tip and M. obliquus abdominis internus through the natural seam.
- Weight range
- 2-down to 3+ lb
- Key muscles
- tensor fasciae latae
- Removed
- all bones, cartilages, connective tissue
- Primal
- Loin
Last 6 months
Recent prints
| Date | Choice (¢/lb) | Select (¢/lb) | Ch/Se Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-28 | 429.95¢/lb | 483.08¢/lb | -53.13¢/lb |
| 2026-08-27 | 499.80¢/lb | 411.37¢/lb | +88.43¢/lb |
| 2026-08-26 | 526.38¢/lb | 508.09¢/lb | +18.29¢/lb |
| 2026-08-25 | 412.75¢/lb | 414.34¢/lb | -1.59¢/lb |
| 2026-08-24 | 525.94¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-21 | 438.89¢/lb | 405.99¢/lb | +32.90¢/lb |
| 2026-08-20 | 445.14¢/lb | 569.39¢/lb | -124.25¢/lb |
| 2026-08-19 | 555.31¢/lb | 467.34¢/lb | +87.97¢/lb |
| 2026-08-18 | 576.87¢/lb | 500.60¢/lb | +76.27¢/lb |
| 2026-08-14 | 444.46¢/lb | - | - |
| 2026-08-13 | 489.77¢/lb | 567.40¢/lb | -77.63¢/lb |
| 2026-08-12 | 496.72¢/lb | 565.69¢/lb | -68.97¢/lb |
| 2026-08-11 | 581.73¢/lb | 488.70¢/lb | +93.03¢/lb |
| 2026-08-10 | 482.90¢/lb | - | - |
Frequently asked
What is the current wholesale price of beef loin, sirloin, tri-tip?
$4.30/lb as of 2026-08-28, Choice grade, from the USDA AMS National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout report. That's down 2.0% week over week.
Is loin, sirloin, tri-tip trending up or down?
Down 25.2% over the last six months. Offer side has been in control.
Who sets wholesale loin, sirloin, tri-tip prices?
No single seller sets it. Wholesale beef loin, sirloin, tri-tip 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.
When does demand for loin, sirloin, tri-tip run hottest?
Middle meats carry the summer grilling holidays and the December feature window. Retail and foodservice programs commit weeks ahead of those dates, so the wholesale pull arrives before the holiday itself.
What does IMPS 185C mean?
IMPS 185C is the USDA Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications code for Beef Loin, Top Sirloin Butt, Tri-Tip (IM). It's the standard spec used in wholesale trading and procurement contracts.
About this cut
Triangular muscle from the bottom sirloin butt. Made famous by Santa Maria style barbecue in central California. Best grilled whole, rested, sliced across the grain.
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