Latest Issue of WT Ag Magazine, The Brand, Released

Contact: Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas—Growth rooted in tradition is the overarching theme in the 13th edition of The Brand, the annual publication of West Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences.

The issue has already hit the mailboxes of WT Agriculture donors and alumni.

“This year’s capstone class worked so well together and created one of the best products that has come out of the program,” said Dr. Tanner Robertson, adviser and associate professor of agricultural media and communication.

The spring 2025 edition featured the newly installed statue of late philanthropist and cattleman Paul Engler on the cover along with a collage of photos from each story.

“The stories compiled in the magazine are a mixture of the rich legacy that is WT Agriculture and the new developments being made within the college,” said Jolie Bond, the student editor of the magazine.

People who have made large contributions to the program over the years, both by giving of their time and finances, are featured, including Engler, Rebekah Bachman, Dr. Bob Robinson, Johnny Trotter, and Terry Caviness.

Each feature tells the unique stories of how these people have impacted and were impacted by WT Agriculture.

In addition, this issue included several articles that tell the stories of how the WT Agriculture program is expanding both in existing areas and in new ventures, bringing more opportunities to students by allowing them to gain hands-on experience and knowledge, Bond said.

From breaking ground on the new research feedyard to starting new student organizations such as Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha Gamma Theta, the 13th edition brings to life the growth of the program.

“Agricultural communication is a show-not-tell degree. I feel like this project represents what a graduating student from this program should be able to do and skills that they should be able to bring to the workforce,” Robertson said.  

This year’s student executive staff included editor Jolie Bond from Rocky Ford, Colorado; assistant editor Addie Brown from Beeville; creative director Carli Carter from Ordway, Colorado; and advertising manager Jessica Dexter from Delta, Colorado.

Staff writers include Tatum Farris from Childress; Avery Feldman from Raton, New Mexico; Layten Graham from Henrietta; Chloe Hamaker from Van Wert, Iowa; Kerrigan Jensen from Santa Margarita, California; Preslie Poling from Clayton, New Mexico; Madison Powers from Rockport; Laura Reaves from Spring; Alondra Rodriguez from Cypress; Kamberlyn Salazar from Turkey; Addison Shireman from Plymouth, Indiana; Abby Scholz from Bertrand, Nebraska; Julia Smith from Poteet; Jenna Stambaugh from Hale Center; Jolee Tuggle from Lipan; and Tyann Phillips from Lockney.

All were senior agricultural media and communication majors in the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. The magazine officially was unveiled during a May 15 launch party.

Ellis Vidmar, instructor of agricultural media and communication, and Paige Brandon, a graduate student in agricultural media and communication from Edgewood, New Mexico, also served as advisers.

Preparing students for the workforce is among the top goals of 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’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $165 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research 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, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, 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. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

Photo: Student editors of the 2025 edition of The Brand pose with a mockup of the issue's cover. Pictured are, from left, Carli Carter, Jessica Dexter, Addie Brown and Jolie Bond.

—WT—