The daily read

Thursday, August 20, 2026

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Three of every ten beef pounds that cleared today were the middles, nearly double the usual share. Lean trim barely traded. Trading down to Select saves less today: the Choice/Select spread narrowed $4.63 to $26.19/cwt. Pork brisket bones full cut 30# frozen pushed past the top of its three week range. Choice chuck tender turned lower after climbing earlier in the week. St Louis spareribs poly frozen has closed higher four days in a row.
Highlights

Cuts in this read: Brisket Bones, Full Cut, 30#, Fzn · Chuck, Chuck Tender · Backribs 2.0#/up · Plate, Inside Skirt · Brisket, Deckle-off, Bnls · Loin, Bottom Sirloin, Flap

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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.
The Daily Read · Thu, Aug 20, 2026 · USDA Boxed Beef & Pork Close | Meat Read