Rep. Ronny Jackson Announces $9.75 Million Federal Investment in West Texas A&M Beef Cattle Research

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced that West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has been awarded $9.75 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support construction of a center for beef cattle research and innovation. NIFA awarded the grant through its Research Facilities Act Program. The federal award requires a dollar-for-dollar match, with $4.875 million from The Texas A&M University System and another $4.875 million from Texas Cattle Feeders Association, its members, West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) donors and other sources. Together, the federal grant and matching funds bring the total investment for the project to $19.5 million. The Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at WTAMU has established itself as a nationally recognized leader in beef cattle research. Approximately 25 percent of the nation’s fed cattle are produced within 150 miles of the university’s campus, placing WTAMU at the center of one of the nation’s most significant cattle-producing regions. The Texas Panhandle is also the third-largest milk-producing region in the United States, making the area a critical hub for both beef and dairy production. The new center will strengthen applied research, workforce development, and collaboration with the beef and dairy industries across the High Plains region. The investment will help WTAMU expand its ability to conduct research under conditions that more closely reflect the realities of commercial cattle operations. In Congress, Rep. Jackson has been a strong advocate for this project, supporting this foundational investment in August 2026. Additionally, the research feedlot will be located next to the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation Feedlot Education Facility, which is currently under construction at WTAMU following federal community project funding secured by Rep. Jackson, which included $2.1 million in fiscal year 2024 and $1 million in fiscal year 2026. “This funding is an investment in the future of the Texas Panhandle and in the people who keep our agricultural economy strong,” said Rep. Jackson. “WT has the expertise, the location, and the industry partnerships needed to put this investment to work. I look forward to seeing the research and opportunities this center will create for generations of producers and agricultural professionals.” “We are grateful to USDA for recognizing the value of this work and to the partners helping WT bring it forward,” said Robert Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System. “The A&M System is investing $4.875 million because research that strengthens Texas agriculture also serves the state and the nation.” “Beef production is vital to the Panhandle, to Texas and to the country. This facility will help WT address practical questions facing cattle producers while expanding the research and training the industry needs,” said Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “I appreciate Congressman Jackson’s work to support WT and the region through the separate funding for the education facility.” “The magnitude of the USDA grant, funding from the A&M System, and significant donor support underscore the critical role the Texas Panhandle plays in the beef cattle industry,” said Dr. Neil Terry, interim president. “As the university serving the Texas Panhandle, WT takes great pride in its ability to support the industry’s future through an educational center and a research feedlot that will be the best in the world.” “The facility’s design was developed over the past three years with multiple virtual and in-person planning sessions with industry leaders,” said Dr. Kevin Pond, dean of the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. “I am grateful that our community partners have worked so hard to make this vision a reality. WT is now positioned to become a world leader in beef cattle feeding research and education, and that would not be possible without support from Congressman Jackson, the USDA, the A&M System, TCFA and many others.” “Cattle feeding plays a significant role in the economy and communities across Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Training the next generation of feedyard employees and conducting research to advance the industry is critically important for enhancing cattle feeding production practices and increasing beef production in our region,” said Ben Weinheimer, TCFA president and CEO. “The funding provided by USDA helps us continue the mission of expanding training and research initiatives at the WT research feedlot." ###