USDA Awards West Texas A&M $9.75 Million for Beef Research Center

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) gifted West Texas A&M University $9.75 million in federal funding to construct a new center for beef cattle research and innovation.

Through the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the grant is awarded through its Research Facilities Act Program. Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX), a strong advocate for the project and supporter of its funding, said the project will advance cattle research, improve production efficiency and help increase domestic beef production.

“This funding is an investment in the future of the Texas Panhandle and in the people who keep our agricultural economy strong,” Rep. Jackson said. “WT [West Texas A&M University] has the expertise, the location and the industry partnerships needed to put this investment to work.”

This comes as the rising price of beef continues to be a concern for consumers and a key issue as the midterm elections approach.

Glenn Hegar, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, said the facility will help address practical challenges facing cattle producers while expanding research and industry training.

“Beef production is vital to the Panhandle, to Texas and to the country,” Hegar said. “This facility will help WT address practical questions facing cattle producers while expanding the research and training the industry needs.”

Hegar said he appreciates Rep. Jackson’s work to support West Texas A&M University and the region through separate funding for its feedlot education facility.

Robert Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, agreed, adding that this funding will help strengthen Texas agriculture and benefit the state and the nation.

“The A&M System is investing $4.875 million because research that strengthens Texas agriculture also serves the state and the nation,” Albritton said.