Each year at the Iowa State Fair, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show draws crowds eager to see outstanding cattle and the young people who raise them. The event pairs youth exhibitors with celebrities and other Iowa leaders, all in support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. But beyond the fun and fundraising, it serves as a spotlight on the future of agriculture — and the role young producers will play in keeping it strong.
This year, NCBA President Buck Wehrbein stepped into the ring himself as one of the celebrity show participants, teaming up with exhibitor McLane Warren of New Sharon, Iowa, and her steer named Merlin.
He says the dedication, responsibility, and passion these young cattlemen and women display are the same qualities that will keep both cattle production and farming thriving in the years ahead.
Wehrbein says experiences like the Governor’s Charity Steer Show can spark inspiration, especially for those who already have some knowledge of agriculture. He recalled attending the Young Cattlemen’s Tour last year, where he was impressed by the skill, knowledge, and communication abilities of the nearly 70 young participants. Compared to when he took part in the same tour decades ago, Wehrbein says today’s young producers are far ahead, which gives him confidence that capable leaders are ready to step in and carry the industry forward.
Since the Governor’s Charity Steer Show wrapped up, Wehrbein’s reflections underscored the deeper purpose behind the event. Beyond the spotlight and competition, it’s about building a bridge to agriculture’s future — connecting seasoned producers with the next generation, instilling confidence in their abilities, and reinforcing that the cattle industry’s legacy is in capable hands. For Wehrbein, seeing that promise in action is both a reassurance and a reminder of why events like this matter.
