WT Meat Judging Wins Final Contest of Spring Season

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - The West Texas A&M University Meat Judging team took home another championship this weekend at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The team topped teams from Kansas State University, Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University for a final win in its spring season.

"This team pushed through one of the most competitive spring seasons I've ever witnessed," said Dr. Loni Lucherk, Gordon W. Davis Endowed Chair in Meat Judging. "I couldn't be prouder of their grit and determination, and I'm excited to see them carry that momentum into the remaining contests this fall."

In the March 7 contest, the team placed first overall, first in total beef and placings, second in beef grading and specs, and third in pork judging and beef judging.

In individual rankings, Mila Thompson, a junior animal science major from Stratford, won first place overall; first in total beef, specifications and placings; and ninth in beef judging. She earned a perfect score in specifications

Addy Folmar, a junior agricultural media and communication major from Artesia, New Mexico, placed 10th overall and earned a perfect score in specifications.

Luke Anderson, a junior plant, soil and environmental science major from Seguin, placed fourth in reasons, seventh in lamb judging, and 10th in beef grading.

Jean Cumming, a senior animal science major from Saint Edward, Nebraska, placed 10th in placings.

Also earning perfect scores in specifications were Avel Zermeño, a sophomore animal science major from Lorenzo; Audrey Sethaler, a sophomore animal science major from Sherman; Annabelle Williams, a junior animal science major from Gilbert, Arizona; Kade Lawrence, a junior animal science major from Canyon; and Lydia Sharp, a junior agriculture major from Anthony, Florida.

Other team members include Lainie Reiter, a junior animal science major from Gainesville; Wyatt Bullion-Braithwaite, a sophomore animal science major from Española, New Mexico; Cayden Beatty, a sophomore animal science major from Burnet; Cayden Hodnett, a junior agriculture major from Lubbock; and Garrett La Deau, a junior agribusiness and economics major from Miami.

The team also is coached by Ryan Heitschmidt, a graduate student in animal science from Nazareth.

In 2024-2025, the team won four championships. In the spring 2026 season, the team placed second at the South Plains contest in February, third at the Southwestern contest in February, and third at the National Western contest in January.

WT's meat judging team is one of the ways the University is responsive to regional needs, as set out in the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: The West Texas A&M University Meat Judging team took home a championship at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 7. Pictured are, front from left, Dr. Trent Schwartz, Helene Keiser, Annabelle Williams, Lydia Sharp, Audrey Sethaler, Mila Thompson, Lainie Reiter, Addy Folmar and Luke Anderson, and back from left, graduate coach Ryan Heitschmidt, Garrett La Deau, Wyatt Braithwaite, Jean Cumming, Avel Zermeño, Cayden Beatty, Cayden Hodnett, Kade Lawrence, Coach Dr. Loni Lucherk and Dean Dr. Kevin Pond.

-WT-