The Momentum Continues!

WT Meat Judging Claims Team Championship at 2026 HLSR Contest

The WT Meat Judging Team claimed the team championship at the 2026 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Meat Judging Contest, earning 1st High Team Overall.

The Buffs captured 1st place in Total Beef and Placings, 2nd in Beef Grading and Specifications, and 3rd in Pork Judging and Beef Judging, showcasing the team's strength across multiple judging categories.

"This team pushed through one of the most competitive spring seasons I've ever witnessed," said Dr. Loni Lucherk. "I couldn't be prouder of their grit and determination, and I'm excited to see them carry that momentum into the remaining contests this fall."

Individual Results:

Mila Thompson - 1st High Individual Overall, 1st in Beef Grading, Total Beef, Specifications (perfect score), and Placings; 9th in Beef Judging

Addy Folmar - 10th High Individual; perfect score in Specifications

Luke Anderson - 4th in Reasons; 7th in Lamb Judging; 10th in Beef Grading

Jean Cumming - 10th in Placings

Several team members also earned perfect scores in Specifications, including Avel Zermeño, Audrey Sethaler, Annabelle Williams, Kade Lawrence, and Lydia Sharp.

Other team members competing included Lainie Reiter, Wyatt Bullion-Braithwaite, Cayden Beatty, Cayden Hodnett, and Garrett La Deau.

Congratulations to the WT Meat Judging Team on an outstanding championship performance!

PECANS Faculty and Students Shine at WT Research Fair

Faculty and students from our college made an impressive showing at WT's 21st annual Faculty and Student Research Poster Session and Research Fair on March 5. The event featured 90 research presentations from across the University, highlighting work from both faculty and students.

The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences accounted for nearly half of all presentations, with 42 of the 90 total projects presented by our faculty and students. Approximately 26 presentations come from Chemistry and Physics/Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences programs, with about 16 from the Department of Agricultural Sciences, reflecting both the depth and breadth of research activity across our programs.

The annual research fair provides an opportunity for WT scholars to share projects on topics ranging from water resources and artificial intelligence to cattle health and environmental quality, underscoring the University's growing role as a Carnegie classified Research College and University.

Environmental Science Society Students Attend Regional Water Conference

Members of the West Texas A&M University Environmental Science Society recently attended the Ogallala Commons Conference on Community Water on February 25, joining community leaders and scientists from across the Panhandle to discuss the future of water in the region.

The conference centered on long-term strategies to sustain water supplies for both human and natural communities. Participants explored ways to restore ecosystem functions so the Ogallala Aquifer can recharge, landscapes can be rehydrated, and agricultural livelihoods can remain viable for future generations.

By participating in these conversations, WT students gained firsthand insight into one of the region's most pressing challenges while contributing to discussions about sustainable water stewardship in the Texas Panhandle.

College Welcomes AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center for Meet-and-Greet

The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences recently hosted a small meet-and-greet with colleagues from the Texas A&M AgriLife High Plains Research and Extension Center. The gathering brought together AgriLife Researchers and Extension Agents with WT faculty and staff to learn more about one another's work.

During the visit, AgriLife researchers shared overviews of their current research areas, sparking conversation with WT faculty about shared interests and related work taking place across the region. The discussion highlighted how the research being conducted supports agriculture and communities across our region.

Gatherings like this help strengthen connections across the Texas A&M System and support WT's mission to serve the region through innovation, research and engagement.

Inaugural Natural Sciences Advisory Board Gala Celebrates Support for WT

West Texas A&M University's Natural Sciences Advisory Board hosted its inaugural gala, bring industry partners and supporters to celebrate and invest in the future of science at WT.

The event raised $89,000, a significant show of support from industry leaders committed to strengthening opportunities for WT students. With matching funds, the impact of the evening will be doubled, expanding resources that support scholarships, research, and hands-on learning in the sciences.

The success of the evening marks the beginning of a new annual tradition, highlighting the strong partnership between WT and industry as the University continues preparing graduates to meet the evolving needs of the scientific workforce.

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