Jason Sawyer, PhD

Chief Science Officer

Jason Sawyer is the Chief Science Officer for East Foundation, where he leads the Science mission of the Foundation, integrating research programs within the Foundation’s ongoing ranching operations to develop translatable knowledge and innovative solutions for stewards of working lands.

Jason has over 20 years of experience in applied research and management, where he has led and coordinated applied research in livestock production systems in both intensive and extensive settings. His primary interests are the development of strategies to enhance the sustainability of beef production systems, the application of nutritional strategies in these systems, and the development of valid indicators of sustainable production.

Previously, Jason served as Associate Professor and Research Scientist at the King Ranch® Institute for Ranch Management, where he worked to develop innovative solutions in ranching systems. He has also served in research, teaching, and management roles at Texas A&M University’s Department of Animal Science and the McGregor Research Center, and in research and extension roles at New Mexico State University’s Clayton Livestock Research Center.

Jason has a B.S. in Rangeland Ecology and Ranch Management from Texas A&M University, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Range Nutrition and Beef Cattle Management, both from New Mexico State University. He has authored or co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed and invited publications, over 250 abstracts, proceedings, and technical reports, and given over 125 presentations at meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Jason and his wife Alison have a daughter, Abby, and two sons, Jack and Joshua. They enjoy the outdoors and time with family and friends.