Governor’s Charity Steer Show
at the Iowa State Fair
A Fair tradition. A lasting impact.
Every August at the Iowa State Fair, something special happens in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion.
Youth exhibitors from across Iowa step into the show ring — each one paired with a sponsor and a celebrity — to compete in one of our state's most meaningful agricultural traditions. It's the Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show, and it's been changing lives since 1983.
Details
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Locaton: Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
Time:
- Show: 4:30 pm | Livestock Pavilion
- Sale: 5:30 pm | Penningroth Media Center
Meet Our 2026 Siouxland Exhibitor
Representing Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland this year is Jase Plendl of Kingsley, Iowa and his steer, Rocco.
Jase is a 4-H exhibitor who knows what it takes to prepare for the show ring and has been working with Rocco since January. "Each and every day we get up almost before the sun," Jase said. "We do a little showmanship to make sure he's ready."
We couldn't be prouder to have Jase and Rocco represent our House and the families we serve.
Support Jase and Rocco
The votes are in your hands! Head to the Iowa Governor's Steer Show donation page to support Jase and Rocco's campaign, and make sure to select Steer #11. Let's show Iowa what Siouxland can do!
About the Show
The Iowa Governor's Charity Steer Show is an annual fundraiser benefiting the three Ronald McDonald House chapters in Iowa. Hosted by the Office of the Governor of Iowa, the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and the Iowa Beef Industry Council, the show celebrates Iowa's cattle industry while raising critical funds for families facing a child's serious illness.
Since 1983, the Steer Show has raised over $6 million for Ronald McDonald Houses in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City. As a result, those three chapters have welcomed more than 55,000 families — from all 99 Iowa counties, across the U.S., and from around the world.
This worthy cause supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa is a celebration of our great cattle industry… This donation will be so impactful to the families served by the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa. I applaud the next generation of producers, our youth exhibitors, for their dedication and hard work, and their drive to help others in need."
— Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
How It Works
Twenty-five sponsors from across Iowa each select a youth exhibitor and a celebrity to represent their steer during the show. Together, these teams raise money and build awareness for the event and the Ronald McDonald Houses.
During the show, teams compete for Overall Champion Steer, People's Choice, Showmanship, and Community Hero Awards. Then the real excitement begins. At the auction block, steers are sold to the highest bidder, with steer buyers, team representatives, and donors from across Iowa driving the final total higher.
Proceeds are split equally among all three Iowa chapters including our Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland right here in Sioux City.
Thanks to the past exhibitors who've represented the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland
