This Week's Latest Tech News in Amarillo, TX - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Amarillo’s tech evolution in 2025 is defined by a focused effort to bridge its strong traditions - like agriculture and education - with ambitious innovation. The city’s tech sector has posted an impressive 15% annual growth, supported by nearly $38 million in infrastructure investments such as a state-of-the-art Edge Data Center and AT&T’s $24 million fiber project, connecting 22,000 locations with up to 5 Gbps internet speeds (read Amarillo's tech highlights).

• Infrastructure investment: Amarillo is experiencing robust growth due to significant investments in high-speed internet and data facilities.
• Workforce development: Amarillo College’s new Innovation Outpost, led by Patricia Johnson, specializes in cybersecurity and AI workforce training while also offering tailored upskilling for local businesses, all available at no cost through a Texas Workforce Commission grant (Amarillo College's Innovation Outpost).
• Startup support: The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, under the leadership of Daniel Smith, has expanded support for startups, with over 50 ventures and 200+ new local tech jobs in sectors like healthtech and agtech (inside Amarillo’s innovation ecosystem).

Initiative	Main Contributor	Key Impact
Fiber Infrastructure	James Jones & AT&T	Connected 22,000 locations with up to 5 Gbps Internet
Innovation Outpost	Patricia Johnson	Upskilled students and local businesses in AI & Cybersecurity
Startup Grants	Daniel Smith	50+ new ventures, 200+ tech jobs created

“These coordinated efforts help drive real-world improvements: AI adoption among farmers, practical tech career opportunities for students, and smart sports facilities that serve the broader community. Amarillo is steadily proving that a future-forward tech landscape can thrive alongside its deep community values.”

April 2025 marks a milestone for Amarillo as the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine graduates its inaugural class, advancing the region’s commitment to serving rural communities with new technology and veterinary care.

This achievement is the result of years of collaboration between Texas Tech, local leaders, and supporting organizations, including close links to Amarillo’s agricultural roots and workforce needs.

The school’s mission focuses on addressing the shortage of veterinarians in rural and underserved areas - a goal supported by its curriculum, which blends hands-on clinical rotations across more than 100 partnering clinics in Texas and New Mexico with technology-rich education like telemedicine and digital health records.

Notably, over 80% of graduates are taking roles in rural practices, with many new veterinarians coming from and returning to small communities, furthering regional economic and agricultural resilience.

• Regional impact: More than 80% of graduates are entering rural veterinary practices, ensuring critical animal care in small communities.
• Job creation: The program has generated more than 95 direct jobs and over 270 indirect jobs in Amarillo.
• Economic growth: The school is expected to add $76 million in annual economic activity to the region.
• Community support: Growth in scholarship funds and industry partnerships have been pivotal to the school’s success.
• Symbolic ceremonies: Events like the White Coat Ceremony mark key transitions for students into real-world practice.

Key Aspect	Description	Impact
Graduate Placement	Over 80% in rural clinics	Strengthens rural animal care
Job Creation	95+ direct, 270+ indirect jobs	Boosts Amarillo’s economy
Annual Economic Addition	$76 million	Drives local development

“Community and industry support - from Barbara Thompson’s scholarship fund leadership to Sarah Garcia’s coordination of clinic partnerships - has fueled these achievements and symbolizes Amarillo’s collaborative spirit.”

Support from the community and industry - from growing scholarship funds to partnerships that provide practical experience - has been key to the school’s progress.

Events like the White Coat Ceremony mark students’ transition from academic training to real-world practice, symbolizing their readiness to bring advanced care and tech innovation to regions that need it most (T. Boone Pickens legacy and economic impact, graduate profiles and rural placements, clinical training model).

As Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle look ahead, the presence of well-trained, tech-savvy veterinarians is set to support local agriculture, promote rural economic growth, and strengthen the bond between advanced animal care and thriving communities.

In 2025, Amarillo made significant progress in agricultural technology by adopting TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods’ digital solutions focused on supply chain connectivity, transparency, and data-driven decision making.

These integrated platforms enable local farmers and livestock producers to monitor every step in their operations - ranging from field management and animal health to processing and distribution - by leveraging advanced analytics and mobile-friendly tools.

TELUS emphasizes end-to-end visibility and traceability, simplifying the way Amarillo’s producers track shipments, monitor regulatory compliance, and automate supply chain communications.

Real-time data access through their web-based platform allows users to save time, address compliance requirements efficiently, and collaborate with partners across the supply chain (food supply chain and sustainability software).

After integrating TELUS technologies, Amarillo producers have reported noticeable improvements.

For example, full traceability frameworks - supporting certification uploads and automated notifications - help manage food safety, reduce administrative workload, and mitigate recall or fraud risks.

Tools like Farmplan and Sirrus, acquired through the TELUS merger with Proagrica, further support systematic field-level data collection and standardization (Proagrica joins TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods).

The Amarillo food ecosystem benefits from these advancements with:

• Supply chain transparency: Real-time monitoring from origin to consumer, improving efficiency and reporting.
• Data-driven food safety: Automated alerts for compliance and quality, aiding risk mitigation.
• Performance benchmarking: Analytics track sustainability KPIs and profitability for local producers.

Amarillo's digital transformation is part of TELUS’s broader commitment, including support for ranchers affected by regional challenges such as wildfires and investments in relief and resilience for vital ag sectors (#HereForFarmers affected by the Texas Panhandle wildfires).

Local feedback suggests that these digital innovations are building a more agile, sustainable food system in Amarillo and setting a measurable benchmark for other rural communities.

In 2025, Amarillo’s HODGETOWN is part of a nationwide wave of improvements following the new partnership between Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and TruGreen.

This collaboration is focused on revitalizing both stadium and community fields across all 120 MiLB clubs, including HODGETOWN, by implementing best-in-class lawn care strategies and promoting community-driven upgrades.

While TruGreen is recognized as MiLB’s Official Lawn Care Treatment Provider, the partnership brings upgrades like the “TruGreen Spaces” initiative, where fans and community members can nominate local ballfields and parks for revitalization until June 30, 2025, making these enhancements more accessible and community-focused than ever before (partnership details).

• Professional Grounds Crew Support: Expert resources and branded gear are provided as TruGreen sponsors select MiLB grounds crews to improve maintenance and field conditions (sponsorship details).
• Community Revitalization: The TruGreen Spaces initiative distributes $25,000 grants to modernize eligible community fields, based on fan nominations and local needs.
• In-Stadium Promotions: Fans receive discounts on TruGreen services and see a strong community partnership by connecting local teams with outdoor improvement at HODGETOWN and other parks.

This initiative goes beyond just technology by empowering Amarillo residents to have a direct say in which parks receive upgrades and by providing long-term plans for upkeep.

Community responses highlight improved safety and usability for youth teams, with the partnership’s reach expected to impact over 70% of the U.S. population through MiLB’s network (impact overview).

HODGETOWN’s progress reflects how thoughtful partnerships, rather than tech alone, elevate both the game experience and quality of life throughout Amarillo.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles are making big strides in advanced analytics this season, using data and technology to boost both player development and in-game decisions.

As the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Sod Poodles’ integration of analytics builds on a league-wide movement, but their adoption is particularly systematic.

The staff and players now rely on data-driven tools not only to monitor traditional stats like batting average and RBIs, but also to break down swing metrics, pitching spin rates, and player movement.

This approach is aligned with what’s being seen across minor league baseball, where data from sources such as Minor League Statcast enables coaches to scout player skills long before spring camp and helps prospects optimize specific aspects of their game.

For instance, pitchers like Dylan Ray, who opened the 2025 season with the Sod Poodles, have improved command and velocity after targeted analytics work during spring training, while hitters such as Tommy Troy benefit from regular video and metric reviews to enhance their in-game approach (Amarillo Sod Poodles roster review).

• Pitching Analytics Adoption: Coaches now analyze real-time Statcast data, including first-pitch strike percentage and average fastball velocity, for pitchers across the roster - mirroring league trends featured in a recent league-wide Statcast analysis. This systematic focus on data empowers informed pitching decisions and enhances scouting.
• Optimized Batting Training: The team uses exit velocities and hard-hit percentages to spot slumps and direct individualized training, aiming for improvements like those reported by other emerging prospects across the league. Focusing on these key statistics supports greater batting performance throughout the season.
• Injury-Reducing Workloads: Strength and conditioning staff track athletic load to tailor recovery, reducing injury incidents in line with analytics-driven development programs seen in baseball nationally. These efforts result in safer, healthier athletes ready to perform at their peak.

This investment in analytics is part of a broader shift, as development staff prioritize data to drive on-field progress.

The Amarillo approach is also seen in training programs throughout their system, enhancing skill growth and reducing injury. For a current look at the team’s season and management, you can visit Amarillo’s 2025 season overview.

Amarillo’s data-driven mindset is setting a standard that’s gaining attention well beyond Texas.

In 2025, Amarillo’s agribusiness sector is seeing real progress as more producers adopt TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods solutions, designed to improve profitability and streamline daily operations for farmers, ranchers, and food suppliers in the region.

TELUS offers integrated digital tools, covering AI-powered crop management, livestock health monitoring, and data-driven supply chain transparency - key features that help local businesses stay competitive.

More than 120 Amarillo-based companies now use these platforms, benefitting from improved efficiency, compliance, and product quality. TELUS’s platform delivers actionable data insights that connect the entire value chain, making production processes more efficient and outcomes more traceable.

For instance, agribusinesses can use TELUS Agronomy to enhance data accuracy, streamline crop planning, and manage risk, while the Supply Chain & Sustainability module helps increase transparency and demonstrate compliance across the production cycle (see Agriculture solutions).

In livestock operations, field specialists leverage technology for on-farm analytics, collaborating with veterinarians and nutritionists on feed management and health monitoring, which is especially relevant for cattle and feedlot operators in the Texas Panhandle (learn about digital cattle management).

Automated recordkeeping generates audit trails needed for regulatory and food safety compliance, significantly reducing paperwork errors and turnaround times.

TELUS’s data solutions also support rapid recall management and allow for swift, accurate product tracing from farm to consumer (more on value chain transparency).

Local trials point to measured increases in yields, cut in operational costs, and faster audit compliance after TELUS platform adoption. As a result, Amarillo’s agribusinesses are strengthening their position in tech-enabled, sustainable agriculture - building trust with customers and creating a solid foundation for future growth.

The 2025 TruGreen Spaces Community Program is part of a new partnership between TruGreen and Minor League Baseball that focuses on revitalizing public ballfields and parks in communities like Amarillo.

As the designated "Official Lawn Care Treatment Provider of MiLB," TruGreen supports local engagement through its TruGreen Spaces initiative, where residents can nominate community fields or parks to receive upgrades.

This nomination process is open until June 30, 2025, with one winning entry selected from the 120 Minor League Baseball club markets across the U.S. To participate, Amarillo residents can submit nominations online, bringing attention to fields in neighborhoods, schools, and parks that could benefit from professional care and technological improvements.

You can read more about the nationwide initiative and how to nominate a local field at the Minor League Baseball and TruGreen partnership announcement.

TruGreen’s approach combines traditional groundskeeping with regional expertise and technology, supporting local Amarillo teams through their nearby service branch.

Professional technicians tailor maintenance plans using proven lawn care techniques, while also offering community involvement opportunities. Learn more about TruGreen's Amarillo services and how local specialists work directly with neighborhoods to achieve safe, vibrant field conditions.

By teaming up with select grounds crews in Minor League markets and providing resources for field upgrades, TruGreen aims to create more welcoming spaces for both youth sports and the wider Amarillo community.

The effects of this initiative are amplified by existing projects like Amarillo’s own Project Clean-Up campaign, which shares a similar goal of creating cleaner, safer, and more accessible public spaces.

Together, these efforts contribute to higher community pride and improved public facilities. Explore how related local programs support this mission at Project Clean-Up’s Mission for 2025.

The Texas Tech University (TTU) School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo has quickly established itself as a powerful economic driver for the region, with recent studies estimating an annual impact of more than $76 million on Amarillo’s economy.

This figure reflects a combination of direct spending, induced effects, and infrastructure development associated with the school. In partnership with the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, TTU secured a significant investment - up to $69 million - to help fund the facility and lay the groundwork for hundreds of new jobs, positioning the campus as one of the city's largest employers.

"TTU’s veterinary program was intentionally designed without a traditional teaching hospital, reducing costs and focusing on practical, community-based training and partnerships with local practitioners - an approach encouraged by state education leaders," explained Christopher Davis, a representative from TTU.

• Economic growth: The TTU veterinary school has become a major contributor to Amarillo’s economic landscape, injecting millions into the local economy.
• Job creation: The initiative directly generates over 100 full-time jobs and stimulates hundreds of additional positions in related sectors.
• Workforce solutions: The program addresses shortages of rural and large-animal veterinarians across Texas.
• Innovative education: The curriculum prioritizes practical community-based training and minimizes graduate debt.

Area of Impact	Key Figures	Community Benefit
Annual Economic Impact	$76 million	Drives local business growth
Direct Jobs Created	100+	Expands employment opportunities
Indirect Jobs and Construction	270+ & 50+	Boosts supporting industries

These investments not only support Amarillo’s workforce but also help address critical shortages of rural and large-animal veterinarians across Texas, an issue highlighted by the aging demographic and limited access to local veterinary care in many rural communities.

Notably, TTU’s veterinary program was intentionally designed without a traditional teaching hospital, reducing costs and focusing on practical, community-based training and partnerships with local practitioners - an approach encouraged by state education leaders such as Barbara Moore and Barbara Rodriguez.

The school’s commitment to accessible and affordable education further enriches its community impact, with hands-on clinical experiences for students and strategies to minimize graduate debt burdens.

As these educational innovations and economic contributions take root, Amarillo stands out as a regional leader connecting education, agriculture, and workforce needs for the future.

For further details on the economic impact and program design, see coverage from the Texas Tech University System, local investment through the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation, and additional insight from TTUHSC’s leadership.

Amarillo’s agricultural landscape is transforming as TELUS Agriculture brings digital innovation to the region’s farms and ranches. Through smart farming technology - including data dashboards, AI-powered forecasting, and IoT solutions - local producers gain access to tools that streamline operations and deliver actionable insights.

These platforms enable Amarillo farmers to track everything from herd health to feed efficiency, supporting more informed decisions that improve both profitability and sustainability.

For example, TELUS Agriculture’s investments have created connected “living labs” across North America, such as the Olds College Smart Farm, where technology and data empower growers to test autonomous equipment, field sensors, and drone imagery in real-world conditions (Investing in Agtech with the Olds College Smart Farm).

Key benefits accessible to Amarillo producers include:

• Data Transparency: Amarillo’s farmers benefit from integrated dashboards that combine crop, weather, and livestock data, enabling them to make timely, field-based decisions using resources like TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods.
• Traceability: By using digital recordkeeping, producers can easily track livestock origin, health treatments, and animal movements, which is crucial for food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Sustainability: Advanced systems like automated feeding and irrigation help optimize resource use, reduce feed and water waste, and support more eco-friendly farming operations.

Adoption of TELUS digital tools in livestock operations reflects broader industry trends.

National data shows that farmers using smart agriculture technology - including remote sensors and digital management systems - report veterinary expenses dropping by up to 25%, with feed overuse down by 15%, and early disease detection reducing costly interventions (Smart Farming Tools: How Technology Saves Livestock Health).

By integrating these solutions, Amarillo’s food producers are staying competitive, better managing resources, and strengthening trust throughout the food value chain.

Digital transformation continues to shape Amarillo’s veterinary clinics and food businesses, opening doors for enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and compliance.

In 2025, clinics like Amarillo Veterinary Clinic are leveraging digital record systems not only for appointment scheduling and telemedicine but also for in-house laboratory work and quick diagnostics, helping veterinarians provide prompt, reliable care to pets and their owners.

For example, technology advances at clinics such as Swann Animal Clinic at 45th include digital imaging, electronic medical records accessible across multiple locations, and point-of-care testing, enabling seamless coordination of patient care and improved record accuracy across the Swann network.

Mobile veterinary units operated by institutions like Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine are extending technology’s reach even farther, offering free, tech-enabled vet services to underserved communities and integrating diagnostic equipment directly into their outreach vehicles so that both clinics and remote providers can better track, diagnose, and treat animals.

• Veterinary technology transformation: Amarillo clinics are implementing digital systems for appointment scheduling, telemedicine, digital imaging, and lab diagnostics, which strengthens the overall efficiency and patient care across all locations.
• Mobile outreach innovation: Mobile veterinary units with built-in diagnostic equipment are reaching underserved areas, enabling clinics and communities to maintain animal wellness through advanced and inclusive care strategies.
• Food business adaptation: Local food businesses are leveraging digital platforms for supply chain traceability and real-time inventory tracking, enhancing recall response and minimizing food waste.
• Predictive analytics for demand: Companies use predictive analytics solutions like TELUS Agriculture to strategically plan according to consumer trends, strengthening market preparedness.
• Compliance automation: Automation has led to drastic reductions in missed compliance checks, with digital food safety logs minimizing violation risks for Amarillo food providers.
• Integrated patient records: Veterinary professionals report that comprehensive health records and automated alerts help ensure consistent care, improve follow-up on vaccines, and maintain animal wellness.

As Karen Rodriguez of the local veterinary team noted, integrated health records and automated alerts have led to better follow-up on vaccines and more consistent animal wellness, highlighting technology’s role in both care and compliance.

Whether you’re bringing your dog to a high-tech clinic like Swann or benefiting from the city’s mobile outreach units through university-community partnerships, these digital shifts are helping Amarillo’s service sectors set new standards in reliability and public trust.

The Amarillo Sod Poodles have brought a host of technology upgrades to HODGETOWN in 2025, focusing on improving both the fan experience and stadium operations.

One of the most significant changes is the installation of a high-tech, digital LED ribbon board below the suite level of the stadium, replacing the previous static signage and providing new opportunities for real-time updates and digital sponsorships.

The new VisuaLED RX1 board displays the score, inning, pitch count, and player statistics, while also giving local businesses more ways to reach fans during games (read more about the LED ribbon addition).

Beyond digital enhancements, HODGETOWN is also undergoing MLB-mandated upgrades for 2025, which include a full infield renovation and new stadium lighting. These improvements are designed to meet league compliance requirements and bring a safer, more enjoyable environment for everyone in attendance (learn more about these infrastructure upgrades).

• Digital LED ribbon board and dynamic scoreboard content are central to modernizing the fan experience for everyone at HODGETOWN.
• Stadium lighting and a complete infield renovation are planned to fully comply with MLB requirements and boost on-field safety.
• Digital engagement platforms via mobile and in-stadium sponsorships offer new interactive opportunities for fans and businesses.

Feature	Impact	Key Contact
LED Ribbon & Scoreboard	Real-time stats and enhanced visuals for fans and sponsors make games more engaging.	Richard Lopez
Field & Lighting Upgrades	MLB compliance ensures better player safety and an improved stadium atmosphere.	John Williams
Business Sponsorships	More marketing opportunities have emerged with the installation of advanced digital displays.	David Miller

“Installing state-of-the-art technology isn’t just about screens; it’s about bringing the community together and making Amarillo’s ballpark the best place to spend a night out.” – Richard Lopez

With installation completed before the 2024 season and further upgrades rolling into 2025, HODGETOWN continues to evolve as a modern venue for baseball and live events (see a full rundown of HODGETOWN’s new features).

These efforts aim to create a great atmosphere for families and ensure the Sod Poodles remain a community staple for years to come.

Amarillo’s digital momentum in 2025 goes beyond initial projections, showing how coordinated public and private investment can transform a city’s economic landscape.

Recent research indicates Amarillo’s tech sector is thriving, with a 15% growth rate this year and tech salaries ranging from $75,000 to $120,000, making the city attractive for both seasoned professionals and new talent.

Infrastructure investments - including a $24 million city-wide AT&T fiber project delivering up to 5 Gbps and a $38 million edge data center - have expanded digital access to 22,000 locations, directly supporting small business growth and the rollout of community apps like “Amarillo Connect” to engage residents and boost commerce read more.

Amarillo College, now graduating 1,000 tech professionals annually in fields like cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity, helps fill over 170 currently open IT positions across sectors, while coding bootcamps and networking events strengthen pipelines for local talent see details.

• Tech job creation: Over 2,500 new tech jobs are projected in 2025, strengthening Amarillo’s very low 2.5% unemployment and offering opportunity for residents, according to Elizabeth Lee.
• Incubator success: The Amarillo TechConnect Incubator currently supports 50+ ventures, has created 200+ jobs, and fosters a network of 500+ collaborative members, as highlighted by Linda Martin.
• AI advancements: AI integration has resulted in up to 25% efficiency gains for local businesses and a remarkable 98% diagnostic accuracy rate in healthcare, reported by Charles Thomas.

This digital growth isn’t limited to tech companies - new businesses and expansions from locally owned restaurants to advanced manufacturing signal broad economic vibrancy.

Major projects in agriculture tech, clean energy, aerospace, and retail - like the $510 million hydroponic facility and $1.5 billion rare-earth refinery - are making Amarillo a true industry and innovation hub economic update.

Amarillo’s blend of accessible education, expanding digital infrastructure, and a community-driven spirit gives other rural regions a clear path to follow in leveraging digital transformation for ongoing opportunity and growth.