Over the course of the upcoming Buff Briefs, the new Ag Ambassadors and Science Representatives will be introduced. | | Welcome New Ag Ambassadors | | |
Ag Ambassadors are a group of students who strive to serve the Department of Agricultural Sciences through leadership by assisting at events and with recruiting efforts.
Recently, the Ag Ambassador team welcomed 17 new members. These students will join the 7 current Ambassadors as they begin their roles this Fall.
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Ag Ambassadors!
| | |
Name: Boone Begert
Major: Junior, General Agriculture
Hometown: Allison, TX
What are you involved with on campus? "On campus I am involved in several things such as the Herdsmen team, Alpha Gamma Rho and I also serve as the Vice President of the Student Body."
| | |
Name: Spencer Walahoski
Major: Senior, Animal Science
Hometown: Overton, NB
What are your plans after college? "I plan to pursue a master's degree in either ruminant nutrition or beef reproduction following graduation from WTAMU."
| | |
Name: Emerson Dean
Major: Senior, Animal Science
Hometown: Decatur, TX
What are you looking forward to as an Ag Ambassador? "I am looking forward to meeting prospective students, introducing them to all the Department of Agriculture has to offer, forming new relationships and lifelong connections with others who are equally passionate about educating others about agriculture, and overall getting another level of experience in the agriculture department and industry."
| | Welcome New Science Representatives | | |
The Science Representatives are a select group of student leaders chosen for their exceptional skills and dedication to representing the values of the Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Department of Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences. These students play a vital role in their departments by assisting with events, recruitment efforts, and special opportunities.
| | |
Name: Abigail Mcguire
Major: Senior, Biology
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
What does being a Science Representative mean to you? "Being a Science Representative means being a steward to my community and a resource for those entering the natural sciences department. I hope to help build a welcoming environment and a strong support system for current and future WTAMU students."
| | |
Name: Jonathan Hutchinson
Major: Senior, Wildlife Biology
Hometown: College Station, TX
What does being a Science Representative mean to you?
"It's a chance to get kids to love the sciences as much as I do."
| |
|
Name: Miriam Camargo
Major: Senior, Biology
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
What are your plans after college? "After graduating WTAMU I want to apply for veterinary school and pursue my career in veterinary medicine."
| |
Buffs Attend 2025 AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference
| |
WTAMU students and faculty attended the 2025 American Meat Science Association Reciprocal Meat Conference held in Columbus, OH. on June 22-25.
Students competed in research poster, processed meat judging, and product development competitions while at this event.
In addition, students competed against 34 teams and for the second consecutive time, won the Undergraduate Meat Science Quiz Bowl National Championship!
Individual Awards
Undergrad Scholastic Achievement Award Winner
Helene Keiser
Phi Tau Sigma Research with Impact Award
Megan Eckhardt
Research Poster Contest Competitors
Kade Lawrence
Daniel Raab
Clayton Stevenson
Megan Eckhardt
Ambri Harrigal
Cole Petit
Audrey Rangel
National Champion Quiz Bowl Team Members:
Spencer Walahoski, Clayton Stevenson, Jozie Petit, Kade Lawrence, Ryan Stricker, Morgan Thorn, Maddie Schickedanz, Garrett La Deau, Avel Zermeno, Audrey Rangel, and Cayden Beatty.
Congratulations Buffs on this achievement!
| | |
Dr. Kevin Pond, Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, was presented with the Industry Leadership Impact Award by the American Meat Science Association at the Reciprocal Meat Conference.
This honor is awarded to individuals who have shown leadership in areas related to the meat science industry.
Congratulations Dr. Pond!
| |
Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Loni Lucherk was named recipient of the American Meat Science Association Achievement Award.
This award honors AMSA members who have contributed to the animal products industry, shown leadership and innovation.
Congratulations, Dr. Lucherk!
| | |
2025 BIF Research
Symposium and Convention
| | |
The Beef Improvement Federation’s annual Research Symposium and Convention was held on June 10-13.
Established in 1968, the Beef Improvement Federation’s mission is to “advance the beef industry through genetic improvement.”
This year's event was hosted at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, with the exception of the Social & Shark Tank Competition, held at WTAMU’s Bain Event Center, and industry tours throughout Dumas, Dalhart and Hereford, TX.
Numerous individuals from the Department of Agricultural Sciences joined professionals from across the world to present at the convention’s general sessions.
Senior agricultural media & communication major, Addie Brown, served as a panelist for the Making your (young voice heard) Agvocacy panel discussion; Dr. Ty Lawrence, Professor of Animal Science, gave a presentation titled “Feedlot and packing system profit drivers: an overview of the far end of the beef value chain;” Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Emilie Baker, spoke on the topic of leveraging circulating phenotypes for genetic progress and presented “The Influence of Breed of Origin on Carcass Characteristics;” immediately following Dr. Baker’s presentation, Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, spoke on “Improving Beef Carcass Cut Utilization in Heavyweight Cattle.”
| |
Associate Professor of Animal Science, Dr. Tommy Perkins, received the 2025 BIF Continuing Service Award at the Beef Improvement Federation’s Award Luncheon on June 11.
Continuing Service Award winners are individuals who have significantly contributed to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and participating in other behind-the-scenes activities. As a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.
| | WT Rodeo Now Competing in Caprock Region | | |
Beginning this fall, the WT Rodeo Team will be competing in the Caprock Region against 9 other schools: Eastern New Mexico University, Clarendon College, Frank Phillips College, Howard College, New Mexico Junior College, Odessa College, South Plains College, Texas Tech University and Western Texas College.
The decision to split the Southwest Region into the Lone Star and Caprock Regions was made by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association at a meeting during the 2025 College National Finals Rodeo.
“The Southwest Region has long been one of the toughest regions in the NIRA,” said Jim Dewey Brown, commissioner of CNFR and NIRA. “We’re excited to see the growth in college rodeo and give more student-athletes opportunities. As a board, we felt that this made sense and we will see continued growth.”
With this new region, WT Rodeo will now be hosting a college rodeo in the spring for the first time since 2018.
"This is a dynamic step forward for the sport and for our student-athletes," said Mr. Cody Bonds, WT Head Rodeo Coach. "We're especially excited for West Texas A&M University to once again host a rodeo, bringing the action back to our area and showcasing the community support, tradition and grit that defines WT Rodeo."
| | WTAMU Represented at Clover Club Gala | |
Dr. Lance Kieth, Associate Dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, represented West Texas A&M University at the Clover Club Gala held on June 5th in College Station.
The Clover Club Gala is an event organized by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation to raise funds to support Texas 4-H Youth Programs.
Also in attendance were Plug Piehl, member of Texas 4-H Board of Trustees, her daughter Kendra Lynch, and Randall County Extension Agent, Dr. J. Ragland.
| | WT Rodeo Team Members Named 2024 NIRA Scholar Americans | | |
Two members of the WT Rodeo Team, Weston Peters and James "Tres" Colvin, were named 2024 Scholar American recipients by the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
James “Tres” Colvin is a senior agricultural business and economics major from Uvalde. Weston Peters is a senior agricultural business and economics major from San Antonio.
"This is an honor reserved for rodeo competitors who've not only earned points in the arena but also maintained academic excellence," said Mr. Cody Bonds, WT Head Rodeo Coach. "Their commitment, both in the classroom and on the dirt, represent the very best of college rodeo."
| | Faculty Focus | Dr. Nick Flynn | | |
#ICYMI
In Case You Missed It
| | | | |
