Records were broken at the 36th annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show, which raised over $294,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This year’s event at the Iowa State Fair featured the highest-selling auction in the fundraiser’s history.

The money raised benefits the Ronald McDonald Houses of Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. The houses are located near hospitals and provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sponsor the annual steer show and auction.

Show raises over $3.5M since 1983
Since its inception in 1983, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has raised over $3.5 million for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. This year’s event included 25 steers, the Iowa youth who raised them, and celebrity show people, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, who competed for the title of “Judge’s Choice.”

GOVERNOR’S STEER: The steer shown by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, named JetSteer, was raised by Tyler Pudenz of Story City. From left are bidders and friends of the Pudenz family — Dave Roberts, Robin Eyberg, Bill Eagan, Bill Hurley and Kevin O’Brien — with. Reynolds and Tyler.

The official steer show judge this year was Chuck McCullough from Allerton. He selected the steer Chip, shown by Jim Field, president of John Deere ag and turf division, for “Judge’s Choice” overall grand champion honors.

The Iowa County Beef Supporters sponsored the steer, which Freddy’s Steakburgers of Iowa and Maurice Sinclair purchased for $29,000. Additional support was added in memory of Pat Donohoe by his friends, family and John Deere for $36,000.

Record for highest-selling steer
The market value of this winning steer was also donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, bringing the total raised to $66,504. This sale set a record for the highest-selling individual steer in the show’s 36-year history. Emma Sinclair of Williamsburg raised the steer.

The steer shown by Tate Manahl was selected by the crowd for the title of “People’s Choice.” The steer was sponsored and purchased by the Foster and Evelyn Barkema Charitable Trust & Franklin County Supporters for $27,300. Steer owner was Kaylie Lundt of Rockwell.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig earned the Showmanship Award from Jennifer Carrico, who served as the event’s showmanship judge. Naig’s steer, Bugs, was sponsored by the Friends of Floyd County. The steer was raised by Alec Staudt of Rockford and was purchased by Friends of Floyd County for $17,000.

Source: Iowa Beef Industry Council