Texas A&M Animal Science

Second in the nation 👏

The Texas A&M Academic Quadrathlon Team earned second place overall at the 2026 American Society of Animal Science National Academic Quadrathlon in Madison, Wisconsin.

Competing in the oral presentation and quiz bowl, David Kendrick, Ben Flanagan, Lily Ford and Mia Moderski represented Texas A&M Animal Science with excellence. Congratulations on an outstanding accomplishment!

Preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders starts with a strong foundation in research, Extension and education.

In this episode of DocTalk, Dr. Dan Thomson visits with Dr. Jeff Savell, vice chancellor for Texas A&M AgriLife and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, about the university’s mission to serve producers, advance agricultural innovation and invest in the future of animal agriculture.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/8tkJW9GBhEM?is=AS8A7ExAls8L-vp6

Happy National Day of the Cowboy!

Today we tip our hats to the men and women who have shaped the American West and continue to embody the values of grit, respect for the land, and care for livestock.

Here in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science, we are proud to carry forward the cowboy spirit through education, research, and extension from advancing beef cattle production, improving equine health, or fostering stewardship of our rangelands.

So here's to the cowboys, cowgirls, and everyone who keeps our traditions alive while building a brighter, more sustainable future for animal agriculture.

From the judging room to the classroom.

Conner McKinzie has joined the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science as meat judging coordinator and lecturer. A former competitor, coach and agricultural educator, he’s now leading one of the nation’s premier meat judging programs while helping students grow as judges, leaders and future professionals in the meat industry.

Learn more about McKinzie’s journey to Aggieland and his vision for the program: https://bit.ly/4gUJShp

New resources are available to help cattle producers stay prepared for New World screwworm.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists developed a new field guide covering detection, reporting, sample collection, treatment and prevention to support producers every step of the way.

Read more: https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2026/07/14/agrilife-extension-offers-new-world-screwworm-field-guide-for-cattle-producers/

AgriLife Extension offers New World screwworm field guide for cattle producers - AgriLife Today Beef cattle producers who find or suspect New World screwworm, NWS, now have a user-friendly field guide to help with the process.

Congratulations to Dr. Jake Thorne and Dr. Jason Smith on receiving 2026 AgriLife Extension Superior Service Awards! 👏

Dr. Thorne was honored as the 2026 Extension Specialist, Early Career recipient for his innovative, research-based programming and commitment to serving Texas producers through Extension.

Dr. Smith was recognized as a member of the Graze Beef and Range Team, which received a Team Award for delivering practical, research-based education that helps producers strengthen herd health, grazing management, forage utilization and long-term ranch profitability.

We are proud to celebrate these well-deserved recognitions and the impact both faculty members continue to make through the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science. Congratulations, Dr. Thorne and Dr. Smith!

Interested in a career supporting research and beef cattle operations?

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is hiring a Beef Center Manager. Learn more and apply using the link below!

https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/AgriLife_Research_External/details/Manager--Beef-Center_R-094970-1

Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to develop the next generation of industry leaders!

Last week, the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Meat Judging Camp welcomed students to campus for three days of instruction in carcass evaluation, grading, retail identification and oral reasons.

Through classroom learning, laboratory experiences and a final judging contest, campers strengthened their technical skills while gaining firsthand insight into one of the nation’s premier meat judging programs.

The World Cup wraps up this weekend, and we’re taking a look beyond the bracket ⚽

While these nations compete for a World Cup title, they’ve also left a lasting mark on animal agriculture.

See how each nation has left its mark on animal agriculture through influential livestock breeds and agricultural contributions.

National recognition in meat science!

Members of the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science earned national recognition from the American Meat Science Association at the 79th Reciprocal Meat Conference.

• Dr. Kerri Gehring received the Signal Service Fellow Award, one of the association’s highest honors recognizing lasting contributions to the meat industry.

• Graduate student Gage Walsh earned the Student Teaching “Cleaver” Award for excellence in teaching and making a lasting impact on student learning.

• Senior Landon Southern received the Outstanding Undergraduate Award for academic excellence, leadership and strong potential for a career in meat science.

Read more about their achievements: https://bit.ly/3T8BbpV