Jonathon Beckett
Associate Professor
Cal Poly State University

Jon has been on faculty in the Animal Science Department at Cal Poly State University since 1998. In his role as Associate Professor, Jon teaches courses in Beef Cattle Production, Domestic Animal Endocrinology and Data Analysis. In addition, Jon conducts research trials to evaluate the implementation of new technologies for California livestock producers, and supervises the livestock operations at Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch. Jon enjoys overseeing Cal Poly students as they learn to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to Swanton's 500-head yearling cattle operation, and small cow/calf herd.

Jon grew up on a farm in central Wisconsin, and attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. After working at 3M in St. Paul, MN, as a chemist, Jon attended graduate school at UC Davis, where he received his M.S. in Animal Science and Ph.D. in Endocrinology. Jon's dissertation project involved investigating the role of nutrition in regulating reproductive function in females.

After graduating from UC Davis, Jon accepted a position as Assistant Professor at Middle Tennessee State University. Jon was able to develop skills in teaching, while learning livestock production in the Southwest US. Following his experience at MTSU, Jon accepted his current position at Cal Poly State University. Jon maintains relationships with industry groups, and currently serves as a technical advisor of the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association.

Jon and his wife, Debbie, have three young daughters, ages 9, 7 and 3, and live in Atascadero, CA. Debbie is a part-time lecturer at Cal Poly, and teaches courses in Applied Animal Embryology. Jon and Debbie also conduct research trials to develop effective methods of genetic testing of bovine embryos. In his spare time, Jon enjoys woodworking and gardening.