Rob Rutherford is the sheep specialist for Cal Poly's animal science department. He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural education and his standard secondary teaching credential from University of California at Davis and a master's degree in general agriculture from Cal Poly.

Rutherford is responsible for sheep operations in the animal science department. As sheep specialist, he advises the commercial ewe, ram and lamb feedlot enterprises. Rutherford teaches classes in sheep management, issues in animal agriculture and holistic management. In addition to these responsibilities, Rutherford is involved with issues relating to resource management. He has developed interdisciplinary relationships to improve student opportunities in the area of range management.

Rutherford is a board member and President of the California Wool Growers Association, Chairman of the California Sheep Commission and a member of the California Range Management Advisory Committee.