The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show reached new heights, raising $375,265.92 at the 39th annual show. All proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which has family houses in Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. The local charities provide a "home away from home" for families of sick children.

Since 1983, the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show has raised more than $4.5 million for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council said they would like to thank past and present donors for their support. This event demonstrates the "Cattlemen Care" and "Iowa Nice" slogans, which are synonymous with Iowa.

This year's show, held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, showcased 24 Iowa steer exhibitors. Ben Kelly of Dallas Center picked the Grand Champion Steer, while and Mike Sorensen of Greenfield selected the Grand Champion Showman. The Grand Champion Steer was shown by Jeff Angelo and exhibited by Lane Elmquist. The Grand Champion Steer was sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association and purchased by Friends & Family of Lane Elmquist and the Audubon Community. Grand Champion Showman honors went to Celebrity Showman Teagan Schaefer of TaterTough. Schaefer led steer Hero, who was raised by Carlee Cremeens and sponsored by the Iowa Hereford Breeders Association.

People’s Choice Award

This year's People's Choice Award went to celebrity Eric Hanson and exhibitor Molly Chapman. The Community Hero award was a new honor in 2021 that encourages youth exhibitors to promote a sense of community through donated nonperishable goods and pop tabs, and social media engagement to raise awareness of the event. Youth exhibitor Kami Schrunk received the first Community Hero Award for exemplary leadership and promotion of the cause. Social media played an important role in sharing the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show with more than 266,000 people nationwide.

Cattle producers and local donors continue to pay it forward by donating and supporting local exhibitors. None of this would be possible without the leadership of Reynolds and her support of the agricultural community and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Next year marks the 40th anniversary at the Iowa State Fair in August.

Source: Iowa Cattlemen's Association, which is responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and its subsidiaries aren't responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.