Research Feedlot Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony

The West Texas A&M University Foundation Research Feedlot Complex Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on Nov. 10.

The Research Feedlot Complex will be located six miles east of campus on land donated to the Foundation, adjacent to WT’s Nance Ranch. The Complex will provide students with opportunities to engage in workforce training, education, and research critical to the success of the fed beef industry in our region and beyond. 

The complex will be comprised of the WTAMU Foundation Research Feedlot and the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation Feedlot Education Facility.

"This project is the result of effort and action of hundreds of people from the University, industry and government who rallied around a common desire to position WTAMU as the prime institution for research and education in the area of beef cattle feeding and meat production," said Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. "It is a textbook example of what happens by working together toward a common goal without worrying about who gets the credit."

Numerous dignitaries were present at the Groundbreaking Ceremony, including President of West Texas A&M University, Dr. Walter Wendler; and U.S. Representative, Ronny Jackson.

In addition, many industries leaders attended this event including, Texas Cattle Feeders Association President, Ben Weinheimer; Ag Workers Mutual Auto Insurance Board of Director, Ross Wilson; and attorney, Shyla Buckner.

Ranch Horse Team Earns Division 1 Collegiate Reserve Champion Title

The Ranch Horse Team earned the Division 1 Collegiate Reserve Champion title at the 2025 Stock Horse of Texas World Championship Show, held in Abilene on Oct. 24-26.

The Ranch Horse Team not only achieved team success, but also individual success as many competitors placed within the top ten of their respective divisions. 



All Around Individual Awards

Collegiate Novice

Tess Lewis - 5^th

Bella Ayers - 6^th

Avery Turner - 8^th

Elizabeth Iandoli - 9^th

Collegiate Limited Non-Pro

^{Haylee Triplitt -} 2^nd

Marin McCarthy - 2^nd

Payton Porterfield - 4^th

Grace Hyde - 8^th

Collegiate Non-Pro

Parker Ralston -4^th

Ashley Wortham - 6^th

Cutter McLaughlin - 7^th

Chloe Rourke - 9^th

Congratulations to the Ranch Horse Team!

18^th Annual Environmental Science Merit Badge Class Takes Place

The 2025 Environmental Science Merit Badge Class occurred on

Nov. 8.

This class is taught by WTAMU professors in the Environmental Science Program and is held in conjunction with Boy Scouts of America.

Started in 2007 by Dr. Jim Rogers, Professor of Environmental Science and founder of WTAMU’s Environmental Science program, this year marked the 18^th anniversary of the annual event. 

Scouts gathered at Camp Don Harrington, a Scouts BSA camp located west of Canyon. At the conclusion of the one-day course, Scouts earned their merit badge.

Attendees learned about surface water pollution, air and land pollution, endangered and invasive species, ecology and environmental sampling.

Student officers of the Environmental Sciences Society at WTAMU also played a large role in leading the class. Officers included: junior Environmental Science major, Seth Parker; senior, Wildlife Biology major Taylen Graham; junior Environmental Science major, Kali Barbour; senior Environmental Science major, Dayton Varnado; freshman Pre-Engineering major, Natalie Rodriguez; and graduate student of Environmental Science, Katelyn Kampman.

Meat Judging Team Earns 2^nd Highest Team Score in WTAMU History

WTAMU’s Meat Judging Team earned the Reserve Champion title and achieved the 2nd highest score in team history at their most recent contest.

The Buffs traveled to Friona for the Cargill High Plains Meat Judging Contest on Nov. 2.

Additional successes included the highest team reasons score, and senior Agricultural Media and Communication major, Jozie Petit, achieved the all-time high reasons score.

Congratulations to the Meat Judging Team!

Team Results

• 1^st in Pork Judging
• 2^nd in Beef Judging
• 2^nd in Placings
• 2^nd in Reasons
• 3^rd in Specifications
• 4^th in Lamb Judging

Individual Results

Jozie Petit:

• 4^th High Individual
• 1^st in Reasons
• 1^st in Lamb Judging
• 2^nd in Pork Judging
• 3^rd in Beef Judging
• 5^th in Placings

Kale Benton:

• 6^th High Individual
• 3^rd in Specifications
• 4^th in Pork Judging
• 4^th in Grading

Ryan Stricker

• 5^th in Pork Judging

Ellie Swain

• 9^th High Alternate

Collegiate Farm Bureau Guest Speaker Presents on New World Screwworm

WTAMU Collegiate Farm Bureau hosted guest speaker, Dr. Merri Beth Day, to talk about the New Word Screwworm at their meeting held on Nov. 5.

Currently an Extension Specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension District 1, Dr. Day presented on New World Screwworm’s impact on the agricultural industry, and the importance of being informed on such matters. 

Faculty Focus | Dr. Craig Bednarz

#ICYMI

In Case You Missed It

WT Ranch Horse Teams Rank Highly at World Championships

Connect with COANS!

Buff Brief | buffbrief@wtamu.edu | (806) 651- 3575