Texas’ rich agricultural heritage depends heavily on private landowners, who manage over 93% of the state’s land. The East Foundation — a 217,000-acre working cattle operation in South Texas — has become a pioneering leader in advocating for land stewardship, science-based ranching, and education. Recognized as the nation’s first Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), the Foundation blends hands-on ranching with cutting-edge research to support sustainable cattle operations, wildlife conservation (like protecting the endangered ocelot), and leadership development for future generations.
Their efforts help ranchers navigate challenges like drought, invasive species, and endangered wildlife — while training students, interns, and future policymakers through impactful programs and partnerships.
Why does it matter? Ranching is often left out of big economic conversations, but it's a $97.9 billion industry. The East Foundation is proving that smart, science-driven stewardship isn’t just good for the land — it’s essential to Texas’ future.
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https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2025/04/01/rancher-profile-east-foundation.html