Dr. Sawyer teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in beef cattle science, including the ANSC 408 Stocker and Feeder Cattle Management and ANSC 606, Advancements in Beef Production and ANSC 608, Beef Cattle Management.

Through his joint appointment with the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Dr. Sawyer's research focuses on the nutrition and production efficiency of growing beef cattle. Specific research interests include efficiency of forage utilization, nutrient partitioning and beef cattle production systems.

Before joining the faculty at Texas A&M University, Dr. Sawyer was assistant professor and Extension beef cattle specialist at New Mexico State University's Clayton Livestock Research Center.

Professional memberships include the American Society of Animal Science, National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Society for Range Management.