Bonnie Johnson
September 25, 2025
Media ArticleCara Trotter Itle, a field representative and FARM Program inspector for United Dairy, is the 2025 recipient of the Jan Harding Ruslavage Memorial Service and Promotion Award.
The award, created in 2024 to honor the memory and service of Janet Harding Ruslavage, recognizes a Pennsylvania resident between 18 and 30 who shows outstanding commitment to dairy promotion and service.
“My mom was a promoter for dairy all her life, and she was a role model for many young ladies over the years. She felt promotion and service to the industry was important, and we are proud that this award was established with donations from many individuals across the industry to recognize exemplary service and promotion to the industry,” said Jeff Harding on behalf of the Harding family.
“We are proud to present this award to Cara. She is extremely active in the dairy industry. Along with working as a field representative and FARM Program inspector for United Dairy, Cara volunteers' countless hours to advocate for and promote the Guernsey breed, Golden Guernsey Milk, and the broader dairy industry,” said Judy Ligo, who joined her brother Jeff in presenting the award.
Itle grew up on her family’s farm in Enon Valley, Lawrence County, and now lives in Loretto, Cambria County, with her husband Simon and their three daughters. She serves as secretary and acting treasurer for Naturally Golden Family Farms, a cooperative marketing “Naturally Golden” branded milk, cheese curds, and yogurt. She manages invoicing, product sales, and marketing while promoting the Golden Guernsey trademark among local breeders.
“Receiving the Jan Harding Memorial Award is an incredible honor that deeply humbles me. To be recognized in the spirit of someone who gave so much with quiet strength and compassion means more than words can express,” Itle shared.
“I hope to carry forward Jan’s legacy by continuing to lead with integrity, kindness, and a commitment to community. I also want to thank my family for their unwavering support in everything I do — your encouragement means the world to me.”
Cara also organizes dairy events, including the first-ever dairy product competition for the American Guernsey Association’s Golden Guernsey Committee, and represents her cooperative in contests such as the Northeast Dairy Product Innovation Contest, where they were a Top 10 finalist with their All Natural A2 Creamer.
Itle received a $3,000 cash prize and recognition at the annual Pennsylvania Dairy Princess State Pageant, highlighting her ongoing work to inspire and support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.
Photo by: www.centerfordairyexcellence.org
