There is a benefit to having an older family member around to help steer and guide the next generation in showing livestock. But for twins Tatum and Taylor McGlothin they have triple the information, triple the input, and triple the instruction.

The McGlothin girls from Ray County are part of Phillips-Renner Farms. As they washout their Hereford heifers after a show at the Missouri State Fair there are three sets of eyes to help them know just where they missed a spot. Their mom, Angela Phillips, along with their aunts Amanda Phillips and Amy Phillips gather around.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: Twins Taylor and Tatum McGlothin work together to wash their Hereford heifers at the Missouri State Fair. Once they complete their work, they can often be found spending time with friends in the barns.

"It is about family," Amy says. "It is about challenging the next generation to learn more than just cattle, to learn about showing livestock and how to interact with other people."

Amy manages her own 25 head of cows as well as 20 more on partnership at the family farm near Richmond. She encouraged her nieces to get involved in the show cattle industry. The two started showing three years ago.

Now, the Millville 4-H members are seasoned showmen. They take part in not only the Missouri State Fair, but also Missouri Junior Hereford Association exhibitions.

Family mentors

While Amy, Amanda and Angela stand at the wash rack, they do not jump in and complete the work for the girls. "It is a good way to put some responsibility on them," Amanda says. "It is a really good learning experience that we learned as sisters and want them to take part in as well."

Tatum finds that washing heifers can be refreshing. "It actually feels really good on a hot day," she says. "It is fun to work with them."

GETTING CLEAN: Taylor McGlothin washes out her heifer's tail, which removes the adhesive. Taylor along with her twin sister, Tatum, took part in the recent Missouri State Fair.

While sometimes the work is not fun, the girls enjoy showing. However, they admit that walking around the state fair and hanging with friends is a great part of the showing livestock experience.

Angela has seen her children grow through their hard work. "It is just an overall good experience for them," she notes. "They learn by doing."