Top Dollar Angus welcomes new team member Andrea Rutledge as Operations Specialist

Andrea Rutledge was raised on a fifth-generation farm and ranch in north central Montana near Big Sandy, where she continues to maintain the family traditions today. From a young age, this experience drove her passion for the beef industry, motivating her to gain every type of experience she could.      

During high school, she spent time on the Montana State FFA officer team. She also shadowed reproduction specialist, Dr. Casey Solomon DVM, fostering her love for beef cattle reproduction. Attending Montana State University was an easy choice for Andrea. Understanding that more experience was key, she took a position at the MSU research ranch. While in college, an opportunity to serve on the Junior Red Angus Board of Directors allowed Andrea the opportunity to work with seedstock breeders and peers to gain a better understanding of the beef seedstock industry.     

After her two terms on the JRA board, Andrea participated in an internship with us at Top Dollar Angus in 2020. During that time, she worked directly with our Seedstock and Feeder partners promoting the Top Dollar Angus message. Looking to further her knowledge, she then had spent time interning with R.A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton, TX, gaining hands-on experience, and learning the ins and outs of a working seedstock operation. Focusing on data collection and customer service for R.A. Brown provided even more knowledge to be used in her next role in the industry.    

In 2021, Andrea graduated with a degree in Animal Science from MSU, with a focus on livestock management. She was fortunate enough to return to the industry and help with the family ranch after graduation. Andrea also had the opportunity to work for Ranchers Connecting Ranchers as an independent contractor. Her role focused on verifying feeder cattle for programs such as SAV, NHTC and all-natural beef.      

Andreas says, “I have always believed in the mission of Top Dollar Angus. I am extremely excited to be working with producers across the country, helping creating success for our partners.”     

“Andrea’s proven experience in both the seedstock and program verification sectors of industry coupled with an unmatched passion for agriculture made her a natural fit to manage our day-to-day operations,” according to Nate Smith, general manager, Top Dollar Angus. “We are excited to have her working alongside us in her new role.” 

Source: Top Dollar Angus Press Release