The Governor’s Charity Steer Show was held at the Iowa State Fair over the weekend. The show started in 1983 with the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association joining forces with Governor Terry Branstad to raise money for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. This year, the grand champion steer was shown by Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau. The grand champion steer is owned by Shawnee Tate of Renwick.

Twenty-five local and state celebrities participated in this year’s event and Governor Branstad says it was a big success. “I could tell from the beginning that Craig Hill had a great steer and I’m not surprised he won it,” Branstad says. “It’s a great show and you see the tremendous support and enthusiasm. It’s a great way to promote the beef industry in our state, also, the great charity, the Ronald McDonald House.”

Ronald McDonald Houses are located in Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. The facilities house the family members of seriously ill children being treated in area hospitals. The show has raised more than $2 million in its 31-year run.

(Radio Iowa)