You're Invited!

TCFA Beef Showcase Summary

WTAMU hosted the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Beef Showcase on Thursday, Sept. 12. This year’s event raised $18,000 for TCFA’s Education Foundation to benefit scholarships for graduate, Ph.D. and DVM students from West Texas A&M University, New Mexico State University, Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University who want to pursue careers in the fed beef industry.

Over 250 registered guests attended, including members of the feedlot industry, general public, and students from across the Panhandle. The event included three educational contests.

Video/Carcass Match Contest

Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging and Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the first competition. “Participants determined the quality and yield grade criteria of 10 live steers via video and were then asked to match them to 10 carcasses displayed in the fabrication room" according to TCFA.

Congratulations to the winners: 

Collegiate Division

     1st Place — Jayce Meyring – Texas Tech University 

     2nd Place — Emerson Dean – West Texas A&M University

     3rd Place — Dakota David – Texas Tech University



Public Division

     1st Place — Bryan Bernhard – Zoetis

     2nd Place — Blake Foraker – Texas Tech University

     3rd Place — Austin Adams – Clarendon College

Feedyard Division

     1st Place — Justin Gleghorn – Cactus Feeders

     2nd Place — Will Cantu – CanTex Feeders

     3rd Place — Zach Brown – Friona Industries

Beef Industry Knowledge & Skills Contest

Dr. Ty Lawrence, Director of the Beef Carcass Research Center and Caviness Davis Distinguished Chair in Meat Science, directed the second contest. Participants competed in an event similar to a beef skillathon, where they took a 50-question exam covering industry history, bovine anatomy and more.

Congratulations to the winners: 

Collegiate Division

     1st Place — Cole Petit – West Texas A&M University

     2nd/3rd Place — Megan Eckhardt, Ryan Heitschmidt, Helene Keiser – West Texas A&M University

Public Division

     1st Place — Bryan Bernhard – Zoetis

     2nd Place — Austin Adams – Clarendon College

     3rd Place — Blake Foraker – Texas Tech University



Feedyard Division

     1st Place — Justin Gleghorn – Cactus Feeders

     2nd Place — Tanya Stevenson – Frontera Feedyard

     3rd Place — Cutter Smith – Tascosa Feedyard

Beef Showcase Steer Awards

The final contest determined the Beef Showcase Steer Awards, where TCFA feedyard members “fed one steer to be graded on carcass attributes” according to TCFA. Dr. Trent Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, led the group through a beef fabrication demo. 

In preparation for this competition, WTAMU Meat Science harvested the 28 entered steers from 28 different feedlots. 

Congratulations to the winners: 

Grand Champion Steer — CanTex Feeders

Reserve Grand Champion Steer — Cobalt Cattle Company, Tulia

Third Overall Steer — Cactus Feedyard

Chef Robert Hale of the Texas Beef Council provided a cooking demonstration on perfecting the restaurant steak. 

The event concluded with an awards banquet where the top three individuals from each division were recognized. A delicious sampling of short ribs, cheek meat and tri-tip were served. 

WTAMU Meat Science would like to congratulate the champion cattle feeders and participants.

Research Highlight

The 50th Anniversary Career

and Internship Expo

WTAMU invites you to the 50th Anniversary Career and Internship Expo! Students are encouraged to meet with over 100 companies to explore career opportunities, connect with potential employers and discover internship and job openings.

50th Anniversary Career and Internship Expo

Thursday, September 26th

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

First United Bank Center

Calling Animal Science Undergraduates!

The TExAS Scholar program is an undergraduate research program designed specifically for students studying animal science. The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will select three WTAMU students to be part of the research program this year. Dr. Kendall Samuelson, associate professor of animal science, is now seeking applicants and faculty mentors from the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Students selected for the program will have the opportunity to:

• Complete an undergraduate research project
• Attend an educational tour
• Participate in a job shadowing experience
• Network with faculty, industry professionals, and other students
• Attend a scientific meeting
• Present research findings

Students selected to participate in the program will receive the following funding for one academic year:

• $4,500 scholarship
• $500 for travel to professional meeting
• $750 for research supplies
• $75 for educational tour expenses
• $75 for extension program expenses
• $75 for job shadowing expenses
• $200 for inter-university travel

Selected students can complete research in any area of animal science. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to apply and be classified as a sophomore starting in Fall 2024. Students who have previously applied or participated in the program are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is Sept 27.

$100,000 for Tomorrow’s Beef Leaders 

#ICYMI

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