Rock River Laboratory has announced the promotion of Katie Raver to animal nutrition technical services director. In her new role, Raver will oversee analysis methodology and research while managing overall service opportunities for the agricultural service provider.

Since joining Rock River Laboratory in 2021 as an animal nutrition and field support specialist, Raver has been a vital proponent of Rock River Laboratory’s expansion in the southwestern U.S. region and in new animal nutrition services like the Driver Program that monitors diet feedstuffs to help reveal economically impactful trends.

“We are thrilled to have Katie continue to use her vast nutrition experience and data analysis expertise to help guide our services and ultimately lead our progress in this arena,” shares Zachery Meyer, Rock River Laboratory CEO. “Her laboratory methodology skillset and ration-building knowledge allow her to expertly navigate troubleshooting for our clients, while keeping a pulse on where growth and research are needed to help us best serve the industry.”

Hailing from Eureka, Illinois, Raver earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science and ruminant nutrition, with a specialty in dairy at the University of Illinois. A desire to help producers and an interest in nutrition drove her to further her education, eventually earning her a master’s degree focusing on forage quality, also at the University of Illinois.

Raver grew her on-farm proficiency as a dairy field technical specialist, gaining experience in both agronomy and beef nutrition postgraduation. Now residing in Texas for the last 10 years, Raver has a firm understanding of both Midwestern and Southwestern agriculture and the challenges and opportunities these regions and their feedstuffs present to producers, nutrition consultants and the animals within their care.

—From a Rock River Laboratory news release