Welcome New Ag Ambassadors | | The Ag Ambassador team has recently welcomed 17 new Ag Ambassadors that will start their roles next Fall semester. The Ag Ambassador team is now made up of 24 students who will serve the Department of Agricultural Sciences through helping at events, giving tours to potential students and through recruiting. | | |
Name: Mary Vivian Ivey
Major: Agricultural Media and Communications
Hometown: Fort Smith, AR
What does WT AG mean to you? "WT Agriculture holds a special place in my heart—it truly is my home away from home. What makes this program so extraordinary is the unique combination of healthy competition and unwavering support that is shown every aspect of the experience. This environment pushes each student to strive for excellence while knowing they have a community that believes in their potential. WT AG has not only encouraged me throughout my academic journey but continues to shape me into the person I aspire to become, both professionally and personally."
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Name: Sterling Berry
Major: Animal Science
Hometown: Cotton Center, TX
What you are excited about while being an Ag Ambassador?
"As an Ag Ambassador, I am excited to share my passion for agriculture and my experiences at WT with recruits. I look forward to helping recruit and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, giving them the same opportunities that have shaped my own journey."
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Name: Oaklynn Recker
Major: Agricultural Business & Economics
Hometown: Andrews, TX
What you are involved with on campus?
"I am the Social Media Chair for the Ag Business Club, Ag Business Quiz Bowl Competitor and the Vice President of Collegiate Farm Bureau"
| | Welcome New Science Representatives | | The Science Representatives are a select group of student leaders chosen for their exceptional skills and dedication to representing the values of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences. These students play a vital role in their departments by assisting with events, recruitment efforts, and special opportunities. | | |
Name: Elizabeth Koenig
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: South Padre Island, TX
What are you involved with on campus?
"I am in the Pre-Vet Club, Wildlife Society, and the Christian Veterinary Club."
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Name: Audrey Adkison
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: Burleson, TX
What does being a Science Representative mean to you?
"Being a Science Representative gives me a way to reach more people and get to know and help them though their time at WTAMU. It’s always good to have support from older peers."
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Name: Chamberlaigne Elliott
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: Houston, TX
What are you excited for as a Science Representative?
"I’m excited to share with incoming and potential students why I love WT and all of the amazing resources and opportunities the Natural Sciences has to offer."
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Name: Eliz Miranda
Major: Wildlife Biology
Hometown: El Paso, TX
What are you involved with on campus?
"I'm involved with the Wildlife Society, The Entomology Club, Texas Leadership Scholars, Iota Omega, McNair Scholars, Stevens Lab, and I am a Honors Peer Mentor."
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Buffs traveled to San Antonio for the Southwest Meat Association 69th Annual Convention and Suppliers Showcase from July 16- 19.
While at the convention, WT students competed in the "Best of the Wurst" competition and won Best Collegiate Dressed School with their “Meaty & Bright” Christmas in July themed t-shirts.
Students were also recognized as scholarship recipients and PhD student, Megan Eckhardt, presented research regarding storage and handling of beef steaks upon yields and palatability.
Kaslyn Moczygemba dedicated additional time and served as the WT-SMA Intern for the week.
For the 3rd year, Bailey Lamb assisted SMA with all AV-Technology needs.
Scholarship Recipients:
Megan Eckhardt
Ryan Heitschmidt
Bailey Lamb
Shelton Luedke
Helene Keiser
Lane Golla
Spencer Walahoski
Chuy Ramirez-Muñoz
Congratulations Buffs!
| | Buffs Attend Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Professional Development Conference | | |
WTAMU was represented at the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas Professional Development Conference held in Corpus Christi from July 21 - 25.
This conference is for teachers in the field of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.
Those representing WTAMU were Clinical Assistant Professor of
Agricultural Education, Dr. Nate Wolf, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education, Dr. Kevin Williams, and 10 Agricultural Education students who are currently enrolled in AGRI 3305 Professional Growth in Agriculture.
While at this conference students attended workshops, meetings, and conducted interviews with both current teachers and industry partners who were in attendance.
| | 2025 West Texas A&M University Meat Judging Clinic | | |
The 2025 West Texas A&M University Meat Judging Clinic was held from July 31-August 1 at the Happy State Bank Research Building.
Over 60 students, 3rd grade and older, attended this clinic, learning about lamb and pork carcass evaluation, beef quality and yield grading, retail identification, reasons practice and ended with a meat judging contest.
In addition to that, clinic attendees that have more experience traveled to Caviness Beef Packers to tour the facility.
"This was the largest meat judging clinic we have ever hosted at WT with 63 students attending from 8 states," said Dr. Loni Lucherk, Associate Professor of Animal Science. "Meat judging camps have proven to be a great way to educate students about meat science but also key to recruit the best students to WT."
| | Students Travel to Denver For Agricultural & Applied Economic Association Conference | |
The Ag Business Quiz Bowl team competed at The Academic Bowl Competition held during the 2025 Agricultural & Applied Economic Association and Western Agricultural Economics Association Joint Annual Meeting held on July 27-29.
Team members include senior Agribusiness major, Montana Goodman, senior Agribusiness major, Kennedy Frank, senior, Agricultural Business and Economics major, Oaklyn Recker, and master's student in Animal Science, Emma Bohnen.
The AAEA Conference provides attendees with case studies, invited sessions and presentations.
| | Buffs Compete at the American Cured Meat Championship | | |
The American Association of Meat Processors held their annual American Cured Meat Championship in Kansas City, MO on July 24-26.
WTAMU students won Reserve Grand Champion in the BBQ Division with their entry of Pork Belly Burnt Ends.
Assistant Professor of Animal Science,
Dr. Trent Schwartz, judged the Hot Links and Beef Jerky divisions.
In conjunction with ACMC, The National Student Leaders Connecting Conference, also hosted by AAMP gave students the opportunity to network with industry professionals and explore meat science careers.
WT Buffs in attendance were Shelton Luedke, Ryan Heitschmidt, Cayden Beatty, Caleb Spear, Noah Harrell, Kade Lawrence, Morgan Thorn, Bailey Lamb and Maddy Hensen.
| | WT AG Professor Travels Internationally to Present Reseach | |
Regents Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, Dr. Lal Almas, was an invited presenter at the 2025 International Food and Agribusiness Management Association World Conference held in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
His presentation was titled “Import Demand Analysis for U.S. Grain Sorghum to China: Considering Macroeconomic Variables.”
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Dr. Almas also traveled to Bucharest, Romania to present at the 8th International Conference on Economics & Social Sciences held June 5-6.
He presented on “Green Technology Integration for Sustained Economic Growth & Environmental Preservation: A Comprehensive Analysis.”
| | WT AG Recruits at Texas State 4-H Horse Show | |
Assistant Professor of Equine Industry and Business, Dr. Rachel Cogle, and Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Lance Baker, traveled to College Station to recruit students at the Texas State 4-H Horse Show held July 22-24.
While at this event, Dr. Cogle and Dr. Baker spoke at the "Saddle Up for College" lunch banquet on the opportunities WTAMU has to offer to students.
"During our three days speaking with these equine-focused youth it was clear that WT's reputation for pursuing excellence is well-known and attractive to those considering their collegiate options," Dr. Cogle said. "Students were excited to talk about their potential future here and represent WTAMU with the swag we gave away."
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