WTAMU Hosts NACTA 2025 Judging Conference

The Department of Agricultural Sciences hosted the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture 2025 Judging Conference on April 9-12.

NACTA is a professional society that focuses on the importance of teaching agriculture at 2-year and 4-year institutions.

Every April, a college or university hosts the NACTA Judging Conference.

A total of 918 students coming from 52 schools across the U.S. participated in the 2025 NACTA Judging Conference.

This year's Judging Conference consisted of 18 contests ranging from knowledge bowl to livestock judging, horticulture, soil judging and agriculture mechanics.

Contests were held at various locations both on and off campus including the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building, WT Horse Center and WTAMU Greenhouse. Contests were also held at surrounding areas such as Tri-State Fair and Rodeo Grounds in Amarillo, TX, Cnossen Dairy in Hereford, TX, and Wethington Farms in Nazareth, TX.

The Department of Agricultural Sciences would like to extend a sincere thank you to the numerous sponsors who donated financially and in-kind, as well as the faculty, staff and volunteers who made this event a success!

Overall Individual & Team Results

Ag Computers: 4- year division

West Texas A&M University: 2nd Team

Crops: 4-year division

Dayson Schacher

• 2nd Individual

Equine Management: 4-year division

Charli Wells

• 1st Individual

Chloe Hamaker

• 3rd Individual

West Texas A&M University: 2nd Team

Horse Judging: 4-year division

Abigail Wiles

• 2nd Individual

West Texas A&M University: 2nd Team

Knowledge Bowl: 4-year division

West Texas A&M University: 1st Team



Portfolio: 4-year division

Kaslyn Moczygemba

• 2nd Overall Individual

West Texas A&M University: 2nd Team

Livestock Judging: 4-year division

Helene Keiser

• 1st Individual

Kassadee Lym

• 2nd Individual

Ashlyn Cook Huggins

• 3rd Individual

West Texas A&M University: 1st Team

Buffs Attend Beef Industry Safety Summit

WTAMU professors and graduate students attended the Beef Industry Safety Summit hosted by The Beef Industry Food Safety Council on

April 1-3.

The three-day event was held in Denver and was attended by over 200 beef industry professionals including feedlot managers, research companies and sanitation suppliers.

Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Trent Schwartz, served on an expert panel that discussed pre-harvest and post-harvest foreign material.

Shelton Luedke, Master of Science in animal science, was selected by industry professionals as a BIFSCo travel scholar.

"BIFSCo/Beef Industry Safety Summit was an incredible conference that allowed me to further my industry connections and relationships," said Luedke. "I would highly recommend attending this event due to its high level of professionalism and scientific expertise in food safety."

Drs. Loni Lucherk and Ty Lawrence, and graduate student Cole Petit, were in attendance.

WT Rodeo Team's Success in Big Spring, TX

WT Rodeo Team members had a successful weekend as they competed at the Howard College Rodeo in Big Spring, TX on April 10-12.

WT had two individuals, James Colvin, junior Agricultural Business & Economics major, and Weston Peters, junior Agricultural Business & Economics major, advance to the short round where they earned high placings in their respective events.

Individual Results

James Colvin

• Reserve All Around Cowboy
• Reserve Tie Down Champion
• 10th in Steer Wrestling

Weston Peters

• 6th in Tie Down Roping

Good luck to the WT Rodeo Team as they travel to Stephenville for the Tarleton Stampede on April 24-26.

Graduate Students Attend Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo 2025

WTAMU graduate students Ashby Dauer, Master of Science in animal science, and Kersi Latham, Master of Science in animal science, presented research at the Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo 2025.

This event was facilitated by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and was held in Fort Worth on April 11-13.

Kersi Latham presented her research at the 2025 TSCRA Graduate Poster Showcase. Her research was titled "The Effect of FerAppease on Weight and Health Performance on Angus Cross Calves Weaned Via Transportation Truck."

"I connected with a wide range of people—from fellow graduate students to experienced cattle producers and passionate agriculture advocates," Latham said. "It was inspiring to be surrounded by others who share a deep commitment to the future of the livestock industry, and I walked away with valuable insights, new friendships and a renewed sense of purpose in my work."



Dauer also presented her research titled "Comparison of the 7&7 CO-Synch and the 7-day CO-Synch Fixed Time Artificial Insemination protocols in Beef Heifers," at the 2025 TSCRA Graduate Poster Showcase.

Dauer explained her experience while attending the Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo 2025.

"This was my second time presenting at TSCRA," Dauer said. "My favorite part of the convention is having the ability to connect with producers and others in the industry. It's a great way to build relationships and learn from real - world experiences."

WTAMU Students Attend American Meat Science Association Event

WTAMU students Spencer Walahoski, junior Animal Science major, Kade Lawrence, sophomore Animal Science major and Morgan Thorn, senior Animal Science major, attended the American Meat Science Association JBS Global Ingenuity Student Training and Education Program on April 10-12, in Greeley, CO.

AMSA STEP events provide students with the opportunity to learn the latest trends within the beef industry, in addition to providing them with industry resources and connections.

During this event, students learned about internship opportunities, gained experience in a corporate pilot plant and test kitchen, and were exposed to marketing, research, development and quality assurance disciplines.

"The AMSA JBS Global Ingenuity STEP event was an opportunity and an eye opener to a different side of the meat industry," Thorn said. "I got to connect with JBS Pilgrims industry professionals and got to create a processed meats product while connecting with individuals from other universities that are involved in meat science."

Faculty Focus | Dr. Dylan Maag

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