Companion Animal Students Gain Industry Insight at Nestlé Purina Facility

Students in the Companion Animal Program recently visited the Nestlé Purina facility in Hereford, gaining firsthand insight into one of the largest sectors of the companion animal industry.

"Working with our students in the Companion Animal Program, it's an incredible opportunity to have a company like Nestlé Purina so close by," said Dr. Newcomer. "The leadership at this facility in Hereford are eager to show students the complexity and opportunity to work in pet food manufacturing. It's the largest field in the companion animal industry and provides great career opportunities for our students. I so appreciate the kindness of those at Nestlé Purina to welcome us."

The visit provided a valuable learning experience, offering students a deeper understanding of pet food manufacturing and the wide range of career opportunities available in the field. Industry professionals at the facility offered an inside look at operations, emphasizing the importance of safety, efficiency and product quality.

"Visiting the Nestlé Purina plant was nothing like I expected," said Itzel Alvarez, a Wildlife Biology Major. "The welcome staff, detailed presentation and well-guided tour made this experience exceed my expectations. One thing I will remember is how, on the surface, the process looks simple and straightforward, but once you think about it, multiple components come into play to create a quality product. Every quantity and ingredient has a purpose in the formula, and the science behind it combines nutrition and chemistry in an amazing way."

Student highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe work environment, particularly in a fast-paced manufacturing setting, and noted how safety contributes to both employee well-being and product quality.

Participants were also struck by the level of care taken to ensure product safety and consistency, from preventing defects to safeguarding the health of pets. The experience reinforced how each role within the facility contributes to the overall success of the operation.

The visit provided a meaningful connection between classroom learning and real-world application, while also showcasing the value of industry partnerships in preparing students for careers in the companion animal field.

Ranch Horse Team Claims Back-to-Back National Championships

The West Texas A&M University Ranch Horse Team has secured back-to-back National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association Division 1 Collegiate Championships, continuing a dominant run at the national level.

The team delivered an exceptional performance, earning first place overall and sweeping championships across all three divisions during a week of competition.

Novice Top 10 All-Around:

Avery Turner - 1st Place

Bella Ayers - 3rd Place

Elizabeth Iandoli - 6th Place

Tess Lewis - 8th Place

Limited Non-Pro Top 10 All-Around:

Marin McCarthy - 1st Place

Kailey Roberts - 4th Place

Lela Chisholm - 5th Place

Haylee Triplitt - 6th Place

Non-Pro Top 10 All-Around:

Parker Ralston - 1st Place

Cutter McLaughlin - 3rd Place

Ashley Wortham - 5th Place

Bayleigh Leathers - 9th Place

Individual honors further highlighted the team's success Parker Ralston was named Top Hand, awarded to the outstanding rider of the entire show, while Avery Turner earned the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo Outstanding Freshman Award.

In team standings, West Texas A&M claimed the top spot, followed by Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, North Central Texas College and New Mexico State University.

The back-to-back national titles reflect the dedication, preparation and performance of the Ranch Horse Team as it continues to set the standard in collegiate competition.

Agriculture Faculty Member Elected to Leadership Role in American Society of Agronomy

Dr. Sushil Thapa, assistant professor of plant and soil sciences in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected Vice Leader of the Semi-Arid Dryland Cropping Systems Community within the American Society of Agronomy (ASA).

The election followed a month-long global voting process among ASA members, held from March 2 to April 2, 2026. The ASA is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing agricultural research and education worldwide.

Dr. Thapa will serve as Vice Leader through the end of 2026 before transitioning to Community Leader in January 2027, a role that will allow him to help guide the direction and priorities of the community.

In this leadership position, he will contribute to organizing symposia, business meetings, student research competitions and professional presentations at the annual tri-society International Annual Meeting. The event, jointly hosted by the American Society of America, draws more than 4,000 participants each year and is scheduled to be held in Portland, Oregon, in 2026 and Columbus, Ohio, in 2027.

The appointment reflects continued recognition of faculty expertise and contributions to advancing agricultural research and collaboration at both the national and international levels.

Student Leaders Represent Agriculture and Natural Sciences in SGA

Student Government remains one of the most active student organizations at West Texas A&M University, working to address issues that impact the student body while collaborating with faculty and staff to enhance both academic and campus life experiences.

Students from the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will play a key role in student leadership following the recent Student Government Association elections.

Ammileigh Smith has been elected student body president, and Madyson McAshlan has been elected student body vice president.

Students elected to serve as student senators include Madelyn Schickedanz, Taylor Crenshaw, Karyme Martinez and Kennedy Lance.

Through their leadership roles, these students will help represent their peers and support initiatives that promote engagement, opportunity and student success across campus.

Rodeo Team Posts Strong Finishes at Howard College Rodeo

Competition at the Howard College Rodeo resulted in several solid performances across multiple events, as members of the WT Rodeo Team continued their spring season.

In breakaway roping, Lainey Konetzki placed first in the long round and finished ninth in the average, while Avery Aaron earned top three honors in the long round and tied for sixth/seventh in the average.

In barrel racing, Marquel Moser finished eighth in the average, and Sage Gaillard posted a strong showing with a sixth-place finish in the average.

Clayton Veldhuizen delivered a standout performance in steer wrestling, placing in the short round and finishing third overall in the average.

In bareback riding, Cash Robertson secured eighth-place finish in the average, while Health Harkins turned in a consistent performance in tie-down roping, finishing fourth in the average.

The results reflect continued progress and consistency for the team as they move through the rodeo season.

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