Crowds and early mornings, that’s fair time! Yesterday, my early morning was kick-started at Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters for breakfast. The dairy show was taking place and I went to see the Iowa Holstein Princess in action. The ring was filled with those putting on the show and other Iowa dairy royalty handing out ribbons and trophies to contestants.

Not too far away is a great hangout at Stockman’ s Inn and there are those who are dedicated! I spent some time there myself this year and you never know who you will see or who will come over to chat.

2 p.m. rolled around and off to the sale ring to meet up with my favorite radio broadcasters, then to the barn we go. Everyone was busy adding the finishing touches to their great looking steers.

The FFA was just wrapping up their event when we reached the pavilion. Ended by the State FFA Officers leaving in the back of a wagon pulled by a team of horses.

The moment I looked forward to: Governor’s Charity Steer Show, which raises money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. 36 years of the Governor’s Charity Steer Show and the one who started it all was in attendance and recognized as our U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad. I ended up spending time at the top of Pioneer Pavilion as a producer and providing some commentary for Newsradio 1040 WHO. I realize it has been a while since I have been on-air, feeling a bit rusty. Thankfully those in the center of it all had most of the broadcast covered!

All sorts of media and important people in the show ring.

One look around the ring and you will see some teams had a crowd of support ready to cheer them on!

One steer caught my eye and was led by Gary Dolphin, voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. I have never seen such a deep red steer. I guess it not only caught my eye, but the judges noticed as well. He made it towards the top of the ones being looked at for the title of Grand Champion.

We were excited and broadcasting when they walked back towards Gary. Sadly, they walked forward a little more and chose the steer ahead of him. The President of Ag and Turf, John Deere, Jim Field was Grand Champion with the steer: Chip. The Showmanship winner was Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig with the steer: Bugs.

Off to the sale ring to raise funds for charity! The State Fair live edition continued with the guys broadcasting.

This concludes my time at the Iowa State Fair this year! See everyone next year and enjoy this last week if you have the chance!