West Texas A&M University to build cattle research facility

West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) has announced the construction of a major cattle research and innovation facility, supported by a $9.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture. This federal award, part of the Research Facilities Act Program, represents the largest government grant in the university’s history.

With matching funds from the Texas A&M University System and other sources, the total project cost is expected to reach approximately $19.5 million. The facility, located near Canyon, Texas, will feature 90 small research pens for scientific studies alongside 45 commercial-scale pens.

Planned infrastructure includes a precision beef cattle handling facility, a veterinary care and research hospital, an advanced technology feed and production center, and a metabolism and physiology center. The project aims to enhance research capabilities in cattle feeding, health, and handling while providing undergraduate, graduate, and veterinary students with hands-on industry training.