The daily read

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Latest read
Trading down to Select saves more today: the Choice/Select spread widened $9.55 to $24.86/cwt. Choice top butt boneless broke above its three week range. Pork backribs 2.0 lb and up 1 piece vacuum packed broke its run lower and closed up. 42% trim combo has closed higher six days in a row.
Highlights

Cuts in this read: Loin, Top Butt, Boneless · 1/4 Trim Butt 1 Pc Vac · Chuck, Short Rib · Backribs 2.0#/up 1 Pc Vac · Chemical Lean, Fresh 90% · Chuck, Semi-bnls, Neck/off

meatread.com
Meat Read publishes one of these every trading day, free, after the USDA afternoon close. Beef and pork wholesale, what moved and what it means for a buyer.