Q&A with Sarah Cate Orr, the 2021 Tennessee Hereford Queen

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I have lived in the small community of Jones Mill, Tennessee my whole life. Some of my earliest memories are of helping my grandmother with bottle calves. Although I have always lived in a rural, farming community, showing cattle did not become a part of my life until I was 16.

In 1972, my grandparents were given a bred Polled Hereford as a wedding gift from my great-grandfather’s herd. By the time I was old enough to express my own interest in cattle, my grandmother’s health began to decline. My grandparents eventually had to scale back on farming and sell their Herefords. I can clearly remember this being a heartbreaking time for them.

I struggled most of my childhood, trying to find my place. My parents enrolled me in every activity you can think of. I never could find where I felt I belonged. Fun fact, I have learned how to play 5 musical instruments. So, when people wonder why I did not get involved in showing until I was 16, it was because I was trying all those other things!

How did you get involved in the Hereford industry?

When I finally did talk my parents into helping me get my first 4-H steer, everyone realized I had found my place. Shortly after purchasing my steer, I had the opportunity to purchase my first heifer. This is how I met the Young Brothers in Springville, Tennessee. The Youngs have gone above and beyond what most breeders do for their customers. I clearly did not know what I was doing, but I had a passion. I am thankful they were willing to help me build on that.

Since that first heifer, I have purchased two more from the Youngs. One of them has had a beautiful heifer calf. We have had a successful embryo harvest and are anxiously awaiting the results of that as well. We lost my grandmother this past December. I am so thankful she was able to see me start to build my own Hereford herd. I know it was special to her that I chose this breed to raise and exhibit.

What do you hope to accomplish as the THA Queen?

I know that my history/story looks different than other THA Queens and that is a big part of what I hope to accomplish. I want to be inclusive to anyone new to this industry or breed. If someone hadn’t been willing to take a chance on me, at the age of 16, the Tennessee Hereford Association would have one less breeder today and I guess I would still be trying to find my place in the world. I think we have to be open to letting new people in. Some people have more passion than they do heritage and that is okay.

What is your favorite Hereford memory?

One of my favorite memories is from my first Tennessee State Beef Expo in 2019. One of the great things about being new to something is not knowing what to expect. I actually won Champion Hereford Heifer at that show and got 5th Overall Heifer. Governor Lee was in my backdrop picture. I was interviewed on a TV show. It was crazy! That whole day was surreal, mainly because I walked into it with no expectations. Can you tell our readers about some of the Hereford activities that you are currently involved in?

I attended my first Tennessee State Hereford Show in 2019. In 2020 I attended Hereford Junior Nationals in Kansas City. My mind was blown at the size of that show! Even at an event that large, I made some of my closest friends. I will be attending the NJHA Faces of Leadership Conference later this month in OKC.

What are your future education and/or career plans?

I will be off to Oklahoma State University in the fall. I have a few different careers in mind, so I am not sure what the future will hold on that front. One thing is for certain, my future will always have Herefords in it.