"CowBelle of the Year"

Tuesday the Butte County Cattlewomen honored

Sarah DeForest as our "Cowbelle of the Year"

not only for what Sarah offers to our county unite,

but what she does for the cattle industry as a whole.

Sarah grew up in ranching in Northern California and

Southern Oregon. Her father Tom, worked for various

ranches while mom Kathy looked after their growing

herd of commercial cattle, plus Sarah and her sister

Becky. Both girls learned and help with all aspects

of ranching life. Sarah's mom was involved with the

Lake County Oregon CowBelles, so both girls grew up

going to Beef Promotions and Cattlemen's and

Cattlewomen's events.

Sarah, Kathy, Grandma Grace DeForest and Tom

While in high school Sarah became very involved with

FFA. (Future Farmer of America) She attended college

at Chico State University majoring in Agriculture.

A freshman honors student and became involved in the

Young Cattlemen's Association. Grandma Grace

encouraged Sarah to enter the Yuba-Sutter County

Cattlewomen "Beef Ambassador Contest", where

she went on to place fourth in the national contest

in San Antonio, Texas. This encouraged Sarah to continue

in public speaking and added Communication as a minor.

Upon graduation form Chico in 2000, Sarah was hired

by the California Beef Council. Fast forward, today she is

the Director of Development for the School of

Agriculture at Chico State University.

Sarah remains involved with her parent's cattle operation

in Adin, CA. and is currently the CA. State Beef

Ambassador Chairperson. Sarah DeForest is not only

a great ambassador and spokesperson for the beef

industry, but is one of the finest people you will ever meet.