Texas Tech University Department of Animal & Food Sciences

It is always exciting to have future leaders (and hopefully future Red Raiders) on campus and in the AFS department!

The TYLA 4-H Equine Ambassador group has spent the week doing equine focused industry tours, presentations, and even media training. Great things are happening — Wreck ‘em!

Congratulations, Dr. Hales!

Congratulations to Dr. Kristin Hales, the recipient of the 2024 AFIA Award in Ruminant Nutrition Research, sponsored by American Feed Industry Association. Read more about Dr. Hales and this award at asas.org/about/national-awards

Be sure to catch Dr. Hales talk, Using Respiratory Calorimetry to Estimate Energy Balance and Methane Emissions, in the Ruminant Nutrition session on Monday morning, July 22nd.

Are you at the Texas 4H Roundup? Wendy and Jentri are ready to see YOU. They have cookies, stickers, and are full of information -- go see them! 🍀❤🖤

You can find our AFS table set up on the floor of the Reed Arena.

Livestock Judging Camps 1 and 2 are in the books. Campers spent one-on-one time with coaches to sharpen their reasons sets and collectively worked on placing classes.

Thank you for letting our people work with your people. Wreck 'em!🗒❤️

📢IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT📢

If you were not able to make it to livestock judging camp but would like to enter the TTU Livestock Judging Mock Contests May 25th and May 27th, come on!

📍Registration will be onsite in Meats Lab 122 at 11:30am.

Can’t wait for Shayla Mader to get to Texas Tech!

"1,300 miles and new perspective for the beef industry. That’s what this intercession course “Comparative Beef Production” is about. I always learn something new about the industry and its people. Thankful for the support we had for this years trip and students who want to do something a little different to advance their mindset. I love my job because I get to do this." -Dr. Whitney Crossland

This week, the Beef x Dairy Symposium took place in the Texas Panhandle. Beginning with industry tours and wrapping up with speakers and panels, it was a very successful week presenting research for all who are involved in TTU's Meat Science and Muscle Biology program.

To learn more about the Meat Science and Muscle Biology program, click the link below. ⬇⬇⬇

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/meatscience/

Dr. Ryan Rathmann has wrapped up another intersession of teaching students artificial insemination in cattle. Upon completion of this course, students are officially "AI Certified."

The weekend was full of celebration. Students were awarded 'Outstanding Senior' plaques, families and friends of seniors gathered to honor their academic success, and one of our own, Anna Wyle, delivered an EXCEPTIONAL commencement speech! (click the link below to hear Anna's speech)

The Department of Animal and Food Sciences wishes the best to all our graduates on their next step! Guns up and WRECK 'EM!

Commencement speech can be found about minute 19 here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYLKJn41ng0

📢MARK YOUR CALENDARS📢

In conjunction with the Texas Tech Ag Game, the Competitive Teams Reunion will be held Friday, September 13, 5:30-8:30pm in the AFS Livestock Arena. We want to see and host all alumni of past competitive teams!

⬇️What is the Ag Game?⬇️

The Ag Game promotion is part of a partnership between the athletics department and the Davis College. This game highlights the crops, livestock and technologies that are prominent to Texas Tech and the South Plains. Representatives from the agriculture industry and the university's nationally prominent judging teams will be among those honored throughout the game.

Come join us for an evening of food , music and fun for the whole family. We are looking forward to Ag Week!🏈🌾

See you next fall!

Applications are now open!

The deadline to apply is August 30, 2024. Don’t miss out!

Apply today ➡ https://www.depts.ttu.edu/vetschool/dvm-admissions/how-to-apply/application-process/index.php

Guns Up!

Good luck!

What is the Meat Science Quiz Bowl?

The Quiz Bowl Contest is held each year at the AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference, this year in Oklahoma City. Students are asked knowledge-based questions on any topic related to meat science. These could include muscle biology, food safety, and current events to name a few.

Texas Tech will send 13 students to compete in the double-elimination tournament this summer. Team members include Abigail Sleep, Alyssa Loafman, Brady Reasor, Caylee Turner, Ellie LaCroix, Erik Bishop, Evan Emery, Genesis Flores, James Carrizal, Libby Mosely, Mylen Garza, Ragan Levien, and Ruben Castaneda. The team is coached by Anna Wyle, Shelton Luedke, and Devin Gonzales.

Good luck and safe travels! 👆🏆

We have been very lucky to have Rudy with us, and we wish him the best on his next step!

Today we were able to honor our Production Manager, Rudy Muro Felix, for his years of service! Rudy and his wife, Ginger, are heading back home to Georgia. Rudy has immersed himself in to our family here at Raider Red Meats and the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. We want to thank Rudy for all the time, work and teaching he has poured into our students and program, he will be missed. Help us wish Rudy and his wife the best on their way back east!

Congratulations to the Meat Animal Evaluation Team on placing 2nd at the North Central Meat Animal Evaluation Contest and finishing 4th at the National Meat Animal Evaluation Contest hosted in Laramie, WY in early April!

The Meat Animal Evaluation Contest is a three-day comprehensive evaluation of a student's livestock and meat production knowledge.

Individual Honors:
Drew Webster: 9th High Individual Overall, 3rd in Breeding, 7th in Sheep, 10th in Cattle
Kyle Vahlenkamp: 10th High Individual Overall, 6th in Cattle, 7th in Meats
Owen Brinker: 5th Overall Market Animal Division, 9th in Cattle
Brenn Edwards: 2nd Overall Market Animal Division
Anna Wyle: 5th Overall Meats Division
Cade Anderson: 2nd Overall in Sheep, 9th in Swine
Jenna Coward: 3rd Overall in Sheep

It’s a big weekend in Lubbock!

Dr. Sam Jackson and Dr. Jessica Thomas were awarded the 2023-2024 Outstanding Faculty Members of the Davis College. This award is voted on by the students for the fall and spring semesters. The Department of Animal and Food Sciences are proud to have them and proud of their impact on the students! Wreck 'em!

Dr. Brad Johnson was recognized with the President’s Academic Achievement Award at TTU Faculty Honors Convocation last Thursday, April 25. Only one faculty member is awarded this honor each year.

Dr. Brad Johnson is the Gordon W. Davis Regent’s Chair in Meat and Muscle Biology. In addition to his mentorship of graduate students and well-respected research program, he teaches undergraduate honors animal nutrition and a course in animal growth and development.

Congratulations Dr. Johnson!👏👏👏

Thursday, April 26th, AFS hosted over 100 students at the second annual Road to Vet Med, a panel with students who have recently been accepted. This was a great time for current students seeking to apply to veterinary schools to Q&A with the pros from and . Thank you to Dr. Jessica Thomas for organizing this event and to everyone who helped make it happen! 🩺👏
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p.s. 10/10 on the meal😉

Last weekend, we celebrated the accomplishments of our students, competitive teams and alumni. Help congratulate the success of our students, the department, and the Hall of Fame recipients. We are proud of you all! Wreck 'em!

Deadlines are quickly approaching. Click the links to fill out the respective forms!

Judging Camp registration is OPEN! Registration will close May 10th, however, there are limited spots available -- register now!!!

Please fill out the respective form below:
Meat Judging Camp 1: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qYq3tKbK8KCKBZUXvRbIIACZh4vFOHF8PN8jRYXZTp4/edit
Meat Judging Camp 2: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13D2kZYQ_N7PhZzjDM3acKKQmL_kUTG6LmQHGcZaKTZE/edit
Meat Judging Jr Camp: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xhFq0y7t14JlKdaYTmFDCsin2lqWqtR90HWZRUC4ZlY/edit

Livestock Judging Camp 1:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19fzvyu-6BZrlaU23BgF51nRJD2PBz3SJsEfOI05vjG4/edit
Livestock Judging Camp 2: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FBWi0nsX7xYcl4tfSBFv8WWHOTumpgj1922SZ-Mt6uE/edit
Livestock Judging Camp 3: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qEweFNjUEob_49P2kved_TZBdEEZe14DYBLem0Cb99E/edit

Monday, April 22nd, our service-learning undergraduate class (Feeds and Feeding) led by Dr. Jhones Sarturi had their public poster presentations at the Lubbock ISD-Agri-STEM facility. This year marks the 10th anniversary of students working with a client of their choice in livestock, shelter or wildlife operations and completing a feeds and feeding assessment for the operation. Thank you Dr. Sarturi for all the work in guidance in this unique learning experience!
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Tonight, April 20th, we will recognize this year's Hall of Fame recipients. Receiving the Distinguished Service Award is Sam Middleton. Please help congratulate Sam on this honorable award and the achievements thus far in his career. Wreck 'em!

These are great stocking stuffers!🎄

Get your TTEC Merchandise Today! Trucker Hats are available on our TTEC Online Store and make great Christmas gifts! Head to the link below to purchase!
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*Pick at TTEC or Shipping ($10.00) available*
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