Governor Kim Reynolds went out a winner in her final Governor’s Charity Steer Show Saturday at the Iowa State Fair.
Reynolds teamed up with Kayle Englin of Orange City and his steer, Norm, for her final trip through the show ring as governor. By the end of the afternoon, the trio had been named Judge’s Grand Champion of the 44th annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show.
It was a fitting farewell for Reynolds at an event that has become one of her favorite State Fair traditions. It was also part of a record-setting day that raised more than $572,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
Just a few hours before entering the ring, Reynolds said she was feeling good about her chances with Englin and Norm.
As it turned out, Reynolds had good reason to like her team.
Years of experience in the Governor’s Charity Steer Show had also taught her there is more to consider than whether a steer looks like a winner. Reynolds recalled an early appearance with a steer named Bubba that took off when the pair entered the air-conditioned show ring.
Since then, she said she has learned to ask one important question before taking the halter. Is the steer calm?
Norm proved to be more cooperative and ultimately a champion.
Judge Will Taylor selected Reynolds, Englin and Norm as the Judge’s Grand Champion, allowing Reynolds to finish her time in the event with one more victory.
Englin had even more reason to celebrate. He was also named the show’s Community Hero for his work supporting the cause before ever entering the ring.
Englin established multiple drop-off locations to collect donations, delivered truckloads of nonperishable items to his local Ronald McDonald House, and helped promote the Governor’s Charity Steer Show and Iowa’s cattle industry.
For Reynolds, the event has always represented more than the competition. She said the show brings together agriculture, Iowa State Fair traditions, and an opportunity for young people to support families going through difficult times.
This year’s show featured 25 sponsored steers, each paired with a youth exhibitor and a local celebrity.
Dr. Aubrey Cordray and her son, Hayes, of Humboldt earned Grand Champion Showman honors with their steer, Comet. The People’s Choice Award went to gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn and youth exhibitor Madeline Olson of Vinton.
Following the competition, each steer was sold through a live auction along with additional items donated by industry supporters and celebrities. Combined with donations collected by the youth participants, the show raised more than $572,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
The money benefits the three independent Ronald McDonald House Charities in Des Moines, Iowa City and Sioux City. Those houses have served more than 55,000 families, including families from all 99 Iowa counties.
With this year’s record total, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has now raised more than $6.5 million since the event began in 1983.
There will be another Governor’s Charity Steer Show next year, but for Reynolds, Saturday marked the end of a tradition she has enjoyed throughout her time in office.
She could hardly have scripted the ending any better. Reynolds stood alongside Kayle Englin and Norm, helped raise a record amount for Iowa families, and walked out of the ring one last time as a champion.
