The Red Angus Association of America is pleased to announce the addition of two new team members along with a promotion in the value-added department. Ariana De La Garza of Greeley, Colorado, joined the DNA department as a DNA customer service specialist. Lauren Weingardt of Oxford, Iowa, is also a new value-added programs specialist.

De La Garza graduated from Kansas State University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a focus in communications and marketing. At K-State, she was an active member of the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Club, Block and Bridle and Sigma Alpha and was on the 2015 meat judging team. De La Garza grew up participating in the American Gelbvieh Junior Association and is a member of the American Gelbvieh Association. She is returning to the cattle industry after serving the oil and gas industry as a consultant.

"The future of the DNA department at RAAA is bright,” says Lindsay Upperman, Ph.D., director of breed improvement. “Ariana's experience in the seedstock sector, coupled with her drive for wanting to help cattle producers achieve their goals, will be an important asset to the department. We look forward to introducing her to the membership in the coming months.”

Weingardt brings more than five years of experience in leadership and supervisory roles to the Red Angus team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Colorado State University. Weingardt brings a wealth of experience from working for Cargill Cattle Feeders, Producers Feedlot, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Big Country Seeds and D&R Feed.

“I am very excited to have Lauren join the value-added department,” says Jeananne Drouhard, value-added department team lead. “Her background and experience will be an asset to our team and producers. You can look forward to visiting with Lauren when enrolling your future calf crop.”

With six years of experience at RAAA, Jeananne Drouhard, Danville, Kansas, has been promoted to the value-added department team lead. Drouhard started in the registration department and helped with shows. She transitioned into the value-added department in 2020.