WT to Host Leading Meat Science Conference June 20-24

Media contact: Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M University will host the 79th annual Reciprocal Meat Conference from June 20 to 24.

The conference-the premier gathering of meat scientists, educators, students and industry leaders-is the flagship annual meeting of the American Meat Science Association and a driving force in advancing research, education and innovation across the meat industry.

"Being selected as the host institution is a testament to WT's longstanding commitment to excellence in agricultural sciences, meat science education and industry engagement," said Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. "Located in the heart of one of the world's most important livestock-producing regions, WT provides an ideal setting for discussions about the future of animal agriculture and meat production."

Conference events will be held in Amarillo and on WT's campus in Canyon.

A major component of the conference will be the 100 Years of Intercollegiate Meat Judging celebration, which will bring together students, alumni, coaches and industry leaders to celebrate the legacy and impact of collegiate meat judging through reunion events, competition activities, storytelling and special recognition.

Meat judging has long served as a training ground introducing students to careers across the meat and food industries.

A legacy judging competition will run from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23 in WT's Caviness Meat Science and Innovation Center inside the Happy State Bank Academic and Research Building.

A meat judgers' reunion is set for 6:15 p.m. June 22 at Hodgetown, 715 S. Buchanan St. in Amarillo.

Other highlights will include the keynote panel discussion "Water and Resilience: What the Panhandle Teaches Us All," featuring Scott Pohlman, director of beef supply chain sustainability at Cargill; Ben Weinheimer, president and CEO of Texas Cattle Feeders Association; John Van de Pol, CEO and owner of Red Rock Dairy; and Molly McAdams, executive vice president of Texas Beef Council. The discussion will begin at 7:50 a.m. June 24 in the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.

Hosting the conference demonstrates regional responsiveness and a learner-centered atmosphere, both key components of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which raised more than $200 million dollars, the largest such campaign in Texas Panhandle history.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University 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 multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 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.

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