Denny Atchley

B.S. Agricultural & Applied Economics, B.B.A. General Business, December 2024

Hometown: Las Cruces, NM

Denny is a proud graduate of the Davis College of Agriculture at Texas Tech University, where he earned degrees in Agricultural & Applied Economics and Business Administration, graduating Summa Cum Laude. With a family legacy in production agriculture and extensive involvement in 4-H and FFA, he founded the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association at Texas Tech after interning with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) in Washington, D.C. Currently, Denny serves on the NCBA Membership Team, engaging with cattle producers in the Western United States and managing partnerships with state cattlemen’s associations.

Q&A With Denny

What is your current role or what industry do you work in?

 Today, I get to work as an Associate Director of Membership & Affiliate Services for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. We are the oldest and largest national trade association representing American cattle producers. We work every day to serve the cattle and beef industry by improving the business climate, growing beef demand, and increasing the world’s access to U.S. beef. In my role, I work with our Western state affiliates, including the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, to ensure we support these organizations that are the backbone of our grassroots policymaking process. I also get to travel the Western United States, meeting cattle producers and answering questions on what our team in Washington, D.C. is working on, and updating our Government Affairs team about what the concerns are in the countryside.

Why did you choose the Davis College/department?

I come from a family with a long history of agricultural production in the state of New Mexico, and I was very involved in FFA throughout high school. This made choosing to major in agriculture a fairly easy decision. But I chose Texas Tech University's Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources because of the incredible programs and opportunities offered through the department. Additionally, the Davis College staff are incredibly supportive, and the people within the college are some of the best you will ever meet.

What impact does your work have and who benefits from it?

In my role with NCBA, I get to be a part of a team that makes real wins for the cattle industry. The decisions being made in Washington, D.C., have a real impact on cattle operations like my family's. In my role, I get to help cattle producers get involved in the grassroots NCBA policymaking process. This ensures that their voices are heard at the national level, and that their needs are represented as we work with Congress and the administrative agencies on the issues impacting our industry.

How did your department help with the skills you use in your career today?

The most impactful opportunity I got to take advantage of during my time at TTU was the Davis College Government Internship Program. Through this amazing program, I was able to pair with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and spend a semester with the Government Affairs team in Washington, D.C. During this time, I learned so much about the issues impacting American agriculture, how the policy development process functions, and how everyday Americans can get involved and make their voices heard in our nation's capital. The Davis College Government Internship Program is truly one of the most unique opportunities offered through TTU, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to take part in it.

What advice would you give to students currently in the department?

To any students currently in the Davis College, I would say get involved! There are a plethora of clubs and organizations on campus that will give you some great resources and introduce you to some great people! Additionally, the Davis College has some of the very best staff in the country! Get to know them and make sure they know what your goals and interests are, and they will connect you with some amazing opportunities.