Our People

People are the foundation

of our business

Our success comes from the proven value and commitment of our team members. At Five Rivers, we strive to provide our employees with a safe working environment, competitive wages and benefits, and an opportunity to be part of a winning team in our industry. We strive to model honesty, integrity, and professionalism within our organization.

Employees are encourged to maintain balanced lives and to grow and develop both personally and professionally. We are grateful for the communities in which we live and work and seek opportunities to participate in and support community events for the betterment of our neighbors and families.

Our People

Taylor was a Feedyard Trainee and has previously interned for Interstate two summers in a row. Taylor has been a huge asset to Interstate’s team. She is passionate about the beef industry because of the sense of responsibility and purpose it gives her. When Taylor is not at work, you can find her with her two pups Buddy and Doc who go everywhere with her. (And yes, she HAS looked into their employment eligibility.) Taylor enjoys reading and doing all kinds of outdoor activities and cheering for her Alma Mater, the University of Idaho Vandals.

Taylor Dixon

Assistant Feed Manager at Interstate Feeders

Jesus has been a part of our team for over five years, and he enjoys the challenge of accurately flaking corn to meet the daily starch target. Beyond keeping high-quality feed churning out of the mill, Jesus loves spending time with his family. He especially loves being with his grandchildren.

Jesus Castillo

Roll Operator at Grant County Feeders

Fletcher is passionate about animal welfare and takes great pride in participating in such a necessary and often overlooked industry. He says the good steaks are a great benefit, too!  Outside of work, Fletcher and his wife, Ellie, enjoy spending time outdoors and working horses.

Fletcher Mashburn

Assistant General Manager at Colorado Beef

Kevin joined our team in October 2024 and has been an outstanding addition.
When asked what he enjoys about his job, Kevin replied that he is passionate about being a contributing factor to feeding millions of families across the globe.
Recently, he proposed to his girlfriend of eight years, and they are now happily engaged, living in Northern Colorado!

Kevin Meyer

Shipping, Receiving and Processing Manager at Gilcrest Feedlot

Olivia joined us in June of 2021 as a market and risk analyst after her summer internship. When asked what she enjoys about the beef industry, Olivia answered, “The people and culture of continual improvement towards a common goal drive my passion for the cattle industry.” Olivia is the fifth generation of a diversified cattle feeding and grain operation in Illinois. 

Olivia Wilrett

Corporate Market Analyst

Ramon has been a part of our #FiveRiversFamily for seven years and has been passionate about cattle feeding his entire life. He studied veterinary medicine in Mexico and grew up on a ranch, working with cattle and horses, which became a big part of his life. In his free time, Ramon enjoys roping, hiking with his wife and their dog, and he really enjoys taking pictures of the nature around him.

Ramon Real Valdez

Cattle Department Manager at McElhaney Feeders

Manuel Loya consistently demonstrates an outstanding attitude and exceptional work ethic. With more than 30 years of experience on the Pen Rider crew, he brings unmatched knowledge and skill to his role. Manuel is an excellent coach, teacher, and trainer who is always willing to share his expertise and support others’ growth.

Manuel Loya

Employee of the Year - Cattle Department

Francisco is an exceptional part of the mill team at Coronado. He consistently arrives with a great attitude and contributes positively to overall morale. Francisco is always ready to jump in and troubleshoot issues, helping get the mill back up and running quickly. He demonstrates strong leadership in our maintenance program and can fill any role when needed.  Francisco is instrumental in training new hires and promoting safe work practices, including winning first place in the TCFA safety contest for his original safety improvement idea.

Fransisco Padilla

Employee of the Year - Mill Department

Zeferino began his career at Colorado Beef in 1998 as a tank washer and irrigator, taking on demanding work with minimal help. His strong work ethic caught the attention of leadership, leading him into the cattle department as a doctor, where he worked for 10 years during some challenging periods in cattle feeding.

In 2018, Zeferino transitioned to the yard department, where he became known for immaculate equipment care and exceptional pen cleaning. Zeferino has selflessly dedicated himself to cattle care, consistently working safely and without complaint. Dedication, teamwork, and ownership are just a few of the qualities that define Zeferino.

Zeferino Cadenas

Employee of the Year - Yard Maintenance Department

Fernando Zamora has dedicated 17 years to Five Rivers as a feed truck driver. He is committed to accurate and timely feed delivery and has eagerly taken on the responsibility of training new team members, passing along both technical skills and hard-earned lessons. Fernando sets the standard for pride in equipment care — you won’t find his truck in disarray. In addition to his technical skill, Fernando has earned the trust and respect of both management and teammates by living out the Five Rivers values of humility, honesty, open-mindedness, and resiliency. 

Fernando Zamora

Employee of the Year - Feed Department

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