Analysts maintain a positive short-term outlook amid steady beef demand. "Between inflation, rising costs and government red tape during the Biden administration, cattle farmers and ranchers have been stretched thin," said National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall. "The better prices farmers and ranchers are now receiving for their cattle is a welcomed change. Farming and ranching families now have more resources to make ends meet and keep their cattle operations going for the future. 30-day outlook: Seasonality studies show the cash hog index generally rises into early October. With pork at the meat counter still a much more affordable source of protein than beef, better consumer demand in the coming weeks would support rallies in cash hog, fresh pork and futures markets. The U.S. government shutdown has so far not rattled the marketplace or consumer attitudes. However, if the shutdown continues past next week, markets would become uneasy and in turn so would consumers. That scenario would be friendly for the hog and pork markets, as better demand for pork over beef would likely occur. Cattle futures rose for the third consecutive day, with market participants citing improved packer margins and steady slaughter pace. April delivery closed at $187.60, just shy of the month’s high, signaling firm buyer interest.