Records were broken at the 35th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show, which raised over $274,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This year’s event featured the highest-selling auction, including breaking the cumulative $3 million mark.

The money raised benefits the Ronald McDonald Houses of Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. All of the houses are located near hospitals and provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children. The Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) sponsor the annual steer show and auction, which was hosted by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Aug. 12 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at this year’s Iowa State Fair.

Show includes 25 steers
Since its inception in 1983, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has raised over $3.2 million for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. This year’s event included 25 steers, the Iowa youth who raised them and celebrities, including Reynolds, who competed for the title of “Judge’s Choice.”

The official steer show judges for this year’s show included Mark Core and Bailey Boyert from Pleasantville, Iowa. The judges selected the steer “Smokin’ Willie,” shown by Reynolds, for overall grand champion honors. IBIC and ICA sponsored the steer and McDonald’s of Iowa City, Coralville, Ames and Des Moines (including JKB Restaurants and J&D Restaurants) purchased the steer for $17,000. Additional support came from Reynolds with $1,000, and Cody Von Glan Friends and Blazin ‘B’ Ranch with $500. The steer was raised by Cody Von Glan of Vail.

Boy in wheelchair shows ‘People’s Choice’ steer
The steer raised and shown by 11-year-old Alec Gotto of Dyersville was selected by the crowd for the title of “People’s Choice.” Alec, who is paralyzed from the neck down, led the steer, “Thanks a Million,” from his wheelchair.

Alec’s family has personally used the Ronald McDonald House Charities in the past and was eager to “give back” to a charity that helped them. The steer was sponsored by the Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald House Charities and purchased by Briarwood Healthcare Center of Iowa City for $11,000.

Bill Northey earns Showmanship Award
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, earned the Showmanship Award from Cassie Johnson, who served as the event’s showmanship judge. Northey’s steer, “Hershey,” was sponsored by the Friends of Floyd County and Corporate Farmer. The steer was raised by Jayden Jorgensen of Rudd and purchased by Friends of Floyd County and Corporate Farmer for $14,700, along with additional support from Dunlap Sale Barn for $450.

Emcees for the show were farm broadcaster Bob Quinn, WHO Radio, and Michelle Rook, WNAX Radio. A special guest appearance from Ronald McDonald kept the show lively. Auctioneers were Phil Schooley of Bloomfield, Will Epperly of Dunlap, Russel Sleep of Bedford, and Jared Miller of Leon. Catching bids alongside the auctioneers were Mike Sorensen, Austin Brandt, and Ross Butler of Livestock Plus, Tom Rooney of The Midwest Marketer, and Jason Lekin of Tama Livestock Auction.

For information on steer show sponsors, steer owners, celebrities and buyers, click here.

Source: Iowa Cattlemen’s Association