Star of ABC’s The Bachelor, Chris Soules, is pictured above with Union High junior Carlee Ewoldt.

Carlee Ewoldt, a junior at Union High School has had quite a busy and very exciting past few years. She has dedicated a huge portion of time and responsibility to showing cattle at local events and fairs, and this year she even showed at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. Carlee first began getting into the sport a few years ago when she met her now step-brother John Roettger.

The typical day of a cattle showmen and their steer is not what you would really call an easy or laid back day, and is generally a year-round responsibility. Carlee explained that the calves are usually purchased in the spring, as most cows are born sometime between February and April. Sometimes you may need to break the calf when you get it and other times it will be a little older and partially trained already. The steer must stay in a temperature regulated building and requires a lot of care and attention. Generally you bathe the steer three times a day which includes washing, conditioning, and fully drying the cow. Practicing for show is also a timely activity. You must practice to lead and walk with your calf so they are comfortable with you and can respond under pressure. Practicing at home is also a little different than a room full of people talking, and loud speakers blaring, so making sure the steer is prepared to remain calm in every situation is very essential to a successful show. Maintaining weight and a healthy diet is also essential to a great show animal. Making sure the steer gains weight evenly all over is very important so that the cow looks its very best at show time.

Carlee spent the majority of the last two years showing her steer at different shows around Iowa. She stated she did approximately 8-10 shows a year at various events and local county fairs. The events usually run from around January to July. At each show, you are judged on showmanship and it is also a great way to get your name out there and to earn sponsors. Carlee’s hard work paid off as she won Reserve Grand Champion and Reserve Over All at the Benton County Fair. This landed her a spot at the Governors Show at the State Fair in Des Moines.

Each year 25 motivated, deserving people make it to the Governors Show at the Iowa State Fair. This event is a long time tradition of the fair and it is an honor to make it to this point. Each contestant asks a local celebrity to show their steer with them. Carlee’s celebrity, Chris Soules was from the hit show The Bachelorette. Chris grew up not far from Dysart in Lamont, Iowa. His family has been farming in northeast Iowa for several generations. After making it to the final round on last season’s The Bachelorette, Chris was chosen to be next seasons pick on The Bachelor. Carlee came about picking Chris because three people that she had met through the Benton Cattleman Association had gone to High School with Chris. Carlee’s family and friends made special shirts for the event which read “Will you accept this steer?” which is based off of the shows popular phrase, “Will you accept this rose?”. Chris gladly accepted the shirt and wore one right along side of the entire team supporting Carlee.

All proceeds from the Governors Show are dedicated to charity and this year it was to the Ronald McDonald Foundation. Carlee stated she was very honored to be able to compete and raise money for such a wonderful organization. Also for their hard efforts Carlee and the other competitors at the Governors Show were invited to eat lunch with the Governor, Terry Branstad, and the Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.

Although Carlee has had a wonderful experience showing cattle the last few years, 2014 will be the last year she is involved. Carlee is excited to focus on school and graduation and hopes to attend college to become an Elementary Education teacher. Congratulations Carlee on your amazing achievements and good luck to you in all of your future endeavors!