Williamsburg steer named grand champion at Iowa Governor’s Charity Show

A steer owned by Brady Werner, Williamsburg, and handled by celebrity showman John Lawrence, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Vice President, was awarded Grand Champion honors at the 40th annual Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Iowa State Fair. Brady and his steer, Blue, were sponsored by the Iowa County Beef Supporters.

Brady, son of Paul Werner, is a 2022 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He has been a 4-H’er since becoming old enough and was in FFA for four years. He will attend Iowa State University in the fall.

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show set another record with this year’s event, raising more than $440,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. In 2021, cattle producers and local supporters raised $375,000, the most funds raised in the show’s history. In addition to breaking another show record, this year the organization surpassed $5 million raised since 1983. Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad started the event in 1983.

The event is hosted by the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Office of the Governor of Iowa. Brian McCulloh, Viroqua, Wis., judged this year’s steer entries

Grand Champion Showman honors went to Gary Slater, Iowa State Fair Chief Executive Officer, who showed alongside Paige Evans, Ellsworth, and was sponsored by the Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses Charities. This year’s showmanship judges were Nancy Degner and Mark Fischer, both of Ankeny.

The Community Hero Award, now in its second year, showcased a steer exhibitor’s efforts to raise non-monetary donations for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. This individual not only collected pop tabs and non-perishable items, but also gained 172,000 likes and shares on social media, raising awareness for the show. The Community Hero Award went to Tucker Klima, Walker. Klima worked with Jamie Henderson, Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House, Board President, and was sponsored by the Eastern Iowa Ronald McDonald House and Quad Cities McDonald’s.

People’s Choice, a crowd favorite, required steer teams to cheer loudly for their respective celebrity and exhibitor. Steer 20, shown by Clarissa Chun, University of Iowa Women’s Head Wrestling Coach, and Tate Nelson, of Nichols, received the loudest roar. They were sponsored by the Johnson County Cattlemen.

Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show Co-Chairs Tanner Lawton and Casey Anderson shared this about the event:

“It is hard to comprehend the impact $440,000 can have for Iowa families. This is a great achievement for every one of these teams. In the end, the compassion that all participants in this event show is what makes it so unique. The cattle industry is a tight knit group and we band together in a time of need.”