At the conclusion of the Spring 2024 semester, two separate high-impact learning experiences took students in the Texas A&M Department of Animal Science on industry tours in the equine and beef cattle segments. These opportunities allow students to network with industry leaders and see course materials applied directly in real-world experiences.

Equine Industry Tour

Twenty Texas A&M Animal Science undergraduate and graduate students, along with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension county extension agents, set out across Texas and southern Oklahoma to learn more about different operations and career paths in the equine industry. This new animal science course was facilitated by Jennifer Zoller, Ph.D. and Paige Linne, equine lecturer and Ranch Horse Team coach.

Thank you to the amazing hosts for their hospitality and wisdom, as well as the sponsors for making this trip possible.

Sponsors:

  • Texas A&M Animal Science
  • Brazos Extension Horse Committee
  • Bailey Hats

Hosts:

  • Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery
  • San Juan Ranch
  • Lone Star Park
  • FWSSR - Horse Events
  • Official American Paint Horse Association
  • Fort Worth Herd
  • Valor Farm
  • Solo Select Horses
  • 70 Ranch Performance Horses
  • Red River Equine LLC
  • Stuart Ranch
  • Matador Ranch
  • 6666 Ranch

Texas Panhandle Beef Production Tour

The Texas Panhandle Beef Production Tour, part of the Jim Theeck ’65 Beef Cattle Seminar, takes place at the end of the spring semester where undergraduate and graduate animal science students are immersed in the heart of the beef industry. Under the direction and supervision of animal science faculty members Tryon Wickersham, Ph.D., and Alice Brandao Ph.D., 17 students traveled to the Texas Panhandle for the week-long trip.

This trip allows students to experience all segments of the beef production value chain at a level and depth only available through this high-impact class. Students benefit from networking with industry leaders, learning about career opportunities, and directly seeing applications of class material. There was even a chance this year to network with students from Texas State University.

We are grateful for the continued support of the trip’s sponsors and the operations that allow our students and faculty to visit and learn.

Tour stops included:

  • 1057 Feeders
  • Cargill Meat Solutions
  • Diamond Cattle Feeders
  • Hartley Feeders
  • PYCO
  • RA Brown Ranch
  • Ranching Heritage Center
  • Wicker Ranch
  • Wrangler Feedyard

Thanks to our meal sponsors for keeping the group fed throughout the trip:

  • Anipro Xtraformance Feeds, Wes Klett ’81
  • Elanco, Clint Savoini and Jason Ortega
  • F2 Cattle Company, Clay and Amanda Fuller ’10,’19
  • Merck, Jessica Fink ’07 and Kelby Cowley ’98
  • Ranching Heritage Center