When organizers of a state employee cow milking contest needed a senator to compete, Sine Kerr was the natural choice.

“The pressure’s on because I am a dairy farmer, so everyone expects me to win it or do very well,” Kerr said.

But her chances at winning the State Employees Charitable Campaign's second annual milking contest were thrust into jeopardy just days before Thursday’s competition.

It was early Tuesday morning, around 3 a.m., when Kerr awoke to a startling pain. A scorpion stung her just below her left thumb — her milking thumb.

Kerr and her husband jumped out of bed, turned on the lights and searched for the scorpion, who was hiding under the sheets.

“My husband was like, ‘Find him and smash him,’” Kerr recalled.

Before they did, she captured a photo, which was shared on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

For Kerr, who’s lived in Arizona since 1964, the scorpion sting couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time. She is a dairy farmer, and she has a competition to win.

Luckily, she's made a speedy recovery. The pain had subsided about 15 hours after the bite, and despite a bit of numbness, she’s “feeling much better.”

“I think I will be more than ready for tomorrow’s competition,” Kerr said.

The sting isn't her only obstacle, though: Kerr may be a dairy farmer, but she's never actually milked a cow with her own two hands.

They have machines for that now.

“I did get a couple lessons from my son and my husband," she said. "I think I’m all geared up and ready to go.”

The competition is hosted by the Arizona Department of Agriculture. Kerr, who is representing the Senate will go up against Rep. David Cook, who will milk for the House; and 12 agency directors.

Whoever has the most milk in their bucket at the end of two minutes wins.

Prior to the contest, attendees can vote for who they think will win. Each pledge costs $1, and all proceeds go toward SECC. Whoever votes correctly will be entered in a drawing to win Omaha Steaks or Killian Beef.

Kerr, in her first year competing, admits the competition will be stiff.

Last year’s champion was Mark Killian, the director of the department of agriculture, and “he knows what he’s doing,” Kerr said.

“I’m just really excited about it. Of course, everything goes for a great cause."