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Cultivating Minds and Livestock, A Journey in Agricultural Education: Meet Damion Turner
We are proud to feature Damion Turner in our Education Spotlight Series. As State Beef Cattle Specialist at Prairie View A&M University and founder of Turnt Up Livestock and Horses, he inspires students and supports communities, shaping the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
Tell us about your personal journey.
I’m Damion, a proud native of the small town of Rockdale, Texas — a place where hard work, family, and a deep connection to the land are part of everyday life. My journey in agriculture began early. At just 3 years old, I got my first heifer, and that moment sparked a lifelong passion for livestock. By age 5, I was already showing livestock, setting the foundation for a career and lifestyle that has taken me across the country. During high school, I balanced my passion for agriculture with athletics. I was a state high jump champion and had the honor of serving on the Texas State 4-H Council — two experiences that taught me discipline, leadership, and perseverance.
My college journey began on a track and field scholarship at the University of Iowa, but my passion for agriculture led me to transfer to West Texas A&M University. There, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education, with a double minor in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. While at West Texas A&M, I stayed active as a member of the football team and the collegiate livestock judging team. I later went on to earn my master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to build an extensive career in agricultural education that has allowed me to serve in a variety of roles at some of the nation’s leading universities. I’ve worked at Oregon State University, Louisiana State University, Texas A&M University, South Dakota State and currently, Prairie View A&M University, where I serve as the State Beef Cattle Specialist for the Cooperative Extension Program. In each of these positions, I have been dedicated to educating and mentoring students, building livestock programs, and supporting agricultural communities across the country.
Since 2001, I’ve also traveled across the United States as a professional livestock judge, clinician, and educator, sharing my knowledge and passion for livestock evaluation, youth development, and agricultural leadership.
Outside of my academic and extension work, I’m the owner and operator of Turnt Up Livestock and Horses, a diverse operation that includes cow-calf production, commercial cattle, and show cattle and goats. It's more than a business — it's a reflection of my roots and a way to continue shaping the next generation of agriculture.
But above all, my greatest pride is being a father to my four boys — Tyson, Kamdon, Deacon, and Tucker. Watching them grow into their own, especially seeing Tyson complete his first year playing football at Texas Tech University, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
From a small-town beginning to a career that’s spanned multiple states and institutions, my journey has been guided by passion, purpose, and a commitment to giving back to the agricultural community that raised me.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
There have been several pivotal moments that really shaped the direction of my career and life, starting from a very early age. The first was when I received my first heifer at just 3 years old. That moment ignited a love for livestock that has never faded. I began showing livestock at 5, and that early involvement taught me responsibility, discipline, and how to work hard for something you're passionate about. That foundation has stuck with me throughout every phase of my life.
In high school, being a state high jump champion gave me the drive to compete at a high level, and serving on the Texas State 4-H Council exposed me to leadership, public speaking, and advocacy — skills that later became essential in my career as an educator and extension specialist.
Another major turning point was my transition during college. I started at the University of Iowa on a track and field scholarship but eventually transferred to West Texas A&M University where I could focus on agriculture. That decision put me on the path toward agricultural education, and being part of both the football team and the livestock judging team gave me a balanced experience in both leadership and technical skills. Earning my master’s from Texas A&M-Kingsville later reinforced that commitment and opened doors to more advanced opportunities in ag education and extension work.
Professionally, I have had the privilege of working at several outstanding universities — Oregon State, LSU, Texas A&M, South Dakota State and now Prairie View A&M — each one giving me different perspectives on how to educate and serve agricultural communities across the country. Those roles helped shape not only my teaching style, but also how I connect with producers, youth, and industry professionals.
Founding Turnt Up Livestock and Horses was also a major milestone. It’s not just a business — it’s a continuation of my roots. Running a cow-calf, commercial, and show stock operation keeps me grounded in the industry, and it allows me to bring real-world experience into the classroom and clinics.
And finally, fatherhood has been the most meaningful part of my journey. I have four sons — Tyson, Kamdon, Deacon, and Tucker — and watching them grow, especially seeing Tyson finish his first year playing football at Texas Tech, reminds me of the importance of legacy and mentorship. It’s about more than just raising livestock or teaching — it’s about shaping the future.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learned through your work?
Over the years, my work in agriculture, education, and extension has taught me some incredibly valuable lessons — not just about the industry, but about people and purpose.
First and foremost, relationships matter. Whether it's in the show ring, the classroom, or on a ranch, success comes down to the trust and respect you build with others. This field is about people as much as it is about livestock. The most rewarding moments in my career have come from helping students or young producers find their confidence, their passion, and their voice.
Second, there's no substitute for hard work and consistency. Agriculture doesn’t allow shortcuts. Whether you're preparing a show animal, developing a lesson plan, or managing a herd, it takes day-in and day-out dedication. That kind of work ethic has to be modeled — and it's something I try to pass on to every young person I mentor.
I’ve also learned the power of adaptability. This industry changes — whether it’s markets, weather, or technology — and being able to adjust while staying true to your principles is key. I’ve had to evolve how I teach, judge, and even how I run my own operation. Being flexible has helped me stay relevant and continue growing.
Another big lesson is that education is ongoing. I don’t care how long you’ve been in the industry — there’s always something new to learn. That’s why I value my experiences at different universities and across states. Every community teaches you something different, and staying teachable is what keeps you sharp.
And finally, legacy matters. I’ve realized that it’s not just about what you build — it’s about who you build it for. Whether it’s my own boys, or the countless young people I’ve worked with through 4-H, FFA, or collegiate programs — everything I do is about leaving this industry better than I found it.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
What drives me is a deep sense of purpose — to give back to an industry that’s given so much to me, and to open doors for others, especially those who may not always see themselves represented in this space.
I grew up in a small town where agriculture was a way of life, and from a young age, it shaped my character, my work ethic, and my vision for the future. But along the way, I also realized something important: there weren’t many people in this industry who looked like me. As one of the few African Americans in my field — especially in roles like livestock judging, teaching, and ag extension — I’ve carried not only my passion, but also a responsibility to be a visible example of what’s possible.
That’s a big part of what fuels me. I want young people — especially Black youth and other underrepresented groups — to see that they have a place in agriculture. I want them to know they can be leaders in this industry, not just participants. I’m also deeply motivated by the opportunity to help people grow. Whether it’s a student discovering their passion in the classroom, a 4-H kid winning their first belt buckle, or a rancher applying something we taught in Extension to improve their herd — that’s what keeps me going. Helping others succeed is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Being a father to four boys adds even more meaning to my work. I want them to see firsthand what it looks like to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to build something that lasts. Watching Tyson now at Texas Tech, chasing his dreams through football, reminds me that everything we do is about legacy.
At the end of the day, I’m here to make a difference — not just by teaching or judging, but by helping others see their own potential, even when the world doesn’t hand it to them. That’s the mark I want to leave.
What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite and uplift and inspire?
My highest hope for democracy is that it becomes a force that truly reflects and respects the diversity of the people it represents — not just in theory, but in action.
As someone who works in agriculture and education, and as one of the few African Americans in my field, I’ve seen firsthand the power of opportunity — and I’ve also seen what happens when opportunity isn’t equally available. Democracy, at its best, should be about leveling the playing field. It should be about creating systems where everyone — regardless of race, background, or zip code — has the chance to thrive, contribute, and lead.
I believe democracy has the power to unite us when we focus on shared values — hard work, fairness, freedom, and community. It can uplift by giving voice to those who’ve been overlooked and investing in education, rural communities, and youth development — all areas I care deeply about. And it can inspire when people see leaders who look like them, who speak to their experiences, and who are willing to listen and act with integrity.
I want my own children — and every young person I work with — to grow up in a country where they don’t feel like they have to “beat the odds” to succeed. My hope is that democracy becomes more than a system — that it becomes a promise we all work to keep: a promise of belonging, empowerment, and progress for everyone.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can play a powerful role in supporting leaders like myself by continuing to create platforms where underrepresented voices are not only heard, but valued, elevated, and connected to real opportunities.
As someone who has built a career in agriculture and education — fields where African American representation is still limited — one of the biggest challenges isn’t just access to resources, it’s access to networks, visibility, and mentorship. GlobalMindED can help bridge those gaps by fostering connections across industries, generations, and backgrounds.
Support also means amplifying the stories of leaders who come from rural communities, nontraditional paths, or who represent communities of color. Sharing those stories — and making them visible to young people and emerging professionals — helps shift the narrative about who belongs in leadership roles and what leadership can look like.
Additionally, GlobalMindED can continue to champion inclusive leadership development, funding for innovative community projects, and mentorship pipelines that support both personal growth and impact-driven work. For someone like me, who’s focused on youth development, agricultural education, and building legacy through both family and community — that kind of partnership is invaluable.
At the end of the day, leaders like me don’t want handouts — we want handshakes, partnerships, and platforms that allow us to grow our impact and bring others along with us. GlobalMindED has the reach and the vision to help make that happen.
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