For the first time in its 38 year history, the annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show (GCSS) will not be held at the Iowa State Fair. Due to the cancellation of this year’s fair, Iowa State University will host the event.
“We are very honored to host the 38th Annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center here at Iowa State University,” said Dr. Dan Thomson, chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. “This event is a great opportunity to showcase how the people of the Iowa cattle industry care about our neighbors in need of help by fundraising for a very worthy cause. We are so excited to help continue this tradition to support the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.” Dr. Thomson will serve as this year’s Showmanship Judge.
The event, which raises money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa, will be held on August 15, 2020. Organized by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council, the GCSS has raised over $3.8 million to help provide a home away from home for families of children who are being treated in nearby hospitals. Ronald McDonald Houses are located in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City.
“The Iowa City Ronald McDonald House has had widespread support from University of Iowa celebrities over the years,” says Dr. Thomson. “In good fun and competitive spirit of the CyHawk rivalry, we’re looking forward to showing our friends to the East how it is done at Iowa State to benefit Iowa families in need.”
Twenty-five steers from across the state will compete for the championship designation, showmanship honors, and the People’s Choice award. The steers have been raised by Iowa youth involved in the cattle industry, and celebrities will accompany the young steer owners in the ring. Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at auction with proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Last year’s auction raised more than $284,000.
The event will be invite-only, and participants will be encouraged to follow the university’s social distancing guidelines. The show and auction will be streamed live online, and fans can donate to the cause and vote for the People’s Choice award at www.iowagovernorscharitysteershow.com.
Editor's note: Please feel free to use the photos here along with this press release.
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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1.50-per-head beef checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information visit www.iabeef.org.
About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 10,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org
About the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Iowa State University is home to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, one of the world’s premier institutions for agricultural education, research and extension and outreach. Its diverse portfolio represents people and programs working for the good of Iowa and the world, and the betterment of agriculture. Iowa State’s agricultural researchers and extension staff work across the state to help Iowans more efficiently and sustainably produce food, energy and everyday materials; protect plant, animal and human health; and care for the environment. For more information, visit cals.iastate.edu.