Rebecca Mettler of Sanger, Texas, joined the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) this spring as special projects coordinator, a new position created to serve the RAAA’s increased emphasis on data collection as well as the anticipated growth of DNA data processing. Mettler, part of the Member Services team, handles member-submitted DNA samples and answers related questions for Red Angus members.
Mettler was raised on a 400-head cow-calf operation in southwest Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo., with dual majors in Animal Science and Ag Journalism. At “Mizzou,” Mettler competed on the livestock judging team and interned with the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA). Following graduation, she worked at the Joplin Regional Stockyards in Carthage, Mo. She and her husband, Brant, recently moved to Texas.
“Rebecca was excited to join the staff at RAAA and it shows in her commitment to assist stakeholders and understand the challenges of the evolving world of DNA technology,” said RAAA Director of Member Services Kenda Ponder. “Outside of her involvement with the DNA in-house processes, she will have a key role with other special projects within the Member Services department. Her background and education will be an asset to RAAA’s future.”
Mettler’s main duties include receiving DNA samples from Red Angus stakeholders and submitting those samples to the lab for the 50K Discovery Population project and parentage, parent verification and genetic defect testing. She is also the go-to staffer if a member has a question on filling out the DNA Sample Submission form and the accompanying rules for each specific test.
In the future, her duties will expand to assisting with carcass data collection projects and other research endeavors.
Mettler’s advice for producers submitting DNA samples is to make sure that they are sending in quality samples and completed forms. “Quality samples have not been a major issue, however it’s just one point that could slow down the process,” she said. “We continue to perfect the processes of having DNA in house.”
Mettler’s life-long involvement and passion for the cattle industry along with her internship at MCA prepared her well for her job at RAAA. When Mettler and her husband moved to Texas and she realized they were in close proximity to the national office, she made working for RAAA her goal.
“I’m very excited to be in contact with Red Angus stakeholders and I hope to help them out as much as possible with their DNA sample submissions,” said Mettler.
She may be contacted at (940) 387-3502 or via e-mail at rebecca@redangus.org.
