2017 Brand by Tanner Robertson

The Brand

SPRING 2017

A PUBLICATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AT WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Serving Every Texan, Every Day Bringing students back to the Panhandle Focus of new veterinary initiative

Fighting the Flames Together Students lead wildfire relief efforts

Building an Ag Department From humble beginnings, the history of the Department of Agricultural Sciences

Great minds have

Purpose

Others have wishes

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blessed to be part of a University that pushes you to follow your dreamsâ&#x20AC;?

C Jason Spence | 830.534.8229 www.cjasonspence.com jason@cjasonspence.com

THE BRAND

SPRING 2017

CONTENTS STUDENTS Blame it all on his Roots

All in the Family

The Ties that Bind

Show Rings, Service and Scholarships

Lunch & Learn with Bailee Wright

From Rodeos to Beauty Pageants

The Brand Vol. 6

The Brand magazine is a Publication from the Department of Agricultural Sciences at West Texas A&M University. It is published Annually and sent to alumni and friends of the department.

Faculty New Beginnings, New Horizons

Growing with Moore in West Texas

Making a Connection with the Panhandle

Serving Every Texan, Every Day

Building An Ag Department

Foundation for Education

Eat WT Meat

Finding a Friend in Faculty

Send Comments & News to: Department of Agricultural Sciences West Texas A&M University WTAMU Box 60998 Canyon, Tx 79016 Phone: 806.651.2550 email: agsci@wtamu.edu

Community A Borrowed Horse

Charles Dooley

Ropinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for a Cause

Fighting the Flames Together

Welcome from the Department of Agricultural Sciences Greetings friends, I hope this issue of The Brand finds you well and prosperous! Your Department of Agricultural Sciences is flourishing and your alma mater continues to move forward. Progress on the new Agricultural Sciences Complex is being made rapidly, and completion is still projected for summer of 2018. The complex will compliment expansion and enhancement of existing programs and permit us to consider additional endeavors that currently do not exist. Your faculty is ultimately the driving force of the department’s success, devoting their time to student success, research and service. Students receiving bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D’s are highly sought after when they graduate and our competitive teams continue to excel. Your department is rapidly evolving in order to maintain a competitive edge for our students and our faculty. We will always stay grounded to the department’s history, but we also know it is our obligation to create a vibrant, new history for those who will follow. We are making a difference to those we serve inside the classrooms and research labs and those we serve outside the boundaries of academia. Your Department of Agricultural Sciences will keep moving forward with fairly simple tasks: put good faculty, staff and students together, set high expectations and stay out of the way and watch them succeed! I am proud of your Department of Agricultural Sciences and hope you are too! Dean Hawkins, Ph.D. Professor and Dean

Hello from the Department of Agricultural Sciences, What a year it has been for our department. We have broken ground on the new Agricultural Sciences Complex, welcomed new faculty to your department and saw enrollment increase substantially. With all these changes, it would be easy to become something new, something different. Yet, we remain firmly dedicated to what matters most: our students and serving the agricultural industry. Our students drive us to be our best in all areas. Both in and out of the classroom, our faculty strive to provide students with the tools to succeed at West Texas A&M University and in the real world after graduation. We are able to offer our students these hands-on opportunities through the generous support of our donors. We look forward to the future of the Department of Agricultural Sciences and the success of our world-class students.

Go Buffs, Lance Kieth, Ed. D. Department Head

with you

This begins Thank you for your support

AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

Chandler Insurance Agency

l l A t i e m Bla Roots s i H on Photo courtesy of Texas FFA Association and Travis Opiela

Success comes with trials and failures, but it is gained through experience. Zach McMeans, a West Texas A&M University student from Gail, has gained this experience through his journey of becoming the student body vice president at WTAMU.

“Honestly, I owe all the success I have to the students who bought into my ideas, to the ones who shared my Facebook page and the ones who helped get my name out to the student body,” McMeans said.

Past leadership experiences with Texas FFA helps McMeans in his current position. Attending a small high school, McMeans was involved in everything the school had to offer including sports, academic UIL events, One Act Play and the FFA. Due to his involvement with both the school and the county, McMeans chose not to participate in judging and livestock “I believe Zach has done a competitions, making his FFA Tremendous job as Student Body experience different than that of the average high school student.

McMeans became the WTAMU student body vice president in the 2016 spring semester election. The positions of the executive branch of the student government require a campaign and the student body votes to select its leaders. In this role, McMeans is in charge of serving as the president of Student Senate, seeing that the responsibilities of the Senate are executed properly and serving in the absence of the student body president.

Vice President. He has been a great role model for students and continues to show pride in WTAMU.”

“I felt like I could bring focus back on our student body,” McMeans said. “My goal for this position is to better our University for students by acting on their issues, addressing their concerns and ensuring their voice is heard.”

McMeans’ attempt at gaining this position was different than most. During the campaigning process, McMeans had little presence on social media besides the Facebook page he made. Instead, he visited with campus organizations one-onone to see what concerns they had and listened to proposed changes. McMeans shared his vision for the University with campus organizations and students as individuals.

In high school, McMeans competed on the chapter conducting team, in creed speaking contests and extemporaneous speaking contests. McMeans did not run for officer positions until his senior year of high school when he served as his FFA chapter president and the Lone Wolf District treasurer. Serving in these offices led to agriculture teachers presenting the idea to him about running for a state office. “At my district convention my senior year, I had a dozen or so teachers that asked me to run for state office, and I told them no,” McMeans said. “I learned quickly that agriscience teachers don’t take no for an answer.”

Two weeks later, McMeans was elected as a Texas FFA State officer. He served as 2014-2015 Texas FFA vice president. In this office, McMeans attended board of directors meetings, served on various committees and learned parliamentary procedure. His time as an FFA state officer helped McMeans fulfill his duties of president over the WTAMU student senate, which allows him to contribute more to the student body. Peers of McMeans have been very proud of the job he has done serving in this position. “I believe Zach has done a tremendous job as student body vice president,” said Riley Sizemore, from Henrietta. “He has been a great role model for students and continues to show pride in WTAMU.” McMeans credits his ability to build relationships and share mutual respect with the people he serves to growing up in Photo courtesy of Kimberly Cantrell

Gail. Being surrounded by a community that encouraged and believed in him contributed more to McMeans’ success than anything else. The value of a firm handshake, making eye contact, treating others with respect and using manners are just a few of the life lessons McMeans learned from his community. “While my job as a State FFA vice president and a student body vice president are very different, they are connected in that I deal with people, and because of the way I was raised and the lessons I learned growing up in a small town, I have been able to establish some great relationships and achieve a lot with the people I work with,” McMeans said. He also credits his success to a very impactful man in his life. Buddy Wallace, McMeans’ agricultural science teacher, was one of the first teachers who helped McMeans believe in himself. “Mr. Wallace is one of those teachers that I pray my future kids will one day have, and the kind of man I aspire to be,” McMeans said. Wallace instilled in McMeans the value of work and servant leadership. McMeans and Wallace still keep in touch to this day with Wallace offering his love and support. “I take no credit for my knowledge, wisdom and faith put into me,” McMeans said. “I owe it all to those who have believed in me, those who have doubted me and a little luck along the way.” After completing his undergraduate studies, McMeans plans to pursue his master’s degree in higher education administration. McMeans hopes to eventually pursue a career in student affairs at a university. His interest in student affairs comes from his time in student government and working with staff and administrators to help students on this campus. McMeans is passionate about improving students’ university experience but knows he does not have to wait to begin. “I plan on working very closely with the next student body vice president to answer questions and help them learn from my mistakes. I also plan on starting a mentorship program between senior senators and the new senators, in order to get them plugged in and involved from day one,” McMeans said.

Zack McMeans standing in front of the buffalo fountain.

Ashley Addington Wolfforth

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plains Land Bank has given me the opportunity to own my piece of Texas and pass my legacy on to future generations.â&#x20AC;?

-Denny Babcock

www.plainslandbank.com

Ag Development Association Lifetime Corporate Sponsor

New Beginnings, New Horizons Photo courtesy of Picador Creative

West Texas A&M University is a fluid community that many students have grown to call home. The Department of Agricultural Sciences students and faculty are excited to welcome a new member to the WTAMU family. Troy Tarpley, a graduate from Texas Tech University, will be joining the agricultural media and communication program in July 2017. Growing up with a background in agriculture and a passion for the industry, Tarpley was determined to find a career in the agriculture industry. “As a kid my room was painted maroon and pretty much everything on my walls or in my closet had Texas A&M on it,” Tarpley said. Tarpley bled maroon through and through and was set on becoming an Aggie until he visited Texas A&M University’s campus the summer before his freshman year in high school. The feeling of being overwhelmed once he was there quickly changed his mind about college choice. Tarpley decided he wanted to attend a smaller university where he felt he would fit in better.

Troy Tarpley will join the faculty this summer.

“While I don’t have a whole lot of experiences so far at WT, I am excited to begin working with the other faculty members and students. I do really enjoy Canyon and the WT campus,” Tarpley said. One thing that Tarpley was looking for in his pursuit of a career was a newer program where there was an opportunity to grow the course offerings, a program that emphasized undergraduate teaching but also afforded him the opportunity and freedom in what research he does.

While at TTU working on his degree in the agricultural communications field, Tarpley was on the wool and meat judging teams. Before graduation day, he happened to run into “I am really thankful that I get to join the faculty at WT his meat judging coach who suggested he apply at Angelo State and the agricultural media and communication program,” and coach their meat judging team. Tarpley said, “West Texas A&M is a great fit.” Tarpley initially dismissed the offer, but began to rethink Tarpley is looking forward to starting this summer at the idea and take the decision more seriously. Tarpley got an WTAMU and has big hopes for what he can help accomplish. interview for the graduate program and after meeting the Tarpley is looking to inspire others in a way that others have faculty and checking out the facilities they had, he made the inspired him. decision to start his master’s degree in animal science and start coaching a meat judging team that fall. “I hope I can help students find their passion,” Tarpley said. “If it is writing, great, if it is print or electronic media, When Tarpley decided to continue toward getting a Ph.D., he returned to TTU and was soon working in the dean’s office awesome.” as a student advisor and recruiter. Tarpley can not wait to begin helping students find their passions in agricultural Going from being a Texas Tech Red Raider to a West Texas media and communication. A&M University Buffalo is a shift Tarpley admits is different but one he is excited about. “Through the passion that students find, this can help them with receiving knowledge of how to advocate agriculture through media,” Tarpley said.

“West Texas A&M is a great fit! ”

Matti Smith Post

Growing with Moore in West Texas The Texas Panhandle is vast in all things agriculture. Feed yards and ranches dot the counties as tractors till the fields, cattle graze and sprinklers roll along. Students begin to fill the West Texas A&M University agricultural building as early as 7 a.m. each morning, steaming coffee in hand. Professors step around backpacks and cakes of mud trailing the classroom floor. Liz Moore walks into her office, beginning her day as teacher, concluding her day as an agent and researcher. Moore grew up in Borger and graduated from WTAMU in 2001 with a plant and soil science degree. Today, Moore continues to teach at WTAMU while working as an Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent. She is also a valued research associate with the AgriLife Extension Environmental

Landscape Plant Evaluation Team, which is currently based in Dallas. Within Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Moore and her team are developing an educational program called Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! The goal of this program is to fight childhood obesity. The Canyon Independent School District has already begun the hands-on curriculum that includes activities such as classroom grow box projects, healthy snack workshops and interactive teacher-student activities. Six schools in CISD began their Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! journey in the fall of 2016 with approximately 650 third grade students participating in the Canyon and Amarillo area. “This program was created with teachers, and it addresses materials already found in their required curriculum. Learn, Grow, Eat and Go! gives the classroom a healthy spin,” Moore said. The Environmental Landscape Plant Evaluation Team, including Moore, received the 2017 AgriLife Extension Superior Service Award for their outstanding performance in education and service. Along with the 15-member team, Moore applied Earth-Kind principles to multiple ornamental grass research gardens located in Dallas. The project has evolved from traditional test plots to a garden atmosphere complete with winding walking paths and landscaping elements for public enjoyment. Under the Earth-Kind principles, test beds are prepared by tilling in compost and mulch to suppress weed growth. Ornamental grasses are planted according to the desired landscape design, grasses are then watered as recommended for the first year. After the first year, the only maintenance for these gardens is to maintain the compost mulch layer.

Moore continues to incorporate the Earth-Kind AgriLife Extension research in the classroom. As the manager of the WTAMU Greenhouse, Moore and her students stock, grow and market over 1,000 plants for the WTAMU Spring Sale. “I love teaching horticulture, and I love engaging students in an atmosphere where they get dirt under their fingernails,” Moore said. Moore also teaches Principles of Horticulture every Spring and Fall semester, allowing her to reach the WTAMU community with her passion for horticulture. As a part of the curriculum, students in the class are expected to develop a landscape design for a client to implement at the end of the semester. “At WTAMU we are teaching good stewardship of our natural resources, from conserving water to helping a homeowner save some money,” Moore said.

Liz Moore working in the WTAMU greenhouse.

“When selling this concept to a city they have been very receptive,” Moore said. “All we ask is that they maintain the mulch layer. You don’t even have to water. Who wouldn’t be on board with that?” Moore created her own version of the Earth-Kind research garden on campus, currently located on the north side of the WTAMU Greenhouse. Moore also plans to team up with Larry Bedwell, grounds manager at WTAMU, to implement an Earth-Kind research garden at WTAMU’s new Agricultural Complex, which broke ground in October of 2016. Moore hopes to accomplish research as well as create a pleasant atmosphere surrounding the complex. With more area to develop at the complex, Moore will be able to study 10 ornamental grasses in four large garden landscapes.

The project requirements are complete with plant index and characteristics, a planting plan, hardscape plan, a visual aid of final design and a budget plan. Students travel to the site, consult with the client, take measurements and ask questions pertaining to outdoor living. Students then visually present their ideas to Moore and the client as their final class project. “This project forces students out of their comfort zone. The class is made up of all majors, making the project diverse and interesting every year,” Moore said. The idea behind this project began four years ago when Moore had her students design for a garden plot located on campus. Directly after, Moore was approached by faculty member Kira Mullins, ‘06, to commission a landscape design for her family’s new home.

“I love engaging students in an atmosphere where they get dirt under their fingernails.”

Earth-Kind is coming to campus, allowing for student research, water conservation and an inviting welcome to the new complex. “This research will help us to inform not only students, but also the community,” Bedwell said. “Properly using native grasses and water conservation in our landscapes should be a learning experience inside and out of the classroom.”

Moore hopes the new client and new horticulture students will be excited about implementing EarthKind strategies that Moore has seen work through her preliminary research. Ideally, students will be able to engage in both research and horticultural design.

“So much experience goes beyond book knowledge,” Moore said.

Taylor Riggins Santa Rosa, New Mexico

All in the Family There are many definitions regarding family and the significance that it carries. One definition states, “Group of people, usually of the same blood (but do not have to be), who genuinely love, trust, care about, and look out for each other. Real family is a bond that cannot be broken.” Family and community life is an aspect that sets West Texas A&M University apart from other institutions of higher education, especially in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. The family atmosphere of the department starts at the highest level. Faculty work to build relationships with students and get to know them on a personal level as individuals. Along with close faculty relationships, students develop close

friendships in the department and across campus. Some students have bonds with their peers, classmates and siblings or family members.

“The instant you step foot on buffalo ground you just know it’s

different.”

The Hancocks One great example of close family connections is the Hancock family from Turkey. Together they value faith, family, friendships and life on the farm. Colleen

Hancock, senior agricultural media and communication major, and her sister Rachel Hancock, a freshman agricultural media and communication major, have become deeply involved on campus during their time at WTAMU. Their older brother Jacob Hancock played football for WTAMU and graduated in 2015. Both of their parents, Philip and Danna, graduated from WTAMU, and their grandfather spent some time at WTAMU as well. “I chose to come to WTAMU because my family came here, the agriculture department, and my advisor Tanner Robertson is amazing,” Colleen Hancock said.“Here, you feel like part of the family, and coming from a little small town you just feel a part of the

Photo courtesy of Laurie Smith

Standing: (L to R) Philip Hancock, ‘87; Jacob Hancock, ‘15 Bottom Row: (L to R) Colleen Hancock, ‘17; Danna Hancock, ‘88; Rachel Hancock

that time of life at WTAMU with my sisters, and the opportunity to watch them with their now husbands,” Whitney White said. “There is a comradery among sisters in classes.”

Photo courtesy of Kay White

White said what really set WTAMU, and especially the Department of Agricultural Sciences apart for her and her family, was genuinely knowing you mattered.

The White Sisters: (L to R) Allison (White) Hawthorne; Rebecca (White) Wann, ‘05; Whitney (White) Gilliam, ‘07, ‘10

community and everyone is like family. So, coming here to WTAMU you want to feel like family too, and that is a huge factor of why I chose this school.” Colleen graduated in May 2017 and became an alumnus like her parents and older brother. “One of the things I really love about WTAMU is all of the organizational opportunities, and through those organizations I am really finding where I belong, and I am enjoying it so far. I love how it is so family oriented and everyone is willing to just help you out in any way you need it, and they want to see you succeed,” Rachel Hancock said.

The Whites The White sisters from Dalhart had the chance to go to WTAMU together. Whitney White started her undergraduate program at Texas A&M University, but decided to transfer to WTAMU because her

older sister, Rebecca, was going to WTAMU. While visiting her sister, she knew WTAMU was where she was supposed to be. Whitney White graduated with her bachelor of science degree in agricultural science education certification from WTAMU in 2007, and her master of science in agriculture in 2010. “I loved my experience at WTAMU. It was a different atmosphere and had a family feel, and people really care about each other,” Whitney White said. “I love watching people fall in love with our campus. The instant you step foot on Buffalo ground you just know it’s different.” Along with all three sisters attending WTAMU, White’s two sisters met their future husbands while at WTAMU. One of her sisters and both brothers-in-law were students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. “It was so neat to get to experience

“The faculty and staff aren’t there just to teach, but to change lives. I could have gone to them for anything. You want to go back and visit because it’s such a significant aspect of your life,” White said. “The family aspect is such a huge part of our lives, and still is. Also, our experience as sisters was different because of WTAMU.” Family is one of the most important, influential and hopeful aspects of humanity. There is something powerful about family, what it is and why it is necessary in life. Family shapes who someone is as a person, just as a college education shapes them. Those two vital aspects can be a unique and unforgettable time in a person’s life. WTAMU is home to many people, students, faculty, staff and alumni. WTAMU is more than just a place of higher education. It is a place where friendships begin, lessons are learned and lives are changed. It is more than just attending classes and football games. WTAMU is a family.

Jade Forward Allison

Doors wide open, sun shining in and the most

the president, dean of the College of Architecture, as well as other administrative and faculty roles at Texas A&M University in College Station.

beautiful view overlooking the Vaughan Pedestrian Mall, Dr. Walter V. Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University, sits pondering the upcoming tours The New York native earned an associate degree from of the rural Panhandle high schools. As he speaks, his the State University of New York at Farmingdale and accent hints he is not from a bachelor’s degree in environmental design the Panhandle. He is a New from Texas A&M University. He received “It is very important to Yorker, but the residents of master’s degree in architecture from the me to just understand the his Canyon and the surrounding University of California-Berkeley and a Ph.D. communities have welcomed aspirations of the young from the University of Texas at Austin. He and him and his wife, Mary, with people in the panhandle.” his wife have two sons and five grandchildren. open arms and hearts. Starting Jan. 5, Wendler began his “Your Wendler came to WTAMU from Southern Illinois Community, Your University” tour around the Texas University-Carbondale, where he served as chancellor Panhandle, visiting more than 60 communities in five from 2001 to 2007. He returned to teaching architecture months. The objective of the tour was to find out how and retired as director WTAMU is contributing of the School of to each community’s Architecture at SIU at development. This is the end of 2015. the first effort in recent history by a WTAMU Before joining SIU, president to visit the top Wendler served as vice 26 counties of the Texas chancellor for Planning Panhandle. and System Integration at the Texas A&M As the test run for University System. He the visits, Dr. Dean previously served as Hawkins, dean of executive assistant to Agriculture and Natural

Dr. Walter Wendler speaking at Channing High School Photo courtesy of Rik Andersen

Sciences, took the president to meet with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service county agents in Collingsworth and Hemphill counties, and to get out in the community.

Dr. Walter Wendler speaking at Silverton High School

While at Memphis High School, alumni Mackie Allen, who helped start the golf team at WTAMU, presented Wendler with a scrapbook-like frame with headshots of the original team.

“I’m thankful for that [the test run], it was a good entrée to get me out in the community,” Wendler said. Wendler said he mainly talks to the students about coming to WTAMU, but what he really wants the students to glean from his visit is to have a plan for the future.

“It’s been a tremendous learning experience for me to get to know the people of the panhandle.”

“The evening meetings were my favorite because more people from the community, the parents, grandparents and alumni were able to attend,” Wendler said.

One student was shocked that Wendler did not try to convince the students to come to WTAMU, but rather encouraged them to make a plan for after graduation.

“It is very important to me to just understand the aspirations of the young people in the Panhandle,” Wendler said. “It’s been a tremendous learning experience for me to get to know the people of the Panhandle.” The tours consist of morning, afternoon and evening meeting times.

“I am gaining more from these communities than what they are getting from me,” Wendler said. Traveling to so many different schools over a fivemonth span, a person can lose track of the places he visited. To help Wendler remember where he has traveled, Mary started marking every town he had visited on a map in red marker. To provide perspective on how easy it is to forget, Dr. Wendler will typically visit up to seven schools in one week. When the Wendler family first moved to the Panhandle, they noticed a strong passion in the residents. One noticeable attribute was the work ethic the faculty, staff and students possess. “They value family, faith and things that are very easy for me to value as “I am proud to be associated well,” Wendler with an organization that said. “I am has those kinds of values. proud to be associated with I find it very gratifying.” an organization that has those kinds of values. I find it very gratifying.” One big thing Wendler will take away from this unique experience is the amount of “pride that the teachers, principals, and superintendents have for their schools,” he said. Over the Christmas break, that Panhandle pride led to some alums from the department providing Dr. Wendler with his very own custom Anderson Bean WTAMU boots.

Dr. Walter Wendler trying on boots at West Texas Western Store Photo courtesy of Rik Andersen

“I appreciate it very much that the agriculture department would be so generous to provide this opportunity,” Wendler said, “It’s time I get use to wearing boots in the Panhandle.”

Colleen Hancock Turkey

THE Ties THAT Bind

The Unexpected Benefits of a Graduate Degree

It is said that a person will make their best friends while in college. Between class work, research, teaching and coaching opportunities, the graduate students at West Texas A&M University earn much more than a degree. Through the unique opportunities offered by the Department of Agricultural Sciences, they gain friendships that will last them a lifetime. The department offers three master’s degrees and the only Ph.D. program at WTAMU. The hands-on research opportunities and connections with industry professionals bring students to WTAMU or encourage them to stay in the Panhandle to continue their education with a graduate degree. “We have no barrier between industry and academia,” said Carson Rogers, from Canyon. “We work right alongside the people that work to solve the current issues in agriculture. If you want to be on the front lines of production agriculture, there is no better place than WT.” Rogers graduated from WTAMU in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, and chose to stay at

WTAMU to earn a master’s degree in animal science. During his time as an undergraduate, Rogers worked in the WTAMU Beef Carcass Research Center and Meat Lab, which lead him to find a passion for meat science. Rogers was encouraged to stay at WTAMU because of the close relationships he had with faculty and fellow students, as well as the real-world research opportunities.

“If you want to be on the front lines of production agriculture, there is no better place than WT.” Along with unique research studies, many students earn leadership positions. Some graduate students coach or assist the competitive teams throughout their various seasons. Through difficult practices, long road trips and

Photo Courtesy of Rik Andersen

2016 WT Equestrian Team

Photo Courtesy of Shelby Roberts

shared learning opportunities, close bonds are formed between coaches and team members. Marilyn Brandt graduated from WTAMU in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in equine industry and business, and in 2016, she earned a master of science in animal science. While at WTAMU as an undergraduate, Brandt was a successful member of the horse judging team and the WT equestrian team.

Dr. John Richeson with his graduate students. From left to right: Emily Kaufman, Ashlee Adams, Shelby Roberts, Rachel Hudson, Lauren Fontenot

As a graduate student, she was the assistant coach of the equestrian team. In this position, she was able to use her past experiences and current knowledge to coach a winning team.

“I was doing what I want to do after school in school,” Brandt said. Brandt now coaches at Clarendon College. Industry connections and assistantship positions are vital parts to a graduate program. The relationships that are formed by graduate students with faculty and fellow students can be even more valuable than the purely academic lessons Photo Courtesy of Pake Ebert learned in the classroom. “Late night research made for some of the best friends and best stories,” said Pake Ebert, WTAMU alum and current technical sales associate at Livestock Nutrition Center. “Research taught me more than most of my classes.” Ebert earned a master’s degree in animal science, with an emphasis in ruminant nutrition. He chose to come to WTAMU because of prior relationships Pake Ebert with Josh Zeltwagner and Landon Canterbury at graduation

with faculty and the hands-on research opportunities. Along with class and research, Ebert taught labs for the introductory animal science classes and coached the meats judging team. The family aspect of WTAMU is something the Department of Agricultural Sciences prides itself on. Small class sizes, accessible and relatable faculty and close peer interactions add to the close-knit feeling of the department and the campus as a whole. “I came back because of the faculty,” Shelby Roberts said. “When I was an undergraduate it felt like family. It’s just like home.” Roberts graduated from WTAMU with a bachelor’s of science in animal science in 2011. After receiving a master’s degree from Oklahoma State University in ruminant nutrition, Roberts returned to the Texas Panhandle to earn a Ph.D. in agriculture with an emphasis in ruminant health. While at WTAMU, Roberts taught animal science classes along with conducting her own research study. She is currently working as a post-doctoral research fellow for Alltech, Inc. While it is a higher education they came to achieve, many graduate students leave with much more than a degree. Through the tedious and tiring work it takes to earn a graduate degree, they gain close faculty relationships, solid industry connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. Kimberly Cantrell Texline

Ag Day 2016 In the 2015-2016 school year, over $410,000 was given in scholarships to current students. At Ag Day 2016, over $80,000 was raised in the live and silent auctions. Over 300 alumni, community members and WTAMU faculty and staff were present at the 2016 Ag Day Celebration.

Show Rings, Service and Scholarships

West Texas A&M University has many core values that students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences are driven to pursue year after year. Through volunteering at livestock shows, students at WTAMU learn to value the pursuit of excellence in all endeavors, including community service, leadership and continuous improvement. “It is an opportunity for our students to serve the junior livestock shows, 4-H and FFA,” said Kevin Williams, associate professor of agricultural education. Service is the main focus of student volunteers at the shows, but Williams stressed students gain much more than volunteer hours. “It allows students an opportunity to work toward common goals and build relationships with each other, while gaining real-world experience,” Williams said.

Morgan Motley working at a stock show.

Since the addition of the agricultural education program in 2002, all students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences have been given an avenue to aid 4-H and FFA students in developing leadership and community service skills by

helping with county jackpot and major livestock shows. “Being able to help with these shows is just an extension of the classroom that we never take for granted,” said Lance Kieth, professor and department head of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. It gives faculty the opportunity to immerse our students in the industry, give them experience, learn to give service with nothing in return, and to promote WTAMU, Kieth said. While attending major livestock shows, students from all agricultural majors recruit for the university by educating youth about what WTAMU has to offer. This exposes the university to a broad audience and offers students more opportunities to receive scholarships. “I was volunteering with the junior college I attended, and WTAMU’s agriculture department puts together and runs San Antonio Swine Skillathon,” said Jordan Trees, from San Antonio. “All the students that came down with WTAMU were very helpful in answering questions about the university, and they all had such Buff pride.” In previous years, the Department of Agricultural Sciences has awarded over 60 scholarships from major and local livestock shows to students in a variety of agricultural majors. These scholarships amount to over $100,000 annually. “We all need to give back to what we have been through,” Kieth said. “We appreciate service to better the community.”

All Photos courtesy of Karessa Nordyke

Taylor Robinson Canyon

P: 806.373.9479 7451 LAKESIDE DR. AMARILLO, TX 79118 ROBINSONFEEDHAY@GMAIL.COM ROBINSONFEEDHAY.COM FACEBOOK: ROBINSON FAMILY FEED STORE A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HORSES, CATTLE, LIVESTOCK AND SMALL-ANIMAL OWNERS

building public outreach, curricula, and research support

Experience the West through lectures, coursework, internships, and more.

West Texas A&M University Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum 806-651-5238

csaw@wtamu.edu

facebook.com/csaw6

www.wtamu.edu/csaw

Serving Every Texan, Every Day A s the sun peeks over a pasture outside Canyon, Dr. Dan Posey, clinical professor of veterinary science and academic coordinator for the Texas A&M University System’s Veterinary Medical Center at West Texas A&M University, makes his rounds checking cattle at the WTAMU Research Feedlot. “I got the bug for veterinary medicine because it was challenging,” said Posey, who discovered his interest in veterinary medicine as a high school student. Now, Posey helps students pursuing a veterinary degree attain success by working through those same challenges. His counterpart in this endeavor, Dr. Dee Griffin, clinical professor of veterinary science and the program director for the Veterinary Medical Center at WTAMU, shares Posey’s motivation to propel students into a successful career in veterinary medicine.

of students pursuing careers as veterinarians in rural areas by promoting community involvement, instead of just teaching veterinary medicine. “This program is about creating service beyond the education,” Griffin said.

Although vastly different paths brought these men to WTAMU, their personal backgrounds allow them to help students who connect with the Panhandle community and have a strong desire to serve other Texans. Griffin, who graduated from Vamoosa High School in Seminole County, Oklahoma, grew up on his family’s cowcalf operation selling eggs and milk as supplemental income. From an early age, Griffin felt that animals were a special gift from God. He chose to pursue veterinary medicine as a means

“What we’re concerned about is helping students succeed,” Griffin said. “If we help them do what they want to do, and help them get back home, which is what the community wants, everybody wins.”

Currently, Posey and Griffin pursue these goals through their involvement with the “Serving Every Texan, Every Day” initiative at WTAMU. By increasing opportunities for veterinary students in the Texas Panhandle, they hope to establish a pipeline from Canyon to College Station, while fostering a more direct connection to the agricultural industry in this area. As faculty, both focus on much more than strictly education. Rather, they strive to increase the success

Dr. Dee Griffin is the program director for the veterinary medical center at WTAMU.

of living out his calling: to care for animals to the best of his ability. “We have a responsibility to make sure every day of that animal’s life is the very best that it can be,” Griffin said. When asked to join the A&M system through the WTAMU branch of the “Serving Every Texan, Every Day” initiative, Griffin was excited to return to his Panhandle roots after living in Nebraska for several years.

the A&M system strives to recruit and develop pre-veterinary students who can successfully navigate veterinary school curriculum and return to rural areas in Texas as practitioners. WTAMU offers the ideal setting to expand the education of the workforce, with a specific emphasis on Panhandle natives, as well as a premiere location for beef cattle research and involvement with the growing dairy and swine industries in the Texas Panhandle.

“For me, it’s home,” said Griffin, regarding the Panhandle, and more specifically, WTAMU. Posey, on the other hand, grew up in cities across Texas following his father’s various positions as a farm manager. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University in 1979, Posey followed his drive to help feed the world by pursuing veterinary medicine with an emphasis on the feedlot industry. While attending veterinary school at Texas A&M University in College Station, he focused his interests on equine and cow-calf operations, in hopes of returning to serve a rural community in Texas after earning his doctorate of veterinary medicine.

“If we help them do what they want to do, and help them get back home, which is what the community wants, Everybody wins.” In 1996, Posey was accepted to the University of Nebraska Great Plains Veterinary Educational System, where he later met Griffin. “It was a profound experience,” Posey said. “Changed my life more than I thought it would.” After seven years of serving as a veterinarian for the Texas A&M system, Posey shifted into the role of Texas A&M College of Veterinary medicine director of student affairs—a position focused on connecting with students. When the “Serving Every Texan, Every Day” initiative came to fruition in 2015, Posey willingly followed community ties back to the Texas Panhandle, after being asked to serve as the academic coordinator at WTAMU. “His talent and dedication to rural veterinary medicine, education and students will provide an excellent foundation for this initiative at WT,” said Dr. Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M. “Dr. Posey will bring his unique and incredible passion and energy to the TVMC network.” Through the “Serving Every Texan, Every Day” initiative,

Dr. Dan Posey helps students be successful in getting a veterinary medicine degree and still practices veterinary medicine.

“I think the program will provide great initiative for students interested in rural veterinary medicine to attend WTAMU for undergraduate course work and then return to this area upon completing veterinary school,” said Taylor Williams, an animal science/pre-veterinary major from Amarillo. The initiative’s innovative approach focuses on serving more Texans by reaching out to potential students who are interested in agriculture, come from small, rural communities and have a good chance of returning to practice in the Panhandle area after graduation. “A major goal of the TAMU CVM partnership with WTAMU is helping young people from rural communities realize their dreams of becoming veterinarians and returning to their rural communities to practice veterinary medicine,” Green said. According to Posey and Griffin, impacting students by getting to know them on a personal level, and helping them achieve their goals will ultimately create a more cohesive, successful agriculture industry. At the end of the day, serving more Texans is what matters most. “If I just loved cows, laying in the mud behind them would get pretty old,” Griffin said. “It’s not the cow. It’s the people who care for the cattle.”

Kaycie Timm Amarillo

Photo courtesy of Aaron Hamilton

Since the groundbreaking in October 2016, construction on the new Agricultural Science Complex can be seen daily from the West Texas A&M University campus. In the wake of progress, it is important to remember and honor that, like many farmers and ranchers in the Texas Panhandle, the WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences is one of humble beginnings. WTAMU got its start as West Texas State Normal College, a teacher’s college, in 1910. House legislators passed a bill establishing normal schools to educate teachers, which sparked a high-stakes bidding process involving Canyon and 24 other cities in Texas. Canyon came out on top by pledging 40 acres and $100,000 in cash.

WTSNC agriculture was the T-Anchor Project. The project included a ranch headquarters-turned laboratory and living quarters for boys from the college after the state of Texas purchased 210 acres from the T-Anchor Ranch, one of the oldest and longest-running ranches in Texas. Local livestock breeders sold the college Jersey cattle and hogs at a reduced rate to help with the program’s formation. The herd eventually became a primary source of income for the ranch, which supported the agriculture program during tough times brought by the Great Depression.

WTSNC’s first president, Dr. R. B. Cousins, recognized the needs of the Panhandle community and sought to meet those needs with the establishment of WTSNC. As Cousins put it, WTSNC was “…the only state college on the plains, to cause it to meet the needs of the people who sustain it,” and the rurality of the Panhandle called for an emphasis on research and education in agriculture.

In this spirit, it took only a few years to establish an agricultural curriculum consisting of six courses: animal husbandry, plants, soils, insects and birds, farm economics, and hygiene and social life among farmers. The programs adopted a strong learn-by-doing approach by tasking students to take part in the landscape work on campus and plan and maintain a communal garden. One of the most successful projects in the early years of

Photo courtesy of Codi Miller

The T-Anchor Project became an accidental leadership-development program. The boys who lived on and worked the ranch developed skills and knowledge related to agricultural production, which also applied to leadership, work ethic and management.

The acting president at the time, Dr. J. A. Hill, believed that “the cultivation of men out there on that old cow pasture was more important than the cultivation of cows and hogs and crops.” The T-Anchor Project continued until 1942.

In the 1960s, WTSNC transitioned from a teacher’s college to West Texas State University. It was at this time the School of Agriculture was formally established under Dr. Charles Smallwood, the school’s premier dean. In 1971, the school struck a deal with Lucille Nance of the historic Nance Ranch and organized an acquisition of 2,393 acres. The school led fundraising for stocking, initial capital and construction of the teaching facilities. By 1974, the Nance Ranch was completed and ready for student instruction. In the late 1980s, leadership change and budget restraints led to restructuring across campus. The three departments that made up the School of Agriculture, plant science, animal science and agricultural business and economics, were cut. The faculty faced a daunting task: to continue to educate students despite an overwhelming lack of resources. Through determination and dedication to students and agriculture, the faculty consolidated and continued teaching in spite of the challenges presented by limited funds. By 1989, the program was again restructured, this time as a single, consolidated department. In 1993, WTSU joined the Texas A&M University System and became West Texas A&M University. The department entered a time of growth, both in enrollment and faculty. The equine, dryland agriculture and integrated

pest management programs were established at this time. In the 1990s, the department’s culture began to shift from primarily teaching to teaching coupled with research. Increased funding made it possible for the department to expand the master’s degree program. By 2003, the department had established its first and only doctoral research program, which is distinguished from other programs by its multi-disciplinary nature and emphasis on broad training in agriculture. The Department of Agricultural Sciences is now home to eight degree programs and 788 students. The new agricultural complex, which is projected to be ready for use in 2018, is expected to increase enrollment and facilitate expansion in research and teaching capabilities for the next generation of WTAMU Buffaloes. Hands-on learning, excellence in leadership, service to the Panhandle and community support of the program are long running traditions in the evolution of the Department of Agricultural Sciences. Amid growth and change, these traditions can be expected to stick around for the next 107 years of agriculture at WTAMU.

Erin Walter La Junta, Colorado

YEARS OF CHROMIUM EXPERTISE

KemTRACE CHROMIUM: DESIGNED FOR YOU ®

Our commitment to chromium promises to provide you with a high quality, safe and efficacious product to help your animals reach their optimal performance while maintaining profit. It’s what makes KemTRACE Chromium essential to you and your operation. KEMIN KNOWS CHROMIUM. Only Kemin has devoted more than 20 years of research to the benefits of chromium propionate while bringing this essential trace mineral to millions of animals around the globe. See the science at kemin.com/chromium.

kemin.com/designedforyou

Photo courtesy of Kirksey Architecture

Foundation for Education

est Texas A&M University has continued to grow and flourish with people from all around the world. With more students finding the campus, room for this growth must be made accordingly. The university is building a new facility specifically focused on agriculture. The new Agricultural Sciences Complex will not only be for classes but also clubs, research programs and socializing. The new project site is located on the corner of Hospital Drive and Russell Long Blvd. This new design will include laboratories, classrooms, office quarters, a multi-purpose arena and an updated meat lab. These updates will allow access to state-of-the-art technology and resources for the entire community of Canyon.

world-class students,” said Dr. Dean Hawkins, dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. “We were out of space in the Agriculture and Natural Sciences Building. Our staff and students are over-crowded. The goal here is to attract the best and brightest students and faculty in the U. S. who want to make a difference to the industry and to the world.” WTAMU has not built a new academic building since 2006. Already holding a reputation for having the newest technology, the high integrity of WTAMU’s research programs, youth programs, classes and labs will be even more advanced and hands-on.

“We are feeding the world with our students, our teachers and our research.”

The $48.7 million project is expected to be finished by fall of 2018. The 150,000-square-foot building will provide students and staff with more possibilities for growth. While the facility has a unique design, the focus is on the students who will be using the complex. “The intent is to have a world-class facility to educate

“As a student of agriculture, I can only hope for a more educated community that is equipped to go out and advocate for the industry and fulfill the needs of our growing population,” said Oscar Rodriguez, a current student worker at the Beef Carcass Research Center, from McLean. The new addition to the school will not be just an aesthetic one. The Agricultural Sciences Complex will be seen as the newest tool in equipping students to not only

Photo courtesy of Rik Andersen

educate themselves but also encompass the ability to advocate the importance of the agricultural industry. Having a place to focus primarily on ensuring the future of agriculture will only increase the passion among students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are feeding the world with our students, our teachers and our research,â&#x20AC;? Hawkins said.

Shelby Snyder Dallas

Graphics courtesy of Kirksey Architecture

Eat WT Meat I

n the new Agricultural Sciences Complex, West Texas A&M University students will be increasingly involved in the WTAMU experience by helping process the meat served in the complex’s café. This new endeavor is thanks to Dr. Ty Lawrence, professor of animal science, and Dr. Trent McEvers, assistant professor of animal science, with coordination from Aramark Food Service director, Michael Ives.

The goal is to exclusively serve WTAMU meat at the Agricultural Sciences Complex’s café. Meat science students, along with student employees of the new USDA-inspected meats facility, will make the hamburgers, bratwurst and all other types of meat sold in the café. Specials, including different flavors of bratwursts, will be available for purchase depending on what the students are making in the meat science classes.

Retail cuts available now Call (806) 651-2565

“Let’s tell a story and add the community.”

“It’s a win-win for both parties,” Lawrence said. While planning the new complex, Lawrence brought the notion of serving items processed by meat science students to the attention of the building committee. Not only would these products be available to community members, but also would use meat processed by the WTAMU meat lab across campus. Photo courtesy of Carson Rogers

“It’s got to correlate to the education of the students who are in the program so it is conducive to their learning,” Ives said. Students will be learning animal welfare and handling, food safety and best practices for the harvest, and retail preparation of beef, pork and lamb. Aramark and WTAMU Department of Agricultural Sciences are excited about this new endeavor and the education and experiences it will bring to WTAMU. “It’s going to be really exciting to be able to purchase something for lunch, that you or your friend or fellow students had a hand in producing and you see it all the way through to the retail side,” Ives said. The experience will be from start to finish. Students will process, package and sell the meat.

Photo courtesy of askthemeatman.com

“Let’s tell a story and add the community,” McEvers said. This new endeavor will allow students to build their education and allow all students to see a new side of the agriculture industry. Students processing meat in the Meat Carcass Evaluation class.

Codi Miller Paonia, Colorado

Cattle Marketing Services, Inc. Specializing in marketing yearling feeder cattle, Mexican feeder cattle and Holsteins. Internet Marketing Platform of Fed Cattle at http://livecattlemarketingsystem.com

Cattle Marketing Services | 806.355.7505 cattlemarketingservices.com Amarillo, Texas Making Cattle Trading Great Again.

A Borrowed Horse An inside look into why horse owners donate their horses to West Texas A&M equine programs

West Texas A&M University provides students with a variety of opportunities to expand their knowledge outside of the classroom, thanks to the generosity of donors. Donors give for various reasons and in different ways, whether they are alumni of WTAMU or individuals who appreciate what WTAMU does to prepare future generations. One form of donation that may not be commonly known is donating a horse to the WTAMU Equestrian program.

In spite of the many facets of financial support, it still takes horses. Donors often fulfill this need by sometimes giving both their dollars and their horses. For an owner to sell a horse, much less donate the animal to a program, can be a difficult decision. However, this decision has been made easier for many who choose to send their horse to the WTAMU equine program. Faculty and staff members utilize their connections to the equine industry to ensure the program is operated in accordance to industry standards.

“Donating a horse to WT is a valuable contribution on their part, even though it’s not always fully recognized,” said Dr. John Pipkin, equine program director, Regent’s Professor “I always tell people that of animal science, and WTAMU horse horses are my judging coach.

greatest teachers

The horses donated to WTAMU are well cared for and properly ridden by students with a passion and appreciation for horses. Not only are the horses placed in a quality educational environment, but the students benefit immensely as well.

The equine program combines a and I couldn’t do my job collegiate judging team, Intercollegiate without them.” Horse Show Association/National Few institutions in the U. S. offer a handsCollegiate Equestrian Association on industry program. Thus, finding ways to equestrian team, agribusiness, and animal afford and stock horses to be able to train science program in one facility, the WTAMU Horse Center. and instruct is a unique challenge. The entire equine program has a team mindset that covers WTAMU’s program has seen hundreds of horses, either each component of the program. Each area may differ in their donated or loaned from horse owners over the past 25 years. objectives and methods, but one thing remains constant – Some of the horses have come from high-end competition having horses is critical to accomplishing goals. backgrounds, others from loving homes that recognized their “Athletics and the Department of Agricultural Sciences horse could help a future equine professional learn. Terry have collaborated well for 12 years now,” Pipkin said. “A joint Thompson, from Aubrey, has donated horses to the WTAMU partnership exists between these groups to utilize resources for equine programs for over 15 years. students in the forms of scholarships and traveling support, all “The kids there get to ride some nice horses,” Thompson in addition to the necessary operations to support the facility.”

All Photos courtesy of Shelby Snyder

Equestrian team members at WTAMU utilize donor horses for practice and competitions.

said, “and it makes me very happy that the horses are cared for.” In 15 years of donating, Thompson has given five horses for WTAMU students to utilize. Star, the newest contribution to the herd, has found his way from Thompson’s barn to the WTAMU Horse Center. There are many universities in the U. S. with equine programs and equestrian teams who need donated horses. Why then do horse owners choose WTAMU? Mostly due to the capable faculty, staff and students who treat their horses with respect and care for them as their own. WTAMU is an excellent home for horses looking for a new job. “I always tell people that horses are my greatest teachers and I couldn’t do my job without them. I believe that is also why donors choose WTAMU as a home for their horses,” said

Amanda Love, WT’s Equestrian team coach. “Our horses are extremely well taken care of while getting to teach students weekly. Our donors often want their horses to have their next home be one where the horses won’t have to work as hard as on a show circuit but still have an opportunity to make an impact, and that is the truth at WTAMU. We are like an ‘active lifestyle’ retirement home for most of our horses.” Donating a horse to a university not only benefits a student’s education, it also provides a safe place for horses to go when they need a new purpose. WTAMU is an environment where horses are treated humanely and with dignity throughout their time with the equine program.

R A N C H E R

6951 S Bell St. | Amarillo, TX 79109 | 800-749-0522 Visit www.coolhorse.com to view current inventory Awards and trophy saddles available at Coolhorse!

R O P E R

Kyla Myers Clovis, New Mexico

Lunch & Learn Bailee Wright is a third generation agriculturist and the second in a line of dedicated and successful agricultural educators. While women have been involved in agriculture for thousands of years, the opportunities for them in the industry are now boundless. “I grew up in the agricultural industry, both sets of grandparents were producers, one of my grandpas was an agricultural science teacher and my parents were highly involved in agriculture and showing livestock,” Wright said. With her strong production and education background, Wright and her brother gained first-hand knowledge and a burning passion for youth programs in agriculture. “We grew up showing hogs and heifers and were highly involved in FFA and 4-H,” Wright said. Wright spent a large portion of her time throughout high school in her agriscience teacher’s shop and involved in anything FFA. After graduation from Frenship High School in Lubbock, Wright became extremely active in academics and organizations at West Texas A&M University and judged on the livestock judging team.

After Wright’s time at WTAMU came to an end, she hit the ground running by starting her career as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Agent in Dallam and Hartley counties. As part of her regular curriculum, Wright has already made a lasting impact on the young ladies in her county. Not only was her new “Lunch & Learn” program inspired by a friend, fellow colleague, and former WTAMU graduate, Whitley Sprague, but the idea came after an encounter with a graduating high school senior. “We were discussing career goals, and I asked her what she felt her greatest weaknesses were. She told me that she felt her greatest weakness would be that she would be a young female wanting to go into a predominantly male-run industry,” Wright said. This statement truly impacted Wright and has helped set the course for her educational and motivational efforts in Dallam and Hartley counties. Photo courtesy of Chelsey Sanders

“I guess agriculture and FFA have always made me feel at home, and when I went to college, the agriculture science department at WTAMU became my home, and my passion to serve others through agriculture really blossomed,” Wright said.

Bailee Wright is an extension agent in Dallam and Hartley Counties.

Photo courtesy of D. Felger Photography

LUNCH & LEARN Girl Power in the Work World “As I reflected on that moment it broke my heart that these girls have the perception that being young and a female is viewed as a professional weakness in agriculture instead of as an opportunity to break molds and build new perceptions and standards,” Wright said. Wright’s 40-minute monthly program for high school girls called “Lunch & Learn” takes place during the lunch period with topics ranging from decision-making skills, confidence, professionalism and everyday challenges young people face. As more and more young 4-H members asked to have lunch with Wright, she discovered this was the best time to bond with her 4-H members and give back just as her grandparents, parents and agriscience teachers did for her. “I was able to identify that they want/need an older guidance figure, and I hope to be that person,” Wright said. “They also need reminders of how special and capable they are. Girls at this age tend to struggle with self-confidence, which I believe sometimes causes them to make poor decisions. I am hoping lunch and learn programs will build their confidence, leadership and decision-making skills.”

“I loved the unanimous feeling of support, we rise by building up others!”

Women leaders in agriculture are making large impacts on the lives of young women every day. While being transparent about their strengths and weaknesses, these women are able to connect with youth on a personal level of inspiration. “Bailee’s “Lunch & Learn” project is a wonderful way to bring girls together for genuine conversation and life discussions,” said Katherine Bezner, senior at Dalhart High School. “I loved the unanimous feeling of support. We rise by building up others.” Wright is just one shining example of what a determined, hard-working, young woman can do in agriculture. “Every day I am in awe of how much an adult can learn if they will just take the time to listen to our youth,” Wright said. “I do not ever want to get complacent with the work I am putting in because I know if I become stagnant, then I am limiting the 4-H members I work with.” Through innovative, educational efforts and passionate hearts, women across the world are making their mark on the young people set to lead the future of the agricultural industry.

Dylan Voyles New Braunfels

Finding a Fri e

Photo courtesy of Taylor Robinson

West Texas A&M University has many things to offer, from the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts to the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. One program that is recognized for outstanding success at WTAMU is the Agricultural Education Certification program. The growth of this program has increased significantly since its foundation in 2002.

for post-graduation workforce. Each graduate is trained to share their knowledge and experiences with future agriculturalists.

The WTAMU Agricultural Education program started with very few students and a small number of faculty members. Now, it offers a non-certification component, as well as a general certification degree, that will prepare students for their future in the agricultural industry.

The help of professors gives students an opportunity to grow through this department and after leaving WTAMU. Malia Marion, from Crowley, chose WTAMU because the professors focus on the students’ education.

“I think it is time for the program to expand its offerings,” said Dr. Lance Kieth, department head and professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences. “We primarily have focused mostly on teacher education in FFA and high school. We hope to add collaboration to teaching and other activities for our students.” The agricultural education program at WTAMU has grown into a successful program that prepares students

“Our goal is to prepare the students and produce quality workers to be in the workforce and specifically in the classroom as ag teachers,” said Kevin Williams, an assistant professor of agricultural sciences.

“I chose this program because everyone here makes it feel like a family, and they all want us to succeed together,” Marion said. The program focuses on the students and the professors getting involved and participating in class activities, along with events that occur in the community.

end in Faculty “I think that is one thing unique about WTAMU’s agricultural education program, that our faculty really cares about our students’ education, but they also care about the industry and they care about the future of agriculture,” Kieth said. Kieth hopes to motivate his students with his favorite quote and life motto, “Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Professors strive to teach students skills that will be beneficial in the career path they choose. Janine Johnson, from Meridian, Idaho, chose to come to WTAMU to increase her knowledge in education through agriculture. “WT is so hands-on, and my philosophy with teaching is you need to have hands-on, applicable learning,” said Johnson. “Here, the professors are about teaching and developing skills that are going to help you in the future and in the real world.” The dedication of professors gives students an opportunity to grow and mature through the department and across campus. This prepares them for the workforce from an educational standpoint that will lead them to a successful career path. “Our goal is to help WTAMU agriculture students build a mindset with a powerful work ethic for their future students,” instructor Nate Wolf said. “We hope to see our students carry on a leadership role that will help the agriculture industry progress.”

Bruce Smith, WTAMU welding instructor, assisting a student in a WTAMU welding class.

“Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Jaci Wagner Vega

Student welding during lab

FROM RODEOS

to Beauty Pageants

The History of WT Block and Bridle

Block & Bridle, which was established in the 1930s, currently boasts one of the largest member bodies on campus, with over 60 students attending bi-monthly meetings and other events. As one of the longest standing organizations on campus, WT Block & Bridle has engaged many alumni over the years, including some who later returned to their alma mater as faculty members. One such past member, Dr. Bob Robinson, ’70, was active in WT Block & Bridle while earning his animal science degree beginning in 1967 and served as the club president from 1969 until his graduation in 1970. During that time, WT Block & Bridle was the largest organization on campus, with over 100 active members. With their large member body, the club was able to host monthly dances—usually inviting a sorority group or two—a college rodeo and several horse shows. Additionally, the club successfully participated in campus-wide elections and intramural competitions, even beating the football team and various fraternities for the championship title in the 1970 intramural tug of war.

In order to raise money to support club members, WT Block & Bridle relied on sponsorships and money raised from their club rodeo, horse shows and other fundraising events. These earnings allowed them to sponsor various activities, such as a collegiate rodeo held at the fairgrounds in Amarillo that welcomed Merle Haggard as the headlining entertainer. “We were a good club because we raised money and spent it on good causes,” said Robinson regarding the club’s popularity. WT Block & Bridle’s success was not limited to local endeavors. In 1969, WT Block & Bridle sweetheart Miss Lavada Reeves traveled to the American Royal stock show in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was awarded the title of National Block & Bridle Queen. The members of WT Block & Bridle and Reeves’ sorority, Delta Zeta, welcomed her home with great pride for their hometown beauty from a small West Texas school. Dr. Ted Montgomery, retired professor of animal science and past faculty advisor for WT Block & Bridle, credits the club’s ongoing success to its dedicated members and national affiliation. “I think Block & Bridle has been a very important part of WT in the field of animal science,” Montgomery said. “The national base has helped it be a traditional club at WTAMU over the years, and we have had some great students pass through the club.” Today, WT Block & Bridle strives to replicate the success of years past by welcoming students from all majors who have an interest in agriculture. The club strives to increase knowledge of animal science principles among members, across campus and within the community, while helping members gain experience, improve leadership skills and build professional networks.

Photo courtesy of WTAMU Cornette Library Archives A local cowboy rides a steer at the 1964 WT Block & Bridle Rodeo.

“Block & Bridle gives opportunities to non-agriculture majors to explore the field of animal science and provides leadership

opportunities that will contribute to success in any field of study,” said member Emily Beisiegel, from Marilla, New York.

Photo courtesy of Shelby Snyder

Beisiegel, who is currently studying biology with a pre-medicine emphasis, attends WT Block & Bridle events to stay connected with the field of agriculture. Last spring, WT Block & Bridle earned the campus-wide title of Organization of the Year for the 2015-2016 school year. This honor, which had not been awarded to a club in the agricultural sciences for many years, highlights the dedication and commitment of the officers and members.

2016-2017 WT Block & Bridle Officer Team: (left to right) Levi Perry from Inez, Jamie Seifert from Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania, Kaycie Timm from Amarillo, Sydney Reynolds from Pullman, Washington, Andrew White from Fort Worth, and Matt Heckel from Phoenix, Arizona

“The Organization of the Year award was a culmination of the officer team’s drive and the members’ loyal participation,” said 2015-2016 club president Codi Miller, from Paonia, Colorado.

Block & Bridle Horse Show, under the supervision of 20152016 Horse Show Committee leader Jenna Trumble, from Phillips, Nebraska. “The committee works together to plan the show and work out details ahead of time,” Trumble said. Other members of the committee work together to purchase supplies, arrange locational details, promote the event, gain sponsors, prepare the show bill and more. “Member volunteers are the key to a well-run show, and this year they were fantastic,” Trumble said. For the fall 2016 show, Block & Bridle invited WTAMU student Breanna Grebin, from Rochester, Minnesota, to serve as official judge. “It was a pleasure to judge the show, and the show committee was great to work with,” Grebin said.

A reining exhibitor slides into a stop at the November 2016 WT Block & Bridle Horse Show.

“To have the University recognize our efforts was very humbling,” Miller said. The 2016-2017 officer team and members have taken an active approach to meeting the standard set last year by encouraging member involvement and hosting several events. Throughout the term, WT Block & Bridle continues to facilitate and participate in a variety of fun and educational events, including a welcome barbecue at the WTAMU Nance Ranch, the WTAMU Homecoming Parade, the WTAMU Little International Show, various speaker events and a leadership seminar series. In keeping with the tradition started before Robinson’s Presidency, club members plan, advertise and run the annual

Overall, WT Block & Bridle strives to uphold the same standards set by Robinson and his predecessors by making a positive impact for agriculture both on campus and in the community. “Block and Bridle has given me the opportunity to learn more about the agriculture world, further develop my leadership skills, and make some awesome friends along the way,” said Julia Schmidt, a student from Johnson City, Kansas. Block & Bridle looks forward to many more years of success, with the support and guidance of the WTAMU agriculture faculty and students.

Kaycie Timm Amarillo

Remembering the Cowboy, Charles Dooley Charles Dooley was a man known for his larger-than-life personality and dedication to agriculture. Throughout his life he served others and the industry he loved through his work and actions. Dooley and his family centered their lives around the love and respect for the land and their livestock. Dooley was born in Harlingen on Sept. 24, 1941 to O. L. and Ila Ruth Dooley. He was raised to love agriculture and the work ethic associated with the ranching lifestyle. R. L. Robb, lifelong friend of Dooley, described him as a man who always kept his “nose to the grindstone.” “I feel very fortunate to have been his friend,” said Robb, who was on the same livestock judging team as Dooley.

Dooley was not like most college students and spent more time in the show barns studying livestock than socializing but managed to create friends wherever he was. After attending WTSC, he attended auctioneer school and spent his life as an auctioneer. Dooley was an entrepreneur and was passionate about the cattle industry. Throughout his life, he worked for the Hereford and Polled Hereford associations. His time was also spent as a field representative for the Texas Longhorn Association. Dooley was full of love for cattle, land, hunting and his home state of Texas. However, he loved his family most. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children,

Charles Dooley (pictured sitting second from left) was a member of the first Block and Bridle Club at West Texas State University.

During his time as a student, he attended Tarleton State University and West Texas State College. He majored in animal science and studied to further serve the industry he loved. At WTSU, he was a member of the livestock judging team. While on the team, they won the prestigious title of champions at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo livestock judging competition in 1962. Charles Dooley was the glue that kept that group of team members together, Robb said. Even after graduation, he would call up the boys from that team for a reunion.

grandchildren and the hearts and memories of students from WTSU. “He was a man that accepted his responsibilities and always did so with a happy heart,” Robb said. Dooley is remembered as a friend and promoter of WTAMU, and his memory is retained in the halls of the university and honored by those lives he touched, near and far.

Ropin’ For a Cause

The world’s richest breakaway roping in the sport of rodeo is the Three Star Memorial Roping. The Three Star Memorial, which is the culmination of hard work by many people, has come a long way since its establishment in 1996. The Three Star Memorial began as a two-day team roping event held at the Will Rogers Range Riders Arena in Amarillo. The roping is held in memory of C. M. Kuhlman, Jody Hart and Todd Fincher – three young men who were killed in a car accident near C. M.’s parents’ house. Mike Kuhlman, C. M.’s father, and the Three Star Memorial Foundation are the heart and soul of this event. Without their support, the roping would not be possible.

driving and didn’t realize the road at the Nance Ranch narrows out into a dirt road. The pickup slid, hit some dirt in the ditch, flipped, and threw them all out.” Kuhlman, Hart and Fincher passed away shortly after. The Three Star Memorial is put on in memory of these young boys. Joel Bennet, John Adams and Lee Blakely, who founded the event, facilitated the roping for about two years before Randy Bird moved it to a location in Hereford. Mark Aiken, who coached the WTAMU rodeo team at that time, took over the roping and brought it back to Canyon.

Kuhlman vividly recalls the circumstances surrounding his son’s death. One night, after returning from a roping, C. M. and several friends went to help some other boys, who were involved in a fraternity initiation outside of Canyon. “C. M., Jody, Todd, John Neighbors and Jared Blessing decided they were going to go try to find those boys and help them get back to Canyon,” Kuhlman said. “Jody was

All photos courtesy of Taylor Robinson

In her position as the current assistant coach, Jordan Fabrizio has replaced Aiken and helped the event continue to blossom.

Like Fabrizio, Kuhlman’s main goal for helping with the Three Star memorial is to impact young cowboys and cowgirls.

Fabrizio and Raymond Hollabaugh, the West Texas A&M University rodeo team head coach, have helped the roping grow to its current success.

“Helping kids, that is just something that has been a deal of mine since the accident,” Kuhlman said. “The little Jr. Three Star is something I really like.”

Hollabaugh and Fabrizio, who have competed in the sport of rodeo at the highest level, know what it takes to put on an event of this caliber. “The main purpose behind the Three Star Memorial is to help the future generation of youth prosper in and out of the arena,” Fabrizio said.

Current WT Rodeo Team members help with the rodeo and the banquet the night before. For many, it is a Clay Casper chance to be part of a rodeo but for Balko, Oklahoma all involved, it is a chance to help the next generation discover their passion for rodeo.

Fighting the Flames Photo courtesy of Shelby Snyder

On March 6, 2017, fires began to burn across the High Plains. After four days of fighting the blazes, over 1 million acres had burned in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. A total of six lives were lost, four of those in the Texas Panhandle, including West Texas A&M University alumni Sydney Wallace, ’16. Thousands of cattle either perished in the flames or later died due to injuries sustained in the blazes. The people of the High Plains were hurting. Lives were lost, land was charred and livestock and livelihoods were destroyed. Yet out of the devastation, hope prevailed. Immediately, support began to pour out for the victims of the fires. People worked to round up lost cattle and care for the injured ones. Donations started to come in from all areas of the region and country. Through word-of-mouth and social media, students in the Department of Agricultural Sciences designated a central dropoff location for supplies and monetary donations for the victims and first responders. Thinking only a small amount of supplies would be dropped off, a simple cardboard box was set out to gather supplies. However, the main office in the Department of Agricultural Sciences was soon overwhelmed by the plethora of donations brought by students and members of the surrounding communities. WTAMU faculty and students jumped at the chance to help. The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, the WT softball and baseball teams and individuals gathered supplies for the cause. Local businesses and community members

Together rushed to the campus to donate and provide assistance. “It became a movement,” said Janine Johnson, from Meridian, Idaho. “Everyone wanted to help. The Panhandle is such a close community, and everyone was affected in some way.” In four days, the Department of Agricultural Sciences collected 3 tons of water and Gatorade, along with trailers full of food and other necessary supplies. Students contacted Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in the affected counties to coordinate where to deliver the supplies for the fire victims. Medicine, feed and fencing supplies were given in large quantities to the farmers and ranchers who had cattle in the fires. In the following week, a multi-state trip was made by students and faculty to bring relief to the counties and communities that had suffered from the fires. “Once we entered into Kansas, the devastation became completely real,” said Hope Sorrells, ’16, from Lubbock, current graduate student and recruiting coordinator for the department. “It was like driving

“It became a movement.”

through a war zone… nothing was left. As we stopped at our first drop-off location in Ashland, Kansas, I met people who were humbled by the donations, even if it was just water. This is what agriculture is about. No matter where you live or who you are, we will always be there to provide a helping hand or a strong hug.” The support was not just local. People from across the country reached out to help. From Oregon to Connecticut, people donated money and supplies even hauling hay thousands of miles to help those who had lost so much to the fires. In the days and weeks following the fires, it was common to see flatbed trailers full of hay, feed or fencing supplies or trucks and trailers full of water, food and personal items headed to assist those who had lost so much.

During the wildfires, the people of the High Plains were hurt. They lost sons and daughters, husbands and fathers. They lost land and cattle herds that had been supporting their families for multiple generations. They lost their homes, their possessions and their livelihoods, but they were not alone. In times of struggle, we are called to help each other. That is exactly what the students of WTAMU, community members, local businesses and organizations did. Even though money and donations could not make up for the lives and land lost, it helped to ease the pain and burden. The recovery is not over. The wounds are still healing. Through the generosity and determination of selfless individuals, the victims of the High Plains wildfires are on the road to recovery.

“It was like driving through a war zone.”

Photo courtesy of Codi Miller

Photo courtesy of Tanner Robertson

Photo courtesy of Tanner Robertson Photo courtesy of Shelby Snyder

Kimberly Cantrell Texline

The Brand staff Photo courtesy of Rik Andersen

2017 AGRI 4380 agricultural media capstone staff : (left to right) Dr. Tanner Robertson, Matti Smith, Kimberly Cantrell, Taylor Robinson, Ashley Addington, Kaycie Timm, Kyla Myers, Shelby Snyder, Jaci Wagner, Dylan Voyles, Taylor Riggins, Jade Forward, Colleen Hancock, Codi Miller and Clay Casper

Executive Staff

Co-Editors: Kimberly Cantrell & Codi Miller Copy Editor: Kaycie Timm Creative Director: Colleen Hancock Underwriting Manager: Kyla Myers Graphic/Content Designer: Dylan Voyles

We would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Robertson, the Department of Agricultural Sciences and the Ag Development association for the support they have given us to produce The Brand. This edition would not be possible without their help and guidance. 2017 agri 4380 agricultural media capstone Staff

Save the Date

2017 Ag Day & Celebration Saturday, September 9, 2017 11:00 a.m. Nance Ranch

Hosted by the Ag Development Association