Research

At VERO, partnerships between Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences and West Texas A&M University scientists create a collaborative environment for innovative research that benefits the cattle industry and its stakeholders.

These collaborations focus on addressing everyday challenges in animal agriculture, improving the sustainability of livestock production, ensuring an abundant and healthy food supply, and supporting the livelihoods of Texas Panhandle residents.

Importantly, VERO researchers also train the next generation of veterinary and agricultural researchers who participate in collaborative, high-impact studies in cutting-edge facilities and regularly engage in professional development.

Scale, Access, and Impact

The opportunities at VERO are distinctive because of the scale of the regional cattle industry, the impact of the VERO research program, and its close integration with industry and research partners.

VERO is situated in the Texas Panhandle, at the center of one of the largest cattle-producing regions in the world. Within a two-hour drive of Canyon, there are:

• More than 7 million fed cattle produced annually, representing approximately 25% of the U.S. beef supply
• Over 600,000 lactating dairy cows in a network of state-of-the-art dairies, comprising the 3rd largest milkshed in the U.S.
• Millions of young calves feeding into these systems every year

Together, these production systems contribute more than $20 billion annually to the regional economy and provide an unparalleled platform for large-scale, real-world research with direct industry relevance.