4-H?er contributes to Governor?s Charity Steer Show

For the first time in over 10 years Washington County 4-H was represented at the prestigious Iowa State Fair Governor?s Charity Steer Show. Washington County 4-H?er Tanner Knupp, son of Zeus and Jackie Knupp, and his crossbred Chianina, Toby, were selected by the Iowa Bankers Association to be a part of the show.

Knupp is a freshman at Iowa State University this fall, but was a member of the Washington Go-Getters while in 4-H. Knupp had quite the following cheering him on at the Iowa State Fair with two sections of the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion wearing bright orange Team Toby shirts. Many Washington County 4-H families, alumni, and supporters joined in the day to help cheer Tanner and Toby on to earn the title of ?People?s Choice.?

?There were so many favorite parts of this experience,? said Knupp, ?but the was crowd by far the coolest part. To look over in the corner to see a sea of orange and team Toby shirts to support and cheer us on was awesome.?

Knupp?s steer was shown by celebrity showman Mike Pearson, host of Market to Market. ?It was hard to trust just anyone to show my calf, but coming from a farming background Mike did a great job,? said Knupp.

Knupp?s steer, ?Toby,? was sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association and purchased by Riverside Casino for $29,000; the second highest ever selling steer to date.

?The sale afterwards was amazing. I remember here $4,000 and $5,000 and next thing I knew it was at $25,000,? remembers Knupp. ?We were able to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house and see how this money really is put to good use. It was a privilege to be a part of that cause.?

Knupp?s high selling steer helped break records again for the third consecutive year as the 32nd annual Governor?s Charity Steer Show raised $225,850, the highest selling auction to date, for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. The money raised through the auction will benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. All of the houses are located near hospitals and provide a ?home away from home? for families of seriously ill children.