He earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University in 1999, his master’s in animal science from West Texas A&M University in 2002, and his doctorate in animal nutrition with an emphasis on beef cattle nutrition from Oklahoma State University in 2005. While pursuing his master’s, Banta worked as an Extension assistant in Amarillo where he was heavily involved in the Ranch to Rail North program.

Professional memberships include the American Society of Animal Science, the Plains Nutrition Council, and the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists.