McClaren Farms has been named the Official Smokehouse of Texas A&M Athletics, the brand announced following its debut at the Aggies' Red, White and Blue Game on September 12. The partnership marks an expansion of the relationship between Texas A&M and McClaren Farms' affiliate company, 44 Farms, which has served as the University's official beef partner since 2021. McClaren Farms will appear on LED signage at Kyle Field during home games throughout the season and has launched a video campaign across the 12th Man App, the athletics department's morning newsletter AggieAM, and student-athlete social channels.

Founder Ties to Aggie Community Bob McClaren, the brand's founder and a College Station native, serves as co-chair of the Kyle Field and Blue Bell Park redevelopment committees and established the 44 Farms International Beef Cattle Academy at Texas A&M. He raised two Aggies of his own. "Few institutions truly understand agriculture, and what it takes to do it right, like Texas A&M," McClaren said. "That's why this partnership means so much to us. Our mission at McClaren Farms is to take steakhouse-quality beef and make it something every family can put on their table. There's no better partner to share in that mission than the Aggie community, who champion and train generations of our country's incredible ranchers." Tom Severino, General Manager of Aggie Sports Enterprises, said the partnership reflects authentic alignment. "Great partnerships are built around authentic connections, and McClaren Farms brings a story and a product that resonate deeply with the Texas A&M community," Severino said. "We're excited to help bring McClaren Farms to the 12th Man as the Official Smokehouse of Texas A&M Athletics and create meaningful opportunities for Aggies to discover the brand."

Texas Smokehouse Line Now at 240+ Walmarts McClaren Farms introduced its Texas Smokehouse line at Walmart earlier this year, offering seven BBQ-centric cuts of USDA Prime and Choice Angus beef, including brisket, ribeye and burnt ends. The line is now available at more than 240 Walmart stores across Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. The beef is sourced from a network of more than 1,200 American ranchers across 38 states, all operating under what the brand describes as full transparency from pasture to plate. McClaren Farms traces its origins to Texas ranching traditions dating back to 1896.

Why It Matters

For retailers and foodservice operators, the partnership underscores the continued strength of regional beef marketing tied to University sports partnerships—a channel increasingly used by premium meat brands to build credibility and reach consumers in key geographic markets. The emphasis on rancher networks and transparency also reflects broader consumer demand for supply chain visibility in premium proteins.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors