Fall 2016
BRAGGIN’ RIGHTS A PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AT WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
“Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.”
- Mark Twain
Providing students with hands-on, real-world experiences is important to our department, to our faculty and to our industry. In this issue of the Braggin’ Rights, student authors highlight several intra and extracurricular activities in which our students are engaged each semester and is a prime example of how the department engages students in real-world experiences. All the stories, pictures, captions, layout, and design are products of student learning and the hands-on applications learned in the classroom. As with any student project, competitive team or student organization, a faculty member(s) has to continuously teach, correct, and make sure things are done correctly if the activity and efforts are to be educational and successful. As you read through the articles about the accomplishments of our students, keep in mind the number of hours that faculty and staff have spent teaching, guiding, and correcting these students’ efforts throughout these activities. I know from my past experiences that the Department of Agricultural Sciences at West Texas A&M University has some of the best students the world has to offer, but I also know that having the best students is only part of the equation. University programs are only as good as its leaders and in our department, we have the BEST faculty in the country! I have have always said, “college students do not follow university programs, they follow faculty leaders,” and I am convinced WTAMU has some of the best faculty there is. Go Buffs. Sincerely, Lance Kieth Professor and Head Department of Agricultural Sciences
Another SOLID Year for WTAMU Horse Judging “There are no secrets to success. It WTAMU team that placed in the top individuals placing in the Top 10 of is the result of preparation, hard work, 10 of the Halter, Performance, and the Halter, Performance, and Reasons and learning from failure,” said Colin Reasons Division. division. Powell, former four-star general and At the Tulsa State Fair, the team “These students were great,” said U.S. diplomat. placed third overall. There were four John Pipkin, director of the equine The West Texas A&M University individuals that placed in the Top 10 of program and head coach of the team. Horse Judging Team can relate to Powell’s words after the 2016 fall semester. Horse judging not only allows collegiate students to gain knowledge about horses, but also allows them to gain confidence in public speaking and communication skills, which will help these students during their time in school, and eventually in their future career. Horse judging contests consists of two basic types of classes that the contestants will evaluate: halter classes and performance classes. The halter classes focus on the structure and conformation of the animal while the performance classes focus on the quality of movement of the animal and the ability of the horse and rider to work together as a pair. The horse judging team 2016 Team: (L-R): Back row: Maggie Murphy from Peyton, Colo. (6th practiced all semester in Congress); Lacey Jo Edge from Krum (3rd Congress; 7th Tulsa, 8th preparation for the All-American Spring, 9nd AQHA World), Joshua Valdez from Alamosa, Colo. (15th Quarter Horse Congress contest Tulsa). Front row: Josi Reed from Cave-in-Rock, Ill. (Asst. Coach); in Columbus, Ohio, the Tulsa Cameron McDonald from Pampa; Chloe Yonkerfrom Big Rapid, Mich.; State Fair in Tulsa, Okla., Brittany Milam from Kingwood (11th Tulsa); Taylor Williams from and the American Quarter Amarillo (13th Tulsa); Charity Coberley from Neosha, Mo. (17th Tulsa, 19th AQHA World), John Pipkin (Coach). Horse Association World Championship in Oklahoma City, Okla.. the Halter, Performance, and Reasons “They were hard working, committed, At the All-American Quarter Horse division. dedicated, and willing to persevere and Congress contest, the WTAMU horse At the American Quarter Horse overcome challenges, which is what it judging team placed third overall. Association World Championship, takes to be successful at judging.” There were several individuals on the the team placed sixth overall, with
Horse Judging
by Ashley Addington from Wolfforth
RIDING to Success Western Team The WTAMU Western Team opened its season with a bang at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. Overall high point team was claimed by WTAMU both days, and Maggie Lanham, Rixeyville, Va., earned High Point Rider on Sunday, Oct. 11. The Lady Buffs also had five other wins from riders including: Lauren Klein, from Elizabeth, Colo., Arienne Martinez, from Lubbock, Catherine Johnson, from Allen, Morgan Robledo, from Roseville, Calif., Heather Grebin, from Rochester, Minn., and Lanham. Maggie Murphy, from Peyton, Colo., and Jori Wendt, from Foley, Minn., also obtained enough season points to qualify for the Regional Championships that will
be held at the WTAMU Horse Center Feb. 25 and 26. The WT Western Team hosted its first home competition Oct. 30. The show was won by Kendall Woellmer, from Sedona, Ariz., and senior captain, Lanham who spilt the High Point Rider award for the first and second shows. Other schools competing were North Central Texas College, Oklahoma Panhandle State, University of Oklahoma, Tarleton State, Southern Nazarene, Texas, Texas A&M-Commerce and North Texas. In addition to Woellmer and Lanham’s wins, Robeldo, Martinez and Elora Ellison, Yukon, Okla., all finished first in beginner horsemanship while Murphy, Grebin and Klein all won their divisions.
“Sportsmanship and horsemanship were the themes of this successful weekend,” said head coach Amanda Love. “The coaching staff is extremely proud of not only two wins but also of the effort, leadership and full team participation that went into ending the fall semester with a large winning margin in the region.” The final Western competition of the fall semester was held at New Mexico State University Nov. 11. The scrimmage was performed in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association format. The Lady Buffs represented WTAMU well. Woellmer won the reining point, while also being named Most Outstanding Player. In addition, Callie Berg, from Pine, Colo., and Lauren Eaton, from Anchorage, Ala., also claimed wins in over fences classes, and Johnson dominated the horsemanship division. Hunt Seat Returning to North Central Texas College Oct. 8-9, the WT Hunt Seat Team made its 2016-2017 debut by claiming High Point Team both days while Lanham and Daniella Salaverria, from San Salvador, El Salvador, spilt High Point Rider on Saturday and Sunday. Gilmore, Robeldo, Thomas, Salaverria and Lanham gave strong performances, clenching the win
Equestrian
for WT. In addition, Robeldo and Ally Thomas from Nokesville, Va., qualified for the Regional Championships in their respective events. Following their outstanding win at NCTC, the Hunt Seat Team traveled to the University of Oklahoma Oct. 2223. Berg, Salaverria, Eaton and Hannah
Ellis, from Grand Junction, Colo., all won their classes on Saturday, allowing WT to claim High Point Team on the first day and Reserve High Point Rider on the second day. Amber McCreery, from Missouri City, Jamie Siefert, from Mertztown, Pa., and AbbyRae Bradbury, from Pepperell,
Miss., all had strong performances on Sunday. The two-day competition qualified Berg, Siefert, and Salaverria for the Regional Championships. The team riders and individuals look forward to another competitive semester in 2017 and plan to bring home more championships to WT.
Equestrian Team Officers: Maggie Lanham - Western Captain, from Rixeyville, Va. Ally Thomas - Hunt Seat Captain, from Knoxeville, Va. Jordyn Wendt - Secretary, from Brainerd, Minn. Abby Rae Bradbury - Treasurer, from Jamestown, Minn. Madison Heacock - Media Manger, from Chino Hills, Calif. Head Coach: Amanda Love
Team Members: Maggie Murphy from Peyton, Colo. Heather Grebin from Rochester, Minn. Lauren Klein from Elizabeth, Colo. Callie Berg from Pine, Colo. Madelyne Cope from Nathrop, Colo. Lexi Crisler from Austin Megan Descheneaux from Del Rio Lauren Eaton from Canyon Hannah Ellis from Grand Junction Elora Ellision from Yukon, Okla. Hannah Gilmore from Keenesburg Carley Hockett from Ulysses, Kan. Kristen Hodges from Coppell Elliot Huskey from Estes Park, Colo.
Catherine Johnson from Allen Caitlyn Knutson from Waldo, Wisc. Arienne Martinez from Wolfforth Amber McCreery from Missouri City Cameron McDonald from Pampa Brittany Milam from Kingswood Natalie Morton from Loveland, Colo. Candace Phillips from Grapevine Morgan Robledo from Roseville, Calif. Rayleigh Rowell from Bartletsville Daniella Salaverria from El Salvador Lynsdy Siedhoff from Beaufort, Mo. Jamie Siefert- Lenhartsville, Pa. Ally Thomas from Nokesville, Va. Kendall Woellmer from Sedona, Ariz.
by Kendall Woellmer from Sedona, Ariz.
Livestock Judging
by Shayne White from Monmouth, Ore.
A YEAR TO REMEMBER, A LEGACY TO CONTINUE
The West Texas A&M University Livestock Judging team had a whirlwind season. From traveling across the country, to the addition of Ricky Burns, the new head coach, the team gained new perspectives
far in the season. Janine Johnson from Meridian, Idaho walked across the stage to accept her sixth high individual in sheep. The team came home with 13th overall out of 25 teams. “It was a productive trip with lots of challenges when it came to the contest, but it is always fun to evaluate high quality livestock,” Johnson said. The team traveled to The International Livestock Expo in Kentucky, for livestock judging’s national championship. The WTAMU livestock judging team found their calling Members include from left to right: coach Ricky Burns, Dru Lust from Abernathy; Riley Ryburn from in the swine Shabbona, Ill.; Miriam Garcia from Mineral Wells; Janine Johnson from Meridian, Idaho; and Cade Tibbs division, coming from Ardmore, Okla. home with ninth on evaluating livestock as well as the As the days got shorter and practices overall as well as taking home 11th high comradery that comes from the team team in the performance division. got longer, the livestock judging team atmosphere. “Louisville was an amazing time,” continued to travel to help them said Cade Tibbs, from Ardmore, Okla. “It was a fun, exciting adventure that gear up for the two biggest contests “We got to see the best livestock that will leave a lasting impression on not that would conclude their fast-paced this industry has to offer, such as going only my judging career but my college season: the American Royal and to Prairie View Farms and Treelane experience as well,” said Dru Lust, the North American International Farms.” from Abernathy. Livestock Expo. It was a long season, with many ups The judging team had a busy fall, The American Royal is one of the starting the season at the Flint Hills toughest contests of the season. With and downs, but the livestock judging team represented WTAMU well and Classic in Kansas, where the team the high quality livestock walking finished one place out of the Top 10. across the green shavings, the team put left a legacy for the next team to fulfill. With only a 24-hour break, the to practice what they had learned thus team traveled to Nebraska for the AKSARBEN Stock Show and Rodeo. As the season progressed, the team continued to improve, and they came home with a third place victory at the State Fair of Texas.
Ranch Horse Team
by Bonnie Cunningham from Canyon
A NEW CHANCE FOR Championships “My only advice is to work hard and don’t get discouraged,” said Tiffany Foster, a world renowned horsewoman. “This is a sport that takes a long time to get good, and it requires a lot of patience so enjoy the journey and always remember to thank your horse at the end of every day.” The Ranch Horse team was started in the 2016 fall semester by students that had a vision of a cohesive and competitive team. Brittany Hargrove, from Canyon, was elected as the president. “We have had to overcome many obstacles, but in the end, it’s all worth
it,” Hargrove said. The Ranch Horse team travels to various shows to represent West Texas A&M University and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Each show consists of four classes: trail, reining, cow work, and pleasure. Trail requires the horse to walk, jog or lope over different obstacles. During the reining classes, the rider and horse will perform patterns with circles, stops and spins. For cow work, the horse and rider will work a cow for a limited amount of time. Pleasure classes requires cadence
for the horse and rider by following set signs and instructions for different gaits. Each member of the team is required to raise a certain amount of money from sponsorships to allow the team to compete in the shows. The money goes toward show fees, gas and hotel costs. These sponsorships allow the members to compete and travel across the state and country. In order to be a member of the Ranch Horse team, students must have their own horse. The horse must be broke and have some show experience. “This team allows the students to learn leadership, responsibility and team work,” Hargrove said. There are not many schools in Texas that offer a ranch horse team, and this helps set WTAMU apart from other schools. The teams’ main goal is to become one of the top teams in Texas. “I have met awesome life-long friends by joining, and I have been able to step out of my comfort zone a little,”said Lauren Brown from Del Rio.
The team had a successful competition at the SHOT World Finals in Abliene. On day one, Cutter Smith from Hereford, won second in trail and Kendra Smith, from Dripping Springs, placed second in pleasure. On the second day of competition, Wyatt Marhsall, from Burlington, Colo., placed first in cow work and second in reining. Hannah Gilmore, from Hudson, Colo., won first in reining. Hargrove, Marhsall, and Smith all placed in the Top 10 of their divisions. The team was the reserve champion team for the second day of competition and the fifth overall team for the twoday competition. It has been a season of growth and change for the Ranch Horse team, but its riders look forwad to a chance to represent WTAMU and bring home championships.
Ranch Horse Team Members: Brittany Hargrove from Canyon Blane Thompson from Canyon Lauren Brown from Del Rio Eli Mangles from Holcomb, Kan. Wyatt Marshall from Burlington, Colo. Bonny Cunningham from Canyon Cutter Smith from Hereford
Logan Cotton from Monte Vista, Colo. Jessica Ortiz from Estancia, N. M. Flint Roberts from O’Donnell Jason Seymour from Olathe, Colo. Josh Valdez from Alamosa, Colo. Hannah Gilmore from Holyoke, Colo. Advisor: Nate Wolf
Another S u c c e s s f u l Semester in the Books The West Texas A&M University’s rodeo team is a great opportunity for students to spend their time out of class doing what they love to do: rodeo. For many students, rodeo is not only a hobby but a way of life. “The rodeo team is building to get bigger and better ever since I have been at WTAMU,” said Raymond Hollabaugh, the WT men’s coach. “The city and alumni of Canyon and WT have shown their support of the rodeo team. They offer scholarships and built
horse stalls for the team.” The rodeo team is attracting athletes from all over Texas and beyond, a testament to the strength and growth of the rodeo program. “We have two students from Washington and a few from California,” Hollabaugh said. “The team is still mostly from Texas, but it’s good to see we are thought of from far away places.” With the growth, a more competitive
Rodeo
edge has come when the teams travel to college rodeos. “I won Alpine in the calf roping,”said Treg Shaack, the team’s co-captian. “I’m going to as many jackpots and rodeos as I can get in order to stay sharp.” Shaack is a talented roper from South Dakota. He won the region in the team roping last year with David Hinman from Hay Springs, Neb. Lane Baker from Penrose, Colo., also performed well this fall and is looking
together in Vernon and placed third and fifth in the average. Illyssa Glass from Tatum, N. M., has done well in the barrel racing . She has won a few rounds at the first five rodeos and won the average at Vernon. Glass is currently leading the region in barrel racing. As the fall rodeos came to a close, both men’s and women’s rodeo teams are set and ready for the spring semester of classes and rodeos to start.
forward to improving this spring in steer wrestling. “I’m sitting sixth in the region,” Baker said. “I’m working out and going to winter rodeos to prepare for the spring rodeos.” The women’s team has also had a successful fall season. Brenna Hartley from Midland, and Taylor Bradley from Canyon, have had a successful semester as breakaway ropers. Both made the short-go
Team Members: Lane Baker from Penrose, Colo. Chris Bechthold from Booker Ashley Blackwell from Pueblo, Colo. Alexis Blakey from Arlington, Wash. Tayler Bradley from Goldendale Jeb Buller from Pueblo, Colo. Clay Casper from Balko, Okla. Cali Claybrook from Midland Jarrett Dougherty from Miami Rylan Ferbrache from Woodard, Okla. Cody Fordyce from Kiowa, Colo. Seth Gillespie from Hamilton Ilyssa Glass from Tatum, N. M. Kaitlin Gustave from San Juan Capistrano, Calif. Whitney Hall from Comanche, Okla. Brenna Hartley from Midland Clayton Huffman from Strasburg Easton Hunter from Colorado Shayna Johnson from Springtown Kyon Kreutzer from Colorado Whitney Mount from Brush, Colo. Kade Pyatt from Simla, Colo. Ethan Roucloux from Pflungeville Treg Schaack from Edgemont, SD Matti Smith from Post Stephanie Stokes from Andrews Lindsey Talbert from Akron, Colo. Josh Wines from Elko, Nev. Wesley Wright from Levelland Daniel Kirkland from Farwell Coach Raymand Hollabaugh Coach Jordan Fabrizio by Clay Casper from Balko, Okla.
Friendship, FuN and F u n d r a i s i n g
The West Texas A&M University Agribusiness Club keeps its members busy throughout the school year with several fundraisers and different social events. For the past two spring semesters, the club has hosted the Dunk Tank event. Before the event, students add money to jars representing the different professors they want to dunk. At the end of the week, the professors with the most money in their jars will sit on the dunk tank. “It’s just at that point in the semester where the students want to get back at their professors and dunk them in the water,” said Bridget Guerrero, the club’s co-advisor. Guerrero also stressed the importance of student leadership and requires that members and officers do the majority, if not all, of the preparation for the event. From setting up the dunk tank, supervising while the event takes place and cleaning up after the event,
the students take charge and make it happen. The money raised from the dunk tank event is used to support club activities for the upcoming semester. The money goes toward putting on their monthly social events and buying WTAMU Agribusiness Club apparel that students can purchase. The club also hosts an annual pancake breakfast to raise money for a cancer research group or a patient who is currently battling the disease. This year the club raised $1,100 for kidney cancer research in honor of Kris Wilson, a former faculty member from Texas Tech University. The Agribusiness Club hosts monthly social events and meetings. At the meetings, they host guest speakers from local businesses that will be of interest to the members. The club has previously had guest speakers such as Galen Clark, a WTAMU Alumni from Tascosa Pump Service and Micah Davidson, the current
Agribusiness Club
student representative for Ag Workers Insurance. The Agribusiness Club also hosts an annual bowling social. This is a good time for members to socialize outside of the campus setting. When asked his favorite part about the Agribusiness Club, Jacob Richburg from Plainview said, “The relationships I’ve built with fellow club members have allowed me to form a network of life-long friends.” Richburg, a junior Plant Science major, is the president of the Agribusiness Club. The Agribusiness Club has a Facebook page “WT Agribusiness Club,” which they keep updated with events and announcements within the club. If you would like to be involved in the club’s activities, be sure to like the page for the latest news. The students’ take pride in their club along with the advisors, and together they work to keep the club involved and successful throughout the WTAMU campus. Officers: Jacob Richburg - President, from Plainview Audree Williams - Vice President, from Canyon Rylee Sallee - Secretary, from Fowler, Colo. Sharon Sherburn - Treasurer, from Orovada, Nev. Justin Tate - Recruitment Chair, from Lakin, Kan. Clint Messer - Recruitment Chair, from Canyon Adivsors: Mallory Vestal and Bridget Guerrero by Mitchell Ford from Wheeler
Learning from Experience Give Providing a variety of opportunities to students is just one way West Texas A&M University continues to graduate successful individuals that are highly desired by employers. A key to this success is the university’s use of a wide array of hands-on learning experiences. These opportunities provide additional exposure to students through concrete learning experiences. The Department of Agricultural Sciences provides many hands-on opportunities for students of all levels of education. Ranking at the top of these experiences is a stock show that students either compete or lead and teach competitors in as part of a course. Students in the introductory animal science class are divided into groups that are led by senior agricultural education students. Students are able to show cattle,
pigs, sheep or horses. This allows the students a chance to practice animal handling and care and gives upper classmen enrolled in an agricultural education course the opportunity to enhance their teaching skills and work with students in a stock show environment. This stock show is called Little International, or Little I for short, and is based on the North American International Stock Show in Louisville, Ken. This experience positively impacts students in a variety of ways. “Other colleges don’t do Little I, which is one-way West Texas A&M University is separate from other schools,” said Kelsey Beal, from Perryton. Beal is an Agriculture- Teacher Certification major. She was a group leader, and helped teach the students in her group how to handle and care for the four different species of animals at the show.
Little International
“Little I taught me that every kid is different and in order to teach them how to show, you have to use different approaches and tools,” Beal said. As a group leader Beal taught and coached her group members who had a wide variety of livestock experience. “I participated in Little I through my Supervised Agricultural Experience class, and I was asked to teach students how to show animals.” said Matthew Jones from Dripping Springs. “It was difficult because I only had experience with two of the four species.” Jones, like Beal was a group leader in Little I. “I learned a lot about myself because of the fact that I thought of myself as laid back, but once my team was in the ring, I soon learned that I was someone who had to be on the edge of their seat,” Jones said. “I had to make sure everything was perfect.” Students also learned about the show stock that was available. “I learned how to work with different breeds of animals and follow directions better, or figure it out myself if the directions were unclear,”said Amanda Killingsworth from Colorado Springs, Colo. Killingsworth was a group member, and during the Little I, she showed steers and lambs, with no prior experience with either species. This experience opened her eyes and influenced her to continue her pursuit of a career working with animals. There is also a quiz bowl contest for students to show off their knowledge of animal science. The questions come from material
by Delynne Freelove from Booker
Students Unique Opportunities covered in the animal science class, and through tournament style eliminations, a winning team was selected. Livestock classes are also ranked, not on animal performance, but the students’ showmanship ability. A winner for each species for both days is selected and those students compete in a round robin tournament. The finalits show each animal and after careful consideration by the official judges, a champion and reserve champion is selected. This year, Shayne White from Monmouth, Ore., was the grand champion and Kevyn Thompson from Clovis, N. M., won reserve grand champion. Little I is an experience that no student could forget. It teaches students how to handle and care for livestock and reinforces animal
science principles, while also teaching them things they never knew about themselves. As students learn more about themselves and livestock, they are also
developing lifelong skills. This experience not only increases their marketability, but also enabling students to develop as a person and future professional.
Faculty Leaders - David Lust and Kavin Williams
Agricultural Ambassadors
by Codi Miller from Buena Vista, Colo.
Back to Their Roots
Black button-down shirts and khakis pants populate Freshman Convocation and graduations at West Texas A&M University. Gray pullover sweatshirts with maroon embroidery can be seen numerous times across campus on any given day. This collective attire is not an accident, but an honor for 35 students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Selected by faculty, the Agricultural Ambassadors are deemed the best of the best. These chosen students represent not only the department but the entire university. Started in 2004 by Lance Kieth, the Agricultural Ambassadors have provided servant leadership throughout the WTAMU and Texas panhandle communities. With a change of advisors over the years, the activities the Ambassadors complete each year are slightly different. “Agricultural Ambassadors has benefited from having different advisors,” said Mallory Vestal, an ambassador in the inaugural Members: Joanna Bateman from Shallowater Delynn Butler from Littlefield Kimberly Cantrell from Texline Keagan Culp from Hereford Larissa Dillard from Holliday Sterling Duncan from Kirtland, N. M. Braden Graves from Floydada Tiffani Grippa from Elizabeth, Colo. Faith Grisham from Van Vleck Colleen Hancock from Turkey Kelby Hartman from Stratford
ambassador class and the current faculty advisor. “It brings different ideas together.” Vestal is incorporating previous traditions of ambassadors with new activities to encourage leadership growth among the ambassadors, individually and as a whole. The iconic black button-downs are continued to be worn as the official dress. The gray pullovers are a new addition this year so ambassadors can easily be recognized by faculty, staff, students and alumni. More importantly, Vestal is bringing back the out-and-back recruitment trips. These trips are personal opportunities for ambassadors to meet potential students who are in junior college, high school or younger students beginning 4-H and FFA. Ambassadors Drew Thompson from Holly, Colo., and Zane Jenkins from Campo, Colo., visited Lamar Community College in Colorado for their out-and-back. “It was great to be there and see
Chance Herron from Boyd Brennan George from Tulia Zane Jenkins from Campo, Colo. Janine Johnson from Meridian, Idaho Lauren Klein from Elizabeth, Colo. Dru Lust from Abernathy Ashley Martinez from Wolfforth Zach McMeans from Gail Brittany Milam from Kingswood Codi Miller from Buena Vista, Colo. Maggie Murphy from Peyton, Colo. Rodey Newton from Canyon
people from home, and hopefully they come down to WTAMU when they’re done, Thompsom said. “We had a lot of interaction and the students asked a lot of questions.” The social aspect of Ambassadors is also being reintroduced into the ambassadors activities. Leadership retreats, such as hiking together in the Palo Duro Canyon with trust exercises, and conversation breakfasts instead of business meetings are helping develop the mentality of the group. “It used to be a requirement to go to events, now ambassadors would rather be there,” said Hope Sorrells, a former ambassador who is now a graduate student and an assistant advisor to the group. The Agricultural Ambassadors are an elite group that want to serve the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the university and the community every chance they get. The best of the best will continue to represent the department and WTAMU at the highest level, preserving the honor of serving as an Agricultural Ambassador. Sadler Pinkerton from Olton Sydney Reynolds from Pullman, Wash. Jacob Richburg from Plainview Garrett Robinson from Amarillo Riley Ryburn from Shabbona, Ill. Rylee Sallee from Fowler, Colo. Jordan Schulte from Vega Braxton Sides from Canyon Drew Thompson from Holly, Colo. Jori Wendt from Brainerd, Minn. Hunter Woodruff from Boyd Advisor: Mallory Vestal
A C T Finds New Ways to Fundraise and Serve Community West Texas A&M University Department of Agricultural Sciences provides a diverse set of student leadership organizations. The Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow is a group dedicated to providing future agricultural communicators with the skills necessary to succeed in the agriculture industry. The club hosts many activities throughout the year including industry tours, guest speakers, community service projects and fundraising opportunities. This year, the club was presented with the unique opportunity to fundraise in conjunction with the Amarillo Bulls hockey team. This unique partnership was presented to the club by two of its members, Kord Davis from Florence and Jordan Rayburg from San Antonio. Both are interns for the Bulls Guest Relations department and were responsible for the ACT partnership with the Bulls. These groups have made a great pair and has enabled the student organization to become more involved in the Amarillo community. “I have had a ton of fun and loved the opportunity to work with other ACT members [at the hockey games] and make friends,” said Faith Massingill, a first-year student from Hamilton. Along with fundraising, the organization was active in many community service organizations, most notably Snack Pak 4 KidsCanyon.
Members packed boxes to send to schools and hosted events to raise money for the organization. This work earned WTAMU ACT the Community Service of the Year Award from National ACT. ACT hosted various campus events, including a movie screening of “Farmland,” a documentary of various agricultural operations across the nation, followed by a discussion panel. The club also hosted a Thanksgiving potluck dinner, along with other member activities. The club partnered with other student organizations in the Department of Agricultural Sciences for 2016 Homecoming festivities and a department-wide Christmas party. At the Christmas party, the clubs raised over $1,000 for a local family and collected stuffed animals to donate to Northwest Texas Hospital
Officers: Kimberly Cantrell - President, from Texline Alondra Meixueiro - 1st Vice President, from Hudson, Colo. Shalin Lawson - 2nd Vice President, from Olton Paige Hatfield - Secretary, from Palestine Kaycie Timm - Treasurer, from Amarillo Riley Sizemore - Reporter, from Henrietta Advisor: Tanner Robertson
children’s ward. For more information about what is going on with this organization follow, ACT on Facebook at “WT ACT”, on Twitter at “act_wt”, and on Instagram at “wtagcomm.”
Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow
by Riley Sizemore from Henrietta
Block and Bridle
by Scout Odegaard from San Antonio
Block and Bridle Hosts Bi-annual Fundraising Horse Show
Fundraising is a tedious chore that can make or break an organization. The funds raised, or lack thereof, can determine what events an organization can host or attend. West Texas A&M University’s Block and Bridle Club puts a unique spin on traditional fundraising by hosting an open horse show. The club hosted their bi-annual open show fundraiser Nov. 12 at the WTAMU Horse Center in Canyon. With a total of 31 horse and rider combinations competing in the show, it was one for the books. “B&B has been hosting the show once a semester for as long as anyone can remember,” said Kaycie Timm from Amarillo, and secretary for the club Hosting an event of this size is no small chore. The success of the show is determined by the efforts of the
members who work before, during, and after the show to make sure it is well organized and successful. The funds that are raised are used to host guest speakers, purchase apparel, and cover travel expenses. At the show, riders were able to compete in a wide variety of classes. The various class options included showmanship, horsemanship, and unique games and competitions. The classes were broken down by age divisions. A lead-line class was also offered for beginners. This semester’s show offered prizes for its high point winners. Catherine Johnson, and her horse Lopin Like Lazy, won a $50 gift card to Horse and Rider for high point in the adult division. Youth high point rider, Dayleegraze Bowman and her horse, Max, won a $50 gift card to Cool Horse. Block and Bridle plans to use the
money that was raised to host campus events, purchase club apparel and to cover expenses to the National Block and Bridle Convention. For more information about Block and Bridle and to keep up with club events, follow them on Facebook at “WTAMU Block & Bridle.”
Officers: Levi Perry - President, from Inez Sawyer Shattuck- Vice President, from Coal Valley, Ill. Kaycie Timm - Secretary, from Amarillo Sydney Reynolds - Treasurer, from Pullman, Wash. Jamie Siefert - Reporter, from Lenhartsville, Pa. Andrew White - Campus Coordinator, from Ft. Worth Advisor: David Lust
A Semester of Service Collegiate FFA is an extracurricular organization much like the National FFA Organization. The organization hosts formal meetings and participates in several contests at the Texas FFA state convention. Collegiate FFA also attends the state FFA convention to recruit for West Texas A&M University and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Collegiate FFA hosts several meetings throughout the college semester along with many fun-filled activities that engage members in multiple disciplines. “I love the welcoming atmosphere that the officers create, along with the fact that it is student led making it more enjoyable,” said Kelsey Beal from Perryton. Collegiate FFA also hosts multiple fundraising events, such as selling Wagon Wheel Kettle Corn during the holiday season. The money raised from the popcorn sales will go to scholarships for CFFA members. Collegiate FFA’s main priority is to give back to the WTAMU and Canyon communities CFFA is involved in many different community service organizations outside of Canyon. The club partnered with other clubs to host a Christmas party to raise money for a local family and collect stuffed animals for Northwest Texas Hospital. “CFFA is, in my admittedly biased opinion, the best organization on campus if you want to develop professional skills and meaningful relationships with peers and industry leaders,” said Janine Johnson from Meridian, Idaho. “I transferred here
Collegiate FFA
from an out of state school and didn’t know hardly anyone here. “CFFA is what connected me to my WTAMU family, and I am so excited to see what this amazing organization of leaders can do for its membership and school.” Collegiate FFA is an organization that takes values and activities from FFA programs and creates similar opportunities for college students. This group hosts fun activities and competitions, while staying active in community service. To learn more about Collegiate FFA, visit their Facebook page “West Texas A&M University Collegiate FFA” or follow them on Instagram at “wtamu_ cffa.”
Officers: Janine Johnson - President, from Meridian, Idaho Sara Friedmann - Vice President, from Folsom, Calf. Kaci Major - Secretary, from Burleson Jacy Brown - Treasurer, from Friendswood Paige Davidson - Reporter, from Lubbock Levi Perry - Sentinel, from Inez Brianna Ricci - Parliamentarian, from Wylie Kayli Waddle - Historian, from Brownwood Christian Brooks - Chaplin, from Matador Advisor: Kevin Williams by Courtney Kann from Pearland
Farm and Ranch
by Josh Machicek from Rogers
Crops, Canyons, and Convention The Farm and Ranch Club at West Texas A&M University made their annual trip to the Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Science convention. Last year, the convention was held in Phoenix, Ariz., Nov. 4-7. “This gives our students multiple opportunities to interact with industry professionals and potential employers,” said Brock Blaser, associate professor of plant science. While at the convention, students were able to compete in various contests and represent WTAMU. Sadler Pinkerton from Olton, received first place in the visual presentation contest. Jacob Richburg from Plainview, received third place in the speech contest. Joshua Machicek from Rogers, received second place in a research poster contest. Aislinn Walton from Lubbock, represented the club by competing in the Presidents’ Trophy contest. Kegan Culp from Hereford, Drew Thompson from Holly, Colo., and Zane Jenkins from Campo, Colo., competed in the club poster contest. National SAESES officers are also elected at the convention. The club nominated, Elena Brookover from Parker, Colo., to represent WTAMU. Brookover is the fifth WTAMU student elected in a row to a SASES national office. Last year, Amy Weinheimer from Groom, represented the university and the club as a SASES national officer. “SASES has exposed me to a side of agriculture I was not familiar with,”
said Brookover, an agribusiness major. “I believe in order for me to succeed, being well rounded in all aspects of agriculture is important and being involved in SASES has given me that opportunity.” On the way to the convention, the club was able to take a trip to see the Grand Canyon. This was a great opportunity for the club to spend some leisure time and get to know each other better. By traveling by van instead of other means of travel, the students were able to see many different types of agriculture, including different types of irrigation practices, large ranches and different crops, which provided opportunities for discussion and education. “Eleven people in a van for 14 hours wasn’t as bad as it could have been with this group,” Weinheimer said. “We had so much fun joking around, listening to
a variety of music and making fun of Dr. Blaser of course!” Unfortunately the club will not get to spend many hours in a van traveling to the convention next year, instead the club will travel by plane. The next SAESES convention will be in Tampa Bay, Fla., and the club is looking forward to representing WTAMU once again. Officers: Joshua Machicek - President, from Rogers Keagan Culp - Vice President, from Hereford Amy Weinheimer - Secretary, from Groom Zane Jenkins - Treasurer, from Campo, Colo. Drew Thompson - Historian, from Holly, Colo. Hannah Urbanzyk - Membership Coordinator, from Hereford Advisor: Brock Blaser