Dr. DeMetris Reed, Jr. : African Americans in Agriculture Spotlight Series
It’s been a delight to present the African Americans in Agriculture Spotlight Series to you. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading as much as I’ve enjoyed giving. We wrap up our Spotlight Series with Dr. DeMetris Reed, Jr., an Assistant Professor in Animal Sciences at Sul Ross State University. Let’s dive in.
Dr. Reed, please tell us what Agriculture means to you and how it affects your everyday life?
Agriculture means family, health, freedom, influential, provider, grower, the lifeblood of the world. It affects me daily as agriculture was and still is a scar on the black psyche, but remember that our ancestors were the great farmers and ranchers before and after Emancipation. Agriculture means remembering our history, preserving the legacy, and improving our position at the table when it comes to industry issues.
Please give us a little background of your introduction into agriculture. What was/is your agricultural inspiration or influence?
I started out showing animals (poultry) in school for the county fair. Still, the family has always been involved in Agriculture, from a small garden to large watermelon patches. My inspiration is my family, learning about my Great great-grandparents and how they were agriculturalists and their influence in the black community.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
The hands-on interaction and being able to show and tell the theory in real-time.
What is it like being an African American in Agriculture in today’s society?
It is a struggle, but I wouldn't trade it. We work to fight the agriculture industry's mostly white stereotypes, but we are here and making a difference.
Many of the statistics show that the number of African Americans in Agriculture has declined drastically over the years. Why is this? What are some ways we can reverse this trend?
Ethnic groups identified as Black are less likely to venture into agricultural career paths due to historically negative presumptions associated with agriculture—- the stereotypes that it’s all cows, sows, and plows in the heat and that you don’t make money. We can reverse this by introducing agriculture at a younger age and implementing schools with half days on the farm or ranch. We should also create a better support system for those already in the industry to show that we have each others’ back.
What words of encouragement or advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in Agriculture?
NEVER GIVE UP OR GIVE IN. Even when you feel alone in this industry, always know someone you can call and talk to. Students don’t let the class get in the way of your education. Don’t bind yourself to a classroom, but yet, take every job opportunity, conference, internship, externship, etc. Take the opportunities to get out of school to make yourself valuable. Network. Make connections. Strive to be 120% in all that you do so that when you leave wherever you are, you leave a space with them, knowing that you filled it.
Any additional words you’d like to share?
”Revolution is based on land. Land is the basis of all independence. Land is the basis of freedom, justice, and equality.” - Brother Malcolm X
Dr. DeMetris Reed, Jr.
Assistant Professor in Animal Sciences
(Meat Science, Carcass Evaluation, Sausage Production, Meat Technology, Meat Judging, Livestock Slaughter Inspection, and Que-Linary Arts (Art of West Texas BBQ).
Grill Master
Alpine, TX (by way of Dobbin, TX)
Email: ddr19ga@sulross.edu
