At A Glance

NCBA CattleCon Intern: Ryan Heitschmidt

McNair Scholars Present at National Conference

First Ever: Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon  

Dr. K. Shrestha: Visiting Scientist Program  

Linay Williams Visits WT AG 

Competitive Team Results 

Extension Education: Lunch and Learn

Dates To Remember

March 8: Midterms

2024 National Cattlemen's Beef Association

CattleCon Intern

Ryan Heitschmidt, Sr. Animal Science, served as one of 18 of the 2024

National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) CattleCon Interns,

hosted January 31 - February 2, in Orlando, Florida!


Ryan's responsibilities included arena and trade show set-up, assisting sponsors,

event preparation and facilitation, running errands,

and remaining on stand-by if any NCBA staff needed assistance.

Aside from the internship,

Ryan shared that this opportunity provided many unique opportunities,

such as full access to the convention, networking events, and attending the evening social events at Mango's Tropical Cafe and Universal Studios.

Ryan shared that some of his favorite parts were the people that he got to work beside,

and working for the NCBA staff.

"Through my time as an intern, I gained numerous friendships

and connections that I know will be long-lasting."

Ryan shared that one of the most fulfilling tasks as an intern was getting to spend his days facilitating and emceeing the "Cattle Chats" rotational seminar.

The seminar consisted of over ten 30-minute presentations from industry leaders

about the different sectors of agricultural production.


"It was fulfilling to have been a part of a group that worked tirelessly

to ensure the success of this convention. In attending this convention,

listening to the presentations, and meeting industry leaders,

I have an even greater appreciation for the beef/agricultural production industry as it continues to develop new and innovative ways to provide consumers

with safe, high-quality products!"

-Ryan Heitschmidt

McNair Scholars Present at National Conferences

The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate 

Achievement Program (the McNair Scholars Program) 

was created in 1999, and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. 

This program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies, 

through the involvement of research and other scholarly activities.

Wendy Galvan, Sr. Biochemistry, and Samuel Narvaez-Sanchez, Sr. Animal Science

PVET Specialization, recently presented research at the Ronald E. McNair 38th Annual Celebration and 14th Research Symposium at North Carolina AT&T State University.

Wendy presented "Synthesis and Characterization of Epoxidized Limonene"

and Samuel presented "Investigating Multi-Decadal Patterns of Changing Temperature

and Their Effects on the Growing Season Length in the Texas Panhandle."

Wendy Galvan

Samuel Narvaez-Sanchez

Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team

On January 28th, the first ever WTAMU Animal Science

Academic Quadrathlon team competed at the American Society of Animal Science

Southern Section Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky!


Academic Quadrathlon Teams participate in four events: Laboratory Practicum,

Written Exam, Oral Presentation, and Quiz Bowl.


The team placed 8th overall out of 17 other universities from the Southern Region!

The team also placed 2nd in the practicum portion

where they showcased their applied education and experience.

Notable accomplishments in the practicum were 1st place in meats (with a perfect score!),

1st in equine, 2nd in breeds, and 3rd in feeds.

Team Members:

Auburn Frost, So. Animal Science

Cole Petit, Sr. Animal Science

Ridley Strackbein, Fr. Animal Science

Prairie Wild, Sr. Animal Science

The team is coached by Dr. Kendall Samuelson, Associate Professor of Animal Science, Kasi Schneid, Ph.D. Agriculture.

Dr. K. Shrestha: Visiting Scientist Program

Dr. Keshav Shrestha, Assistant Professor of Physics, recently received funding

from the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL)

through the Visiting Scientist Program!

The Visiting Scientist Program provides greater access to the NHMFL facilities

and seeds research programs to advance the laboratory!

This funding primarily supports travel and local expenses

while researchers are visiting the laboratory.


Congratulations, Dr. Keshav Shrestha!

Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow:

Linay Williams, TTU Davis College

West Texas A&M University's Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT),

advised by Dr. Troy Tarpley, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Media and Communication,

is a professional group that allows students to network and learn

with agricultural communicator industry professionals.


On February 5th, ACT hosted Linay Williams, the Director of Strategic Marketing

and Communications for the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences

and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University.

Linay has spent time as an entrepreneur with Black Creek Innovations,

a business who specializes in marketing for agricultural based organizations

such as Purina Animal Nutrition, Cosequin Equine and Nutrition Plus.

She launched a business development organization for rural business women

called "Unbridled" and also serves as President of PanTex Buyers Group,

a non-profit organization supporting Texas Panhandle

and South Plains stock show youth.


Linay opened the event by asking the group

"If you could do absolutely anything you wanted as a career, what would it be?"

Whatever your dream career, work hard,

stay inspired and find what you truly enjoy doing.

Linay shared that situations in life can tell you no,

but you should keep saying yes -- because taking opportunities is paramount.

Even wrong opportunities can lead to the right ones!


"Find something that fulfills you and give yourself the grace to chase it!"

Linay Williams (back row, left) with ACT members.

Competitive Team Results

Equestrian Team

Texas Tech University Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Spring Western Show

Team Results

Saturday: High Point Team

Sunday: Reserve High Point Team

University of Oklahoma

Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association Valentines Show

Team Results

Saturday: Overall High Point Team

Sunday: Overall High Point Team

The Equestrian team is currently leading the IHSA Region 2 as the overall champion team,

with one show remaining in the regular season.

Meat Judging Team

Southwestern Meat Judging Contest at Fort Worth Stock Show

and Rodeo hosted by Columbia Packing Co., Inc.

Team Results:

3rd: Overall

1st: Lamb Judging

1st: Specs

1st: Reasons

2nd: Beef Judging

5th: Beef Grading

Ranch Horse Team

Bridles & Brains Collegiate Ranch Horse Team Competition

 at Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Team Results

3rd: Overall

3rd: Team Interview

4th: Ranch Reining

4th: Ranch Roping

6th: Team Speech

6th: Ranch Sorting

7th: Ranch Trail

View Individual Results Here!

Extension Education: Lunch and Learn

Josh Brooks, District 1 Director for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension,

and team consisting of Dr. J.D. Ragland, M.S. Agriculture '90,

Randall County 4-H Extension Agent,

Josie Hicks, B.S. '21, M.S. Agriculture '23,

Assistant County Agent for Randall County Extension,

and Kayla Lanford, B.S. Agricultural Media and Communication '11,

Randall County 4-H Agent, hosted an Extension Education: Lunch and Learn for students!

They spoke to students about employment opportunities as a county agent,

they taught about internship opportunities through AgriLife Extension,

and touched on their daily duties.

Students also had the opportunity to interview with Mr. Brooks for summer positions!

A Moment with Mrs. Bachman

Pond's Ponder

A positive attitude is like a magnet.

If you stay positive, good people and good things seem to be attracted to you.

If you have a negative attitude, negative people and things seems to be drawn to you.

I think I'll choose to be positive.

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The WT Agriculture Development Association provides support for the Agricultural Department faculty, staff and students. Membership is open to all alumni, ex-students and supporters of the Department of Agricultural Sciences.

Ag Development Association

The WT Alumni Association provides support for the Natural Sciences faculty, staff and students. Membership is open to all alumni, ex-students

and supporters of the Departments of

Chemistry and Physics and Life, Earth,

and Environmental Sciences.

Natural Science Alumni

To Contact:

806-651-2585

buffbrief@wtamu.edu