Michigan’s Famous Steer Now Has A Name
Michigan’s agricultural mascot now has a name. More than 2,500 Michigan residents entered a statewide contest, sponsored by Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance, to find a name for the Saginaw-born steer whose natural hide resembles that of a Michigan mitten on one side and the letter U, a reference to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, on the other.
The winning name, selected by officials of Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance, is Mighty Mitt. Contest entrants suggested the name to be appropriate because “Michigan is a mighty state with mighty people, so we need a mighty mascot that shows we are strong and can survive difficult times.”
There were five entrys that submitted the winning name, but per the contest rules the earliest entry would take priority. The winner of the first place prize of $250 is Maryann Kruszewki of Geenwood, Michigan.
The second place winner of $100 is Iris Rodlak of Benton Harbor, Michigan who submitted the name Atlas. Iris said the name suggested strength, like Atlas of mythology. She pointed out that every atlas of the United States features Michigan prominently, just as this steer does.
Scott Mires of Roscommon, Michigan was the first to submit the name of Trooper which earned him third place prize of $100. Scott indicated the name was a combination of the nicknames for Lower Peninsula residents, “trolls,” and Upper Peninsula residents, “Yoopers,” so this name signifies trolls and Yoopers coming together.
More information about Michigan residents creativity in naming the famous steer can be found here.
Michigan-Made is UpFront