Governor’s Charity Steer Show Raises $118,125
Compiled by Staff
The 25th annual Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show raised $118,125 at this
year's Iowa State Fair. This marks the second highest sale total in the event's
history. The money goes mainly to help fund the Ronald McDonald Houses of
Iowa and some of it also goes to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation.
Friends of Regency Commercial topped this year's sale by purchasing a steer
sponsored by Regency Commercial for $16,000. The Governor's Charity Steer
Show raised $115,625 for the Ronald McDonald Houses and $2,500 for the Blue
Ribbon Foundation.
The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen's Association sponsor
the annual steer show and auction. Governor Chet Culver hosted the 2007 event
that was held August 11, 2007 at the Iowa State Fair.
All the money goes to a good cause
Since its inception in 1983, the steer show has raised $1,496,809 for charity. The
2007 sale capped an afternoon of activities which began when 26 steers paraded
into the livestock pavilion led by Governor Culver and other celebrity
showpersons competing for the title of "Judge's Choice."
The $115,625 raised through the auction will benefit 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.
Since this was the 25th Anniversary of the Governor's Charity Steer Show, a
special auction took place for one complete set of hats. The twenty-five hats
were auctioned off following the sale of the Governor's steer. Steve Kisling of
Kisling Custom Cattle purchased the set of hats for $675.
Grand champion steer brings $9,000
The judge for this year's show was professor Brad Skaar from the Iowa State
University Animal Science Department. The judge selected the steer "Kool
Wave Too," shown by Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Drake University Athletic Director,
for overall grand champion honors. Dee Zee Manufacturing sponsored her steer.
Friends of Dee Zee Manufacturing, purchased the steer at the auction for $9,000.
Devon Fraker of Brooklyn owned the steer.
Amanda Eason, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2007, was selected by the crowd for the title of
"People's Choice." Eason's steer, "Chopper," was sponsored by the Iowa Farm
Bureau Federation and purchased by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation for
$4,800. Kelsey Ford of Milo raised the steer.
Jamie Pollard, Iowa State University athletic director, earned the Showmanship
Award. He was selected by special showmanship judge Former Governor Terry
Branstad. Pollard's steer, "Frank the Tank," was sponsored by the Benton
County Cattlemen and was purchased by Benton County Cattlemen and local
support for $6,400. Tyler Krug of New Hall raised the steer.
"Iowa's Pride," a steer shown by Jeff King, earned reserve champion honors. The
steer was sponsored by Central Iowa Power Cooperative and purchased by
Norm and Mary Van Zante for $2,500. Tyler Lain of Corydon raised the steer.
Emcees for the show were farm broadcaster Bob Quinn, WHO Radio, and Andy
Petersen, WMT Radio. A special appearance from Ronald McDonald kept the
show lively and delighted the crowd. The auctioneer for the sale was Phil
Schooley from Bloomfield Livestock. Assisting Schooley in catching bids were
ringmen Mike Sorensen of Livestock Plus, Jason Lekin of Tama Livestock
Auction and Tom Rooney of The Midwest Marketer.
Young people from throughout Iowa raised the steers that competed for top
honors in the Governor's Charity Steer Show. Listed below are the steers and the
26 youth who raised them, along with the sponsors, showpersons and buyers.