BREAKING RECORDS: IOWA GOVERNOR’S CHARITY STEER SHOW RAISES $572,000 FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF IOWA

Contact: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, 515-296-2266, Contact Us.

Supporters of the 44th annual Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show continue to show up and make a difference, raising more than $572,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Including this year's donations, the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show has surpassed $6.5 million in donations since its inception in 1983.

All money raised benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. These three houses have served over 55,000 families from all 50 states and many foreign countries. Families from all 99 counties in Iowa have benefited from the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.

This event, hosted by the Office of the Governor of Iowa, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council, showcases Iowa's cattle industry and the caring nature of producers, young and old.

"It has been an honor to participate in the Governor's Charity Steer Show during my time as Governor and Lt. Governor, and what an incredible way to end my time in the ring - as Grand Champion alongside Kayle Englin and his steer, Norm," said Governor Kim Reynolds. "I'm especially proud of the record-breaking $572,000 that was raised to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa and the children and families they serve. Thank you to the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Iowa Beef Council for making this event possible. It's an Iowa State Fair tradition that I look forward to supporting for years to come."

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council extend sincere thanks to Governor Reynolds for her partnership. As she took the ring for the last time as the governor of our great state, we reflect on her generosity, unwavering support of the Governor's Charity Steer Show, and her true dedication to Iowa's cattle industry.

The Governor's Charity Steer Show would not be possible without our sponsors, youth exhibitors and their families, celebrities, and buyers. Their contributions through volunteering, donations, and dedication made the show a success and supported our fundraising efforts.

Not only was the Livestock Pavilion packed for the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, but many tuned in online. This event has become a beloved and anticipated Iowa State Fair tradition.

Recognizing the Winners

The 44th Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show was held on August 15 in the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair. Winners in four categories were recognized in the show ring - Community Hero, Grand Champion Showman, People's Choice, and Judge's Grand Champion. This year's event hosted 25 sponsored steers, shown by their youth exhibitors and a local celebrity.

The Community Hero Award recognizes the youth exhibitor who goes above and beyond collecting non-monetary donations and creating awareness for the event. This year's winner of the Community Hero Award was Kayle Englin from Orange City. Iowa. Kayle set up multiple drop-off locations to collect items, delivered truckloads of nonperishable items to his local Ronald McDonald House, and did a great job of promoting the Governor's Charity Steer Show and Iowa's cattle industry. Kayle was sponsored by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council. He was joined in the ring by his celebrity, Governor Kim Reynolds.

Tyler Krug judged our showmanship contest. This award evaluates the partnership between the celebrity, the youth exhibitor, and the steer. He had his son help with his selection, which added a great touch, since this year's showmanship award went to a mother-son duo. Dr. Aubrey Cordray and her son, Hayes, took the title of Grand Champion Showman. Their steer, Comet, was presented to the nines! Dr. Cordray and Hayes are from Humboldt, Iowa. Their sponsors were the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

A fan favorite, the People's Choice Award, gives the audience and team supporters a voice in the competition as they help select the winner of this event. Again this year, Brad Hook helped judge this award, and as he worked the ring, the crowd roared for their favorites. The loudest cheers were for the team sponsored by the Benton County Cattlemen and local supporters of gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn and his youth exhibitor, Madeline Olson from Vinton, Iowa.

Finally, the most prestigious award of the show, the Judge's Grand Champion, was selected. Will Taylor from Ames, Iowa, had the hardest task of working through and judging the stellar lineup of steers and showmen. In the end, however, Governor Reynolds finished her show career with a win! Congratulations to Kayle Englin, Governor Reynolds, and their steer, Norm. The Iowa Cattlemen's Association and the Iowa Beef Industry Council are honored to sponsor this team.

After the show, a live auction raised funds by selling each steer and additional value-added items donated by industry supporters and celebrities. These funds were added to the donations each youth participant received, bringing the total to $572,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.

Thank you again to Governor Reynolds, our sponsors, youth exhibitors, celebrities, and donors/buyers.

Soon, you can find a listing on the Governor's Charity Steer Show website (www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com) of each team, along with the funds they raised for this cause. You can also find this information in your next issue of the Iowa Cattleman.