NOVINGER, MO. -- Meet 18-year-old Seth Walters of Novinger. He has been involved with raising and showing cattle since he was 8 years old in 4-H. He got interested in this type of agriculture due to his long family history of taking care of cattle and helping out on his grandparents’ farm.

“It was the way I was brought up and a lot of my beliefs. I didn’t want to have a town job or whatever. I’ve always liked being in the farm and being around the animals. It’s being able to be outside and not have to be in an office all day.” Said Walters.

When Seth joined FFA as a freshman at Adair County R-1, he began to show his steers at fairs and has received many awards and recognition.

“In 2009, I had a shorthorn steer named Pete. I took him to Springfield, IL to Shorthorn Jr. Nationals. I won Reserve Champion Steer there. This year with my steer Carmac, I’ve been to Wisconsin and Lincoln, NE. I’ve been to shows in Columbia. I’ve been to shows all over Northern Missouri and around here.”

Seth’s proudest moment came just in mid-August when he won Champion Purebred and Reserve Champion at the 2011 Missouri State Fair.

“'I knew my steer was good. I didn't know how good he was though. I was surprised that I did that well. I wanted to do well. It was just really cool to be able to say I've accomplished that.” Said Walters.

Seth says raising cattle takes a lot of responsibility and hard work. Other than participating in this competitive hobby; Seth also likes to play sports. His future plans go to college at Northwest in Maryville and become an Ag teacher.

“Just helping the kids to show them how to take care of their animals. Just having someone there that they can talk to that’s been through showing and grew up around it.”

Congratulations Seth on being this week’s Ag Kid.

Here's more about Seth's win at the Missouri State Fair: http://www.heartlandconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=654993