Pond's Ponder
Even the smallest step toward a goal is better than a grandiose plan unstarted.
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Behind the Scenes at the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo | |
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From Sept. 13 to 21, the air buzzed with the enticing scent of fried funnel cakes and the joyful sounds of laughter as the largest annual event in the Texas Panhandle—the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo—unfolded in WTAMU’s backyard.
Faculty, staff and student organizations seized this opportunity for hands-on experiences. Here are some key highlights:
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Dr. Lance Baker, Professor of Animal Science and Equine Program Coordinator; Dr. Mallory Vestal, Assistant Department Head and Associate Professor of Agricultural Business & Economics and Dr. Christy Adams, Clinical Assistant Instructor of Agricultural Business & Economics and Horse Judging Coach, all played vital roles on the horse show committee. Additionally, a member of the WTAMU Horse Judging Team member served as the committee's social media intern. | |
On Sept. 12, Dr. Adams and Ms. Sydney Dunkel, Instructor of Animal Science, hosted the fair's horse judging contest. WTAMU Horse Judging Team members acted as group leaders and reason takers, while members of the WTAMU Ranch Horse Team and Equestrian Team rode in the contest. | |
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From Sept. 13 to 15, the horse show committee, along with Dunkel, helped with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) show, a Ranch Horse Association of America (RHAA) show, and an AQHA Ranching Heritage Challenge (RHC). Members of the WTAMU Horse Judging Team served as scribes, while Ranch Horse Team members provided essential support as the cattle crew. | |
On Sept. 7, the WTAMU Rodeo Team volunteered during the Tri-State Fair Exceptional Rodeo, helping participants with special needs experience the joy of roping and riding. | |
The Rodeo Team also helped during the ProRodeo (PRCA) slack by untying calves for the tie-down roping on Sept. 18 and untying steers for the steer tripping on Sept. 19. | |
Record-Breaking Livestock Judging Contest | |
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Dr. Kevin Williams, Associate Professor of Agricultural Education, and Mr. Michael Semler, Livestock Judging Coach and Instructor, led the livestock judging contest, which broke a record this year with 489 contestants:
- 31 FFA teams represented 20 high schools
- 42 junior 4-H contestants represented 16 counties
- 20 senior 4-H teams represented 15 counties
- Over 119 collegiate freshmen and 73 collegiate sophomores represented 8 junior college teams
- Contestants from 5 states, including New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado
Support from the 2025 Livestock Judging Team, the 2025 Wool Judging Team, multiple graduate students in agricultural education, Nance Ranch staff, and numerous undergraduates made this event possible. Dr. Bailey Samper, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Business and Economics, listened to 4-H reasons and served on the hog committee.
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AGRI 2302: Communicating Agriculture to the Public, a freshman-level class, is led by Dr. Tanner Robertson, Associate Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication.
The class photographed various fair events. They also captured video of all three rodeo performances and the footage aired live on The Cowboy Channel. In total, 60 students participated.
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Where has the infamous Willow Kate been? Why, she’s been hitting the books!
Pawfessor Willow Kate, a Labrador Retriever, and her owner, Dr. Sara-Louise Newcomer, Director of Companion Animal Studies, participated in a special reading event at the Canyon Area Library. On Saturday, Aug. 14 from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, the pair, a therapy dog team registered through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, helped children explore a variety of books tailored to their individual reading levels.
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“Student-led. Industry supported.” This tagline captures the spirit of Fall Gather—the annual event that brings together community leaders, industry professionals, students and families, all united by a shared passion for agriculture. Set against the backdrop of a WTAMU football tailgate, this vibrant pre-game celebration featured a friendly competition among four local grill teams vying for the title of best Denver Cut. The Reinert Hay & Commodities grill team claimed the coveted grill set. This event boasted 83 volunteers and 522 plates of food were served. | | |
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Attendees enjoyed live music from WTAMU students Colt Edrington and Nelson McKinney while visiting interactive booths with educational activities centered on agriculture.
Organized by a dedicated group of WTAMU students, Fall Gather aims to promote Panhandle agriculture while blending America’s favorite pastime with America’s backbone. It serves as a unique opportunity to educate the community on the vital importance and significance of agriculture.
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#ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
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