Texas A&M Animal Welfare Judging Team wins second consecutive national title
Students earn top honors in rigorous science-based contest
For the second consecutive year, the Texas A&M Animal Welfare Judging Team brought home the national title, showcasing the dedication and expertise of students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science.
The team includes Tristyn Bailey, Tomball; Kaitlyn Webb, Houston; and Dylan Archer, San Antonio. Archer also earned the overall high individual in the undergraduate division.
Founded in 2017 by Courtney Daigle, Ph.D., associate professor of animal welfare in the Department of Animal Science, the team quickly became a powerhouse, earning numerous honors across multiple divisions. In 2019, Texas A&M secured the overall team title for the first time in the undergraduate division and again in 2024, setting the stage for this year’s repeat win.
“The animal welfare judging contest is a unique and challenging contest,” said Clay Mathis, Ph.D., professor and department head. “We are proud of our students who spend countless hours preparing to represent our department with excellence.”
Understanding the science behind welfare judging
Since 2001, the American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, has hosted the national Animal Welfare Assessment Contest to promote animal welfare science among university students. Unlike traditional judging contests, competitors assess the welfare of a wide range of animals including production, companion, laboratory and exotic species.
Students evaluate the health, performance, physiological and behavioral needs of animals using scientific data. After ranking facilities or scenarios, they defend their decisions before a panel of expert judges and reference scientific literature in their oral reasons.
“Animal welfare judging asks students to engage in complicated and sometimes uncomfortable conversations in a respectful way,” Daigle said. “This teaches people how to assess the real-world using science.”
This year’s contest, hosted at Texas A&M University, featured virtual scenarios on pet gerbils, gaboon vipers and dressage horses. The live scenario took place at the Texas A&M AgriLife Aquaculture Research and Teaching Center, where students assessed the welfare of farmed tilapia.
Because Texas A&M served as the host, Daigle stepped back from coaching, allowing postdoctoral associate Madison Bacon, Ph.D., and graduate student Guadalupe Ceja to take on coaching duties.
Practice, research and expert insight fuel success
Each year, AVMA announces the contest species in advance, allowing teams to begin research. Students compile a digital guidebook filled with scientific resources, which they may reference on a laptop without internet access.
“Preparing for this contest can be really intense,” Archer said. “There are tons of resources we add to the guide, and you end up finding some really niche scientific journals that are helpful.”
The team also meets with species experts across the world. This year, they worked with professionals at the Houston Zoo to study gaboon vipers, consulted equine faculty about dressage horses, and collaborated with faculty in the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management to better understand tilapia.
“You go and talk to professionals who deal with these animals,” Archer said. “Especially for exotic species, those professionals are our main source of insight.”
Why this competition transforms students’ careers
The Animal Welfare Judging Team serves as a high-impact learning experience, helping students strengthen communication, critical thinking and applied research skills.
“I joined the team as a resume builder, but it turned out to be nothing like I expected,” Archer said. “This contest is a strong networking opportunity and a challenging way to put what you learn to use.”
Daigle said watching students succeed remains one of her favorite parts of the contest.
“I was happy to see the students win again this year,” she said. “And to see Madison and Guadalupe getting to celebrate with their team was wonderful.”
Texas A&M will host the 2026 Animal Welfare Assessment Contest, and the team is already preparing for the upcoming season, including seeking sponsors to help continue to grow the program.
“Connecting different pieces of animal science and making them come together is my favorite part,” Archer said. “Join the class, get a great introduction to the team and see if it’s something you like.”
