May 31, 2021
May is National Beef Month and each week this month we highlighted unique beef and cattle practices that happen here at WT in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, and within the region!
Regional Facts from
Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA)
  • The inventory of cattle and calves on feed is 5% above May of last year
  • Second highest May inventory since the series began in 1996
  • The U.S. is the leader in sustainable beef production
  • Area cattle feedyards have a total economic impact of $16.8 billion
  • Create 3,696 jobs
  • Provide $175 million in combined on payroll
  • Sell $9.5 billion worth of finished cattle
  • Spend $6.1 billion buying cattle from ranchers
  • Spend $1.6 billion buying feed grains from farmers
  • 90% of TCFA feedyards are certified under the Beef Quality Assurance program
  • The U.S. beef industry has reduced their carbon footprint by 30% since 1975

Facts and photo courtesy of TCFA
Extreme Heat Study in Palo Duro Canyon
Dr. Erik Crosman, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, and students from West Texas A&M University are taking part in a summer-long study of extreme heat in Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The Summertime Canyon Observations and ResearCh on Heat ExtRemes (SCORCHER) project includes 24 temperature and humidity sensors on the floor and walls of the canyon.
The students will track their process on paloduroheat.blogspot.com.
1st Place in ADVO Foundation Fundraiser
Faculty, alumni and ADA Board Members won 1st Place Lewis Class Team at the ADVO Foundation Sporting Clays Fundraiser on May 15th. Those that participated include Dr. David Lust, Associate Professor of Animal Science, Gretchen Henley, Senior Academic Adviser of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, T.J. Barclay and Cody Chandler, ADA Board Members and WT alumni. WTAMU Agricultural Sciences sponsored the team and a station to support ADVO.

Congratulations and thank you for representing the
Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences!
WTAMU Western Equestrian Team
The WTAMU Western Equestrian team traveled to McDonald, Tennessee for the YEDA Collegiate Celebration Show. This event was hosted and organized by the Youth Equestrian Development Association (YEDA).
The WT Equestrian Team earned 2nd and 3rd place in the team competition, along with three individual champion titles awarded to: Quinn Dunham, SOPH. Animal Science major, Mallory Fulwider, SR. Equine Industry and Business major and Reilly Dhaliwal, SR. Equine Industry and Business major. Team members who also earned high placings include: Macy French, JR. Animal Science major, Mollie Green, SR. Animal Science major, Savannah Krivanek, JR. Biology major, Catie McCharen, SR. Animal Science major, Jillian Melendez, SOPH. Equine Industry and Business major, Savannah Rampy, SR. Wildlife Biology major, Baily Summers, SR. Agribusiness Major, and Sal Washington, JR. Equine Industry and Business major.

Way to go, Buffs!
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand;
they listen with the intent to reply."
~Stephen Covey

Amazing things happen when we learn how to listen to understand; try it this week.
Hopefully, it will become a habit!