Terren Moore
In celebration of Black History Month, we have partnered with some astounding cowboys and cowgirls of color to share their impact on the industry.
Terren Moore was raised in the piney woods of East Texas in Winona with a supportive family who stood by his side in all his ventures - whether it was music, sports, or starting his first farm. Terren attended Tyler Junior College on a band scholarship and transferred to Tarleton State University after earning his bachelor's degree in agricultural services and development.
Following college, he worked for Texas Farm Bureau Insurance then started his own insurance agency, Moore Farms & Insurance, with the mission to "Feed & Protect." He is the president of Greenville Kiwanis Club and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Beyond his career, Terren enjoys playing drums and piano for churches in the area and is grateful to see many sides of life.
Image by Meghann Lee Photography
What does Black History Month mean to you?
“I started farming when I was 15 and quickly realized I was one of the only black farmers around. At first, it was a little uncomfortable being the only black guy at every event, but I was very welcomed by white folks. Today I have mentors both black and white, city and rural. I worked for a white man cleaning horse stalls, and he quickly realized my passion for agriculture. After cleaning his stalls all summer, he actually gifted me with my first plow. Instead of celebrating one month, I want to celebrate the relationships I have built over the years with black, white, Mexican, and Asian. Relationships are everything to me!”
What is your favorite part about the western lifestyle?
“As I was flying to visit some friends who ranch in Idaho, I was seated next to some people headed to a Western fashion conference. They saw my cowboy hat, and we hit it off! We shared stories of how we started our businesses and all the people we have met along the way. The people I was headed to see in Idaho are actually first-generation ranchers who now graze over 100,000 acres. We met on social media, and I have visited them three times last year. The Western lifestyle is a lifestyle of unity.”
What cowboy values do you live by?
“I have had the opportunity to work alongside many cowboys, ranchers, and farmers. One thing we all have in common is the ability to bounce back. When you get bucked off, when you lose a calf, or when you lose your crop, we bounce back. We accept the challenge and learn from our mistakes. I believe people involved in all walks of agriculture carry this trait, the bounce-back mentality.”
What is the legacy you hope to leave behind?
“People always have nice things to say about people at funerals. “They loved their family, they would do anything for anyone,” etc. I want to be remembered when I am alive. I want to create an impact, so I am remembered when I am living.
Work ethic is very important to me. I continue training my mind to always push forward in difficult times. I think what people consider difficult times today are very soft compared to 100 years ago. I think we have it made here in America.
When people think of positivity and the ability to bounce back, I hope they think of Terren Moore. I hope to raise children someday who are God-fearing and understand how to work with people. If you have a good work ethic and a heart to serve, you can do anything you want in this country.
I believe that. Others first.”