2025 Ag Day Celebration Sets New Fundraising Record

The 2025 Ag Day Celebration was held in the Bain Event Center in the Agricultural Sciences Complex on Saturday, Sept. 6.

This year's Ag Day Celebration raised $269,000, setting another all-time record for the event.

Ag Day is hosted annually by the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Ag Development Association. Alumni and donors gather at this event to celebrate the department with silent and live auctions, and a prime rib lunch sponsored by the Coors Cowboy Club.

This event is the largest single-day fundraiser in the Texas Panhandle, and all funds raised are spent annually to support the department’s recruitment efforts, including scholarships awarded.

Together, the Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences would like to thank the ADA members, donors and community partners who organized and participated in Ag Day.

Department of Agricultural Sciences Awards $1 Million in Scholarships

The 2025 Department of Agricultural Sciences’ Scholarship and Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, Sept. 5 in the Piehl-Schaeffer Pavilion, located in the Agricultural Sciences Complex.

This event honors both scholarship donors and recipients, while giving them the opportunity to meet each other.

This year, over $1 million in scholarships were awarded to 372 students – the highest amount of scholarship funds ever awarded to students within the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Also recognized at the ceremony were the 2025 First Choice Award recipients and Graduates of Distinction.

The First Choice Award recognizes organizations and individuals that have been instrumental in West Texas A&M University becoming a “First Choice” university for students. This year, Mrs. Rebekah Bachman, former Assistant Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences; and Chris Cabbiness, a longtime supporter of the Department of Agricultural Sciences and a local businessman, were honored as First Choice Award recipients.

Graduates of Distinction are Department of Agricultural Sciences alumni who have experienced professional success while positively contributing to WTAMU Agriculture through leadership, service, advocacy and financial support. This year's Graduate of Distinction honorees included outstanding panhandle resident Mr. Harold Grall, ‘79; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent, Mr. Marcel Fischbacher, ‘84; and President and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Mr. Ben Weinheimer, ‘94.

Scholarship donors and supporters of the Department of Agricultural Sciences are gratefully acknowledged for their generosity and commitment to students.

WT Rodeo Team's Involvement at Exceptional Rodeo

Members of the WT Rodeo Team volunteered at this year's Tri-State Fair Exceptional Rodeo, held at the Amarillo National Center on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Members of the Rodeo Team and Tri-State Fair Volunteers helped prepare for and facilitate rodeo events.

This year's exceptional rodeo gave 150 individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in rodeo events, such as roping and barrel racing. In addition, every contestant receives a ribbon, with some receiving belt buckles.

This was the second consecutive year that the exceptional rodeo was held in Amarillo, following a short intermission in recent years.

Faculty Named 4-H "4 Under 40"

Assistant Professor of Animal Science and Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging, Dr. Loni Lucherk, was named as a 2025 Texas 4-H Alumni Clover Club "4 Under 40."

This honor is given to previous Texas 4-H members whose lives are still heavily influenced by the 4-H moto: "To make the best better."

Recipients continue to influence today's youth through education, agriculture and development.

"I would not be where I am or who I am today without the impact Texas 4-H made on my life," Dr. Loni Lucherk said. "I have so many fond memories: from conducting community service projects, competing in share-the-fun and judging contests, attending 4-H camps and dances, and serving as Governor at Texas 4-H Congress and State 4-H President. I am excited to continue to give back to Texas 4-H in my current role at WTAMU."

Dr. Lucherk will be formally recognized at the Texas 4-H Foundation Clover Club Gala held during the Texas 4-H Roundup in College Station on June 4, 2026.

Congratulations, Dr. Loni Lucherk!