Veronica Sartin struggles to get her son, Brett, to keep his bedroom clean. But the family barn remains tidy at all times. "You can really tell where he loves to spend his time," she says. "He is more concerned about his cattle and how nice it is where they sleep."

This is Brett's first year showing cattle. "My dad grew up showing Shorthorn cattle," explains the soon to be sixth grader at Fair Grove Elementary School, "so we both love red cows."

READY FOR THE SHOW: Brett Sartin chose Red Angus as first cattle breed to raise and show. He will be a part of the inaugural Red Angus Show at the Missouri State Fair. The fair kicks off today and runs through Aug. 21.

It is the SoRoCo 4-H Club member's first year raising Red Angus cattle. He became the first Missouri Junior Red Angus Association vice president. It is his first time attending the North American Junior Red Angus Event in Illinois. And it is his first local county fair livestock show. The young man from Polk County is full of "firsts" this year.

This month he will add another first to the list. Brett will exhibit at his first Missouri State Fair. To top it off he will be a part of the inaugural Missouri State Fair Red Angus Cattle Show.

Why Red Angus?

Red is Brett's favorite color. But his love for the breed goes beyond hue alone. "I've noticed that they are really muscular and deep in the ribs," he explains. "They make a good show heifer."

He notes that they are easy handling and gentle natured. "They are not too big or too small," he says. "It is a great breed to get started with and we are growing in numbers."

Brett has just four Red Angus heifers. "We are building our herd," he notes. He takes advice from his dad, Clint Sartin, to determine which bulls to use for artificial insemination. "We want to be able to show our calves," Brett adds. "We hope to have a few good ones next year."

For Veronica, showing is a great opportunity for her son to expand his friend circle.

Finding support

Already, the Sartin family traveled to Springfield, Ill., to participate in the North American Junior Red Angus America Event. "There were kids there as far away as Oregon," Brett notes. In all, more than 250 exhibitors participated in the national event.

"I was able to meet so many new kids from different states," he adds. "We all had at least one thing in common--showing Red Angus."

Still, the family points out that while meeting new people during shows are fun, exhibiting would not be possible without support at home.

Before hitting the road with their stock trailer in tow, the Sartins found help from local families. It has been a while since Brett's dad showed cattle. "A lot has changed over the years," Clint says.

He credits Fair Grove FFA Advisor Matt Crutcher for helping spur his son's interest in showing Red Angus. "Brett is not even in high school yet," Clint notes."Still, Mr. Crutcher comes over and teaches him how to clip and get is animal ready for shows. He doesn't have to but he does."

He also notes that Red Angus breeders like Dan Lacy, Sue Paslawski and Scott Bachman travel to watch Missouri junior breeders like Brett compete at shows. "It really means a lot to have them in the stands," Clint adds. "It shows our kids just how much they support them."

Life lessons

The Sartins had other children grow up around the farm, but none took to showing cattle quite like Brett. "You can tell this is what he enjoys," Veronica says. "His eyes light up around his heifers. He is becoming a talented young herdsman."

The tradeoff of a clean room everyday versus a clean barn is well worth it for both mom and dad. "He really enjoys being around the animals and in the barn," Veronica notes. "It is teaching him responsibility and putting his animals first," Clint adds.

The Missouri Red Angus Cattle Show is Wednesday, Aug. 17, starting at 8 a.m. in the Coliseum.