Phil Bass

As we continue to barrel toward the final months of 2025, what can ranchers expect as the year comes to a close.

Is the national beef herd expanding? That question has been before the livestock industry for several months at this point, as the herd reports some of the smallest numbers in a generation.

For much of 2025, the livestock sector has been one of the few areas of agriculture enjoying strong commodity prices and strong returns.

May 8th and 9th, leaders from the University of Idaho hosted about 20 meat cutters during a workshop at the True West Beef plant in Jerome.

The University of Idaho is accepting applications for Beef 201, a follow up to last year’s popular multi-day workshop tailored toward helping the region’s beginning ranchers.  Phil Bass, associate professor of meat science, said May’s event follows last year’s Beef 101 hosted in Moscow.   "Really what we're tryin...

Cattle producers across the northwest, and across the country have enjoyed good returns over the past couple of years, and it looks like that trend may continue for the foreseeable future.  Phil Bass, University of Idaho Associate Professor said between low cost of feed, high prices for fat cows, and weather that’s been cooperative in the Northwest, things have gone well for producers.  Bass added

With so many commodities struggling right now, it’s nice to hear about sectors of the farming industry that are doing well.  University of Idaho Associate Professor of Meat Science Phill Bass said beef demand is very strong domestically and internationally, which means many producers are making money.  However, whil...

This summer, the University of Idaho held a workshop with the intent of raising up the next generation of ranchers.  Beef 101 took place on the Moscow campus, and the U of I’s Phil Bass says the three-day workshop covered everything about being a rancher, from beginning to end.   “We ab...

While we’re over two months in, many questions remain about 2023, and how the year head will impact the farming community.  Dr. Phil Bass, Meat Science Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho, said he’ll keep a close eye on the weather in the weeks and months to come.  He noted note only does ...

The name of the game for most U.S. commodities is international trade, finding new markets and expanding existing ones.  And the U.S. beef sector is no different.  The University of Idaho’s Dr. Phil Bass said the beef industry is starting to get some help when it comes to trade agreements, adding that the U.S. Meat Export Federation...