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their daughter Piper is currently exhibiting a heifer that was Champion Bred-and-Owned at Louisville and Oklahoma City that is from that same family line. After finishing her college years at Towson University, Cortney worked as a High School Freshman and Sophomore History and Government teacher. When Cortney and Tyler got married, Cortney’s parents followed her to Indiana from Maryland to stay close as she was their only child. Today, Tyler and Cortney run both Cates Farms and Sunrise Sunset Farms. Cates Farms focuses on the Shorthorn breed while Sunrise Sunset Farms is Registered Angus. They run as few cattle as they possible can as they are limited on pasture ground being surrounded by corn and bean fields. They focus strictly on breeding heifers and do all IVF. Each year on Labor Day they hold their annual Star Search sale. Originally, Brian Cates, Tyler’s dad, would come up with a theme for their annual sale including everything from boxing to golf. When they finally landed on “Star Search” the name stuck One person who has been very influential to Cates Farms is John Sullivan. Right after meeting Tyler, he partnered with them on their bull CF Solution for above asking price. He became a top customer for Cates Farms and established a friendship that they have carried with them over
the years. Many people have gone on to find success for themselves who have worked for Cates Farms. From Tim Schaeffer to Jared Boyert. While they obviously had natural talent and skills of their own, the two things Tyler hopes they picked up from them was work ethic and how to treat people. “Outwork everyone and if you want to stay in business, treat people right.” The Cates family cares about their customers and is humbled to have influenced some of the top names in their respective breeds. “My favorite part is when I see people have success with their purchases. Seeing young people go on and be successful with cattle that they buy, that’s reassuring that you’re doing something right.” Tyler said. Everything at Cates Farms and Sunrise Sunset Farms was built from the ground up. As a family, Tyler and Cortney along with their daughter Piper have dedicated their lives to improving genetics in both the Shorthorn and Angus breeds. They are heavily involved in both breeds. Outside of work on their operation, Cortney along with Paige Arnold currently run the American Angus Auxiliary and Tyler can be found judging shows all across the country. Tyler and Cortney’s passion for cattle and the Agriculture industry is evident in the life they have built together. ●
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