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Agricultural Education Students Gain Professional Experience at State Conference

West Texas A&M University was well represented at the 2026 Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT) Professional Development Conference in Corpus Christi, where faculty and students connected with agricultural educators and industry leaders from across the state.

Representing WTAMU were Dr. Nate Wolf, Dr. Kevin Williams, Mr. Robby Bow, an Agricultural Education graduate student, and nine students enrolled in AGRI 3305: Professional Growth in Agricultural Education.

Throughout the conference, students participated in professional development sessions, attended meetings and expanded their professional networks while gaining valuable insight into careers in agricultural education.

The group also reunited with WT Agricultural Education alumni and friends during the annual alumni dinner at El Camino, celebrating the strong relationships and support that continue to strengthen the program.

The conference provided an outstanding opportunity for learning, leadership and professional growth, further preparing WT's future agricultural educators for successful careers in the classroom and beyond.

Herdsmen and Thunder XVI Earn Parade Recognition

EThe WT Herdsmen and Thunder XVI "Sally" proudly represented WT at the 136th Swisher County Picnic Celebration Parade, hosted by the Tulia Chamber of Commerce.

The annual celebration drew a large crowd and provided the Herdsmen with the opportunity to reconnect with alumni, engage with community members and share the tradition of WT's beloved live buffalo mascot. Their outstanding participation was recognized with the "Best of Parade – Riding Club" award.

The Herdsmen will continue representing WTAMU this summer when they appear in the XIT Parade on August 8, sharing university pride and one of the institution's most recognizable traditions with another Panhandle community.

Meat Science Students Recognized at Southwest Meat Association Convention

Faculty and student from the Meat Science program were recognized for their achievements and professional involvement at the Southwest Meat Association (SMA) Convention, where students earned scholarships, presented research and gained valuable industry experience.

Representing WT at the convention were Dr. Loni Lucherk, Trent Schwartz, master's student Shelton Luedke and Maddy Henson, and undergraduate students Jean Cummings, Avel Zermeno, Cayden Beatty and Addy Folmar.

WT student received 11 Southwest Meat Association scholarships, recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to the meat industry.

Graduate scholarship recipients included Will Hauerland, Elyse Dyson, Maddy Henson, Shelton Luedke, Macy Lawrence and Helene Keiser. Undergraduate scholarship recipients included Cayden Beatty, Jean Cummings, Avel Zermeno, Spencer Walahoski and Jesus Ramirez-Munoz.

In addition to receiving a scholarship, Addy Folmar served as an SMA Convention Intern, gaining hands-on experience helping facilitate the annual meeting.

Master's student Shelton Luedke presented research titled "Altering Environmental Pressure at the End of the Finishing Period as a Salmonella Mitigation Strategy," while Trent Schwartz participated in the industry panel discussion, "Raising the Steaks on Talent: A Panel on Recruiting and Retaining Gen Z and Gen Alpha."

The convention provided WTAMU students with valuable opportunities to showcase their research, connect with industry professionals and continue developing as future leaders in the meat science industry.

Agricultural Economics Faculty Present Research at National Conference

WT faculty members Dr. Bailey Young and Dr. Qi Kang recently represented the University at the 2026 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, where they presented research and engaged in professional development with agricultural economists from across the country.

Dr. Young presented research examining the economic impacts of the New World Screwworm border closure on U.S. fed and feeder cattle markets, highlighting the potential effects of animal health challenges on the livestock industry and agricultural economy.

Dr. Kang presented her research, "The Market for Agricultural Economists: Career Dynamics and Faculty Mobility," which explored career trends and faculty movement within the agricultural economics profession.

In addition to presenting her research, Dr. Kang participated in the 3rd Annual AAEA Teaching Academy preconference workshop, held July 25–28. Her participation was supported through a West Texas A&M University Summer Faculty Development Grant, providing an opportunity to enhance teaching practices and collaborate with agricultural economics educators from across the nation.

Their participation reflects WTAMU's commitment to advancing research, fostering teaching excellence and contributing to important conversations shaping the future of agricultural economics.

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