DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show set another record, raising more than $440,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. In 2021, cattle producers and local supporters raised $375,000, the most funds raised in the show’s history. In addition to breaking another show record, we surpassed $5 million raised since 1983.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Office of the Governor of Iowa hosted the 40th Annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show on Saturday, Aug. 13. Brian McCulloh, of Viroqua, WI, judged this year’s steer entries and picked Steer 15 as Grand Champion. John Lawrence, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Vice President, led the steer, Blue. Brady Werner, of Williamsburg, owned Blue and was sponsored by the Iowa County Beef Supporters.

Grand Champion Showman honors went to Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair Chief Executive Officer, who showed alongside Paige Evans, of Ellsworth, IA and was sponsored by the Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses Charities. This year’s showmanship judges were Nancy Degner and Mark Fischer, both of Ankeny, IA.

The Community Hero Award, now in its second year, showcased a steer exhibitor’s efforts to raise non-monetary donations for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This individual not only collected pop tabs and non-perishable items, but also gained 172,000 likes and shares on social media, raising awareness for the show. The Community Hero Award went to Tucker Kilma, of Walker, IA. Kilma worked with Jamie Henderson, Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House, Board President, and was sponsored by the Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and Quad Cities McDonald’s.

People’s Choice, a crowd favorite, required steer teams to cheer loudly for their respective celebrity and exhibitor. Steer 20, shown by Clarissa Chun, University of Iowa Women’s  Head Wrestling Coach, and Tate Nelson, of Nichols, IA, received the loudest roar. They were sponsored by the Johnson County Cattlemen.

The Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Office of the Governor of Iowa, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa thank the Iowa cattle producers and local supporters who back this event by paying it forward. Thank you to former Gov. Terry Brandstad, who started this event in 1983 and Gov. Kim Reynolds, for her support of Iowa’s agriculture industry and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Co-Chairs Tanner Lawton and Casey Anderson shared this about the event:

“It is hard to comprehend the impact $440,000 can have for Iowa families. This is a great achievement for every one of these teams. In the end, the compassion that all participants in this event show is what makes it so unique. The cattle industry is a tight knit group and we band together in a time of need.”

Brent Johnson, Iowa Farm Bureau, President was the celebrity showman of The Admiral. Chase Anderson of Boone owned The Admiral and was sponsored by Central Iowa County Farm Bureaus-Boone, Dallas, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Polk, Story and Webster.

For the list of funds raised, buyers and additional sponsors, click here.

Gov. Kim Reynolds leads Benny to the Livestock Pavilion alongside Maxwell Tiarks, of Underwood.

(contributed article and photo, Anna Hastert, Iowa Cattlemen)