Growing for a New Generation of Beef Producers: Thomas Cattle Co.

Photos by Marilyn Isaac Photography

By Samantha Stetzer

Thomas Cattle Company's Seth and Logan Thomas, were raised helping and working at their family's logging and ranching company in Washington state. Their parents Bob & Kelly Thomas made the move to Idaho in the 90's and today Seth and Logan operate TCC alongside their parents commercial operation and the Treasure Valley-based ranch now raises beef that can be found in homes across the U.S.

“We understand that food is the centerpiece of the dinner table, and at the dinner table conversations and memories occur,” said Elizabeth Thomas, whose husband, Seth, together with brother Logan and wife, Kristin own Thomas Cattle Co. “It’s really special to be part of that in households across Idaho and across the United States.”

This big move should not be surprising; Thomas Cattle Co. has never been one to shy away from growth. 

Elizabeth explained that in the past few years, she, Seth, Logan, and Kristin — along with Thomas Cattle Co.’s staff — worked to expand their reach directly to the consumer. 

With a website launch in October 2021, Thomas Cattle Co. began offering small, local product pick-ups for Treasure Valley customers. Today, that small process has grown to include shipping from Thomas Cattle Co. across all of Idaho and the U.S., in addition to its wholesale connection to grocery stores, co-ops, and restaurants across the pacific northwest. 

Additionally, Thomas Cattle Co. supporters can shop the ranch’s online store for hats, clothes, mugs, stickers, art, and even specialty seasonings to accompany its quality, local meat. 

Thomas Cattle Co. is consistently among the top high-selling producers in the nations' commercial cattle sales market, but as Elizabeth explained, this expansion toward direct-to-consumer access sets up Thomas Cattle Co. to remain a thriving generational business. 

“We want to make sure we’re setting up for future generations to be successful, if that’s what they choose to do,” Elizabeth said, adding that owning a ranch often requires more than agricultural knowledge. Owners now have to be business leaders as well. 

Yet, in the ranching world, Elizabeth explained the Thomases are dedicated to not only providing high-quality beef to their consumers, but to also connecting consumers with the right company. 

For instance, Thomas Cattle Co.’s cows are grass-fed and grain finished, but if a consumer would prefer grass-finished beef, the Thomases have made strong enough connections in the industry that they know just who to recommend. 

Furthermore, Thomas Cattle Co. continues to partner with FARE Idaho – all with the intention of seeing an industry their ranch has been so invested in for three generations continue to grow.

“We are all looking out for each other,” Elizabeth said.