Longevity. It is a word that we respect in the human experience. We associate with something that has stood the test of time and makes us better for the experience. These are all things that easily describe the Iowa Governor?s Charity Steer Show, as it celebrated its 39th year in 2021. The show continued its long tradition of raising funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, which serves locations in Des Moines, Sioux City, and Iowa City.
AUDIO: Full interview with former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad
Going into this year?s show, they have been able to raise a little more than $4.1 million to help the three Ronald McDonald Houses in Iowa. When the show started 39 years ago, then-Governor Terry Branstad thought it was a great idea to attach his time and efforts to it. He is more than pleased to see what it has become.
Donations have since been opened to be taken over the internet. That means this show is shared around the world as it happens and is garnering donations from beyond our borders. This means that Iowa beef is being promoted beyond our borders. Branstad talked about how the markets in China reopened to U.S. beef while he served as Ambassador during the Trump Administration.
Branstad says that the Chinese people are more than pleased with the quality of products they get from the United States in general and Iowa in particular. He says that the beef we produce is gaining in popularity.
As the longest-serving Governor in Iowa history, Branstad had plenty of years in the Governor?s Charity Steer Show ring. He talked about some of his fondest memories of past shows.
This year, the Iowa Governor?s Charity Steer Show shattered its previous fundraising record by bringing in $374,670 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa.
