Cows carved from butter, world-famous chocolate chip cookies and competitive livestock shows — nothing compares. Whether you attend for the fun-fair food or hands-on learning opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the 10 days of the Iowa State Fair. Though for some families, the time means much more.

The Iowa Governor’s Charity Steer Show occurs on the first Saturday of the fair every year. The event is hosted by the Office of the Governor of Iowa, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council andcollects funds to benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. Exhibitors team-up with a “celebrity” figure to show their animals and proceed to sell their steers in the sale after the show.

This year’s event broke a previous record of total funds donated to the house by more than $50,000. A grand total of $568,000 was raised for the Ronald McDonald House at this year’s event through the sale of steers, donations from the public and fundraising efforts made by exhibitors. 

The Business

Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, came out of showring retirement to participate in the fundraiser. He joined 17-year-old Cheyenne Houk of Monroe County along with her steer, “The Business,” for a day of fun, competition and giving back. With Houk reigning as this year’s Miss Iowa Angus Queen and a registered Angus steer being shown in the event for the first time in quite a while, it was important to find the perfect “celebrity” showman. 

“It first started with a phone call from Adam Conover, our regional manager,” McCully says. “Adam had been approached by the Houk family; I think the Houk family had been working at getting a registered Angus steer into the Governor steer show for a bit.”

Without knowing the true impact of the event just yet, McCully gladly agreed to help and work with the Houk’s.  After a quick introduction at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in July, the pair became acquainted and started preparing for the show in August. As the event neared, Houk along with other exhibitors attended meetings, met Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, and paid a visit to the charity being supported.

A personal tie to the Ronald McDonlad House fueled Houk’s desire to participate in the event.

“On Friday we actually went to the Ronald McDonald House and helped them out there,” Cheyenne Houk says. “The Ronald McDonald House is an important thing to our family.” S

he explains her cousin was born premature and their family stayed in the Ronald McDonald House for several months after her birth. 

“So, it's a pretty important charity for us,” she says. “And it was just a big deal that I was selected [for the show]. I've been wanting to do it for so many years now, it was amazing getting to do that.”

As the big day finally arrived, both members of the Angus team felt honored to be part of the show.

"I’ve watched the past two or three years or so out in the audience, but once you’re in the ring and actually get to see all the people around you, it’s just absolutely the most exciting thing," Houk says.

Her teammate felt similarly and explains how it felt to give back through this tradition.

“As I’ve learned more about the event, [I’ve felt] just really humbled and privileged to be a tiny part of a really, really significant fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House,” McCully says.

Excitement continued as McCully was awarded the honor of Grand Champion Showman which also moved “The Business” higher on the sale order. The steer sold for $13,400, with all proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. 

Finishing the day feeling accomplished and humbled, members of The Business Breed say the experience was unforgettable.

“[It was] probably one of the most exciting things that I have ever done. And I would do it again in a heartbeat,” Houk mentions.