Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Weldon “Buddy” Alders, a 1958 Stephen F. Austin State University graduate who earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture, has been named the 2026 Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture Distinguished Alumnus. He is the owner and operator of Alders Companies in Dayton and Alders Farm and Ranch in Midway. In addition to his professional success, Alders has remained an active supporter of ĢƵ. He has opened his facilities to university administrators and students for tours, hosted a class focused on the reproductive physiology program, donated $92,000 in equipment to ĢƵ’s Beef Center, and contributed nearly $100,000 to support beef genetics research. According to Dr. Douglas Smith, chair and professor in the Department of Agriculture, “Mr. Alders represents ĢƵ with pride, determination and integrity, and is always willing to support opportunities for our students, staff and faculty. Mr. Alders' dedication to and work for the agriculture industry over the years show what it truly means to be a Lumberjack.”