Newest Issue of The Brand, Student-Driven Ag Magazine, Available Now

Copy by Brooklyn Spencer
Contact: Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Consistency is the spotlight in the newest issue of The Brand, the annual publication of West Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Sciences.

“Not only is consistency important in this edition of The Brand and storytelling in general, but consistency is important in life. We encouraged writers to remain diligent and consistent during this course. We feel these qualities lead to efficient prioritizing, ability to achieve milestones and greater confidence in the agriculture industry,” said Lauren Fritzler, The Brand’s editor and a senior agricultural media and communication major from Merino, Colorado.

The edition—which was unveiled during a May 10 brunch—will hit the mailboxes of Department of Agricultural Sciences donors and alumni this week and be posted online soon, said Dr. Tanner Robertson, adviser and associate professor of agricultural media and communication.

“The Brand has been completely student-driven for the past 12 years,” Robertson said. “Our students do a remarkable job telling the story of WT Agriculture alumni, supporters, and the Panhandle.”

The spring 2024 edition features Bob Phipps, a man who represents the essence of a true agriculturist, embodying dedication, and generosity.

This story traces his tracks from a Panhandle-Plains farm to an Amarillo townhome. Despite challenges such as childhood polio, Phipps’ resilience and commitment to farming never wavered, said Fritzler, who wrote the story. Over the years, he has sharpened his skills as a farmer and become renowned for his strategic approach to production agriculture.

Phipps recently donated his collection of John Deere model tractors and memorabilia to the agriculture department. With nearly 250 pieces in mint condition, Phipps’ donation serves as a representation of his commitment to farming and his desire to educate future generations on the importance of agriculture, Fritzler said.

“I chose to write about Bob Phipps because I was interested in the donation of his collection,” Fritzler said. “It wasn’t until I sat down with him that I uncovered his reasoning behind the collection. Being able to tell his story is important for the future of agriculture and encouraging to share the generosity of our people.”

Other stories highlight the “Texas” outdoor musical showcasing the deep roots in agriculture, the recent change in administration in the department, the 2024 national champion meat judging team, the generous Kuhlman land donation, and Benjamin Azamati, a 2023 graduate who now is an Olympic athlete.

More than 5,000 copies of the magazine have been printed, and approximately 3,500 will be mailed to subscribers. The remaining copies are given out on recruitment trips, said Dr. Lance Kieth, Couch Family Professor of Extension Education and associate dean of external relations and recruiting.

“We use this to share what we’re doing in our department, so it educates as well as informs,” Kieth said.

In addition to Fritzler, the 2024 Brand executive staff members are creative director Macy Downs, a senior from Plains; advertising manager Kristina Todd, a senior from Wills Point; assistant editor Paige Brandon, a senior from Edgewood, New Mexico; and event and social media manager Brooklyn Spencer, a senior from Porter, Oklahoma.

Staff writers are Maezi Alford from Tolar; Mackenzie Bolton from Ropesville; Anna Bonnet from Kenedy; Rylie Cravens from Sheffield; Lauryn Carroll-Mangum from Canyon; Khaki DuBose from Abernathy; Rylee Finley from Amarillo; Caleb Frick from Amarillo; Haley Hall from Model, Colorado; Rylee Harris from Canyon; Kendal Hughes from Turkey; Bryce Hutson from Idalou; Alison Mickelson from Pine Bluffs, Wyoming; Cooper Morris from Cicero, Indiana; Gracie Oates from Paradise; Jayden Osborne from Fowler, Colorado; Tinlee Roland from Snyder; Cutter Smith from Floydada; Kindal Smith from Mosquero, New Mexico; and Mackendra Torres from Lamar, Colorado.

All are agricultural media and communication majors.

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 nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. 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 about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including 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: Executive staff members of The Brand, a student publication of West Texas A&M University's Department of Agricultural Sciences, are Kristina Todd, from left, Paige Brandon, Brooklyn Spencer, Macy Downs and Lauren Fritzler.

—WT—