By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN
Michigan Correspondent

LANSING, Mich. — Five people suggested a “mighty” name in a statewide contest to name a Simmental steer whose natural hide sports the shape of Michigan on his side, but there was only one winner.

The name Mighty Mitt earned Maryann Kruszewski of Greenwood the first-place prize of $250 in the contest sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. Although Kurszewski was one of five people who submitted the name, the contest rules stated that if a name were submitted by more than one person, the earliest entry would take priority.

“It was a shock to win,” Kruszewski said. “I mean, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think I had a chance.”

Kruszewski said the name was inspired by a childhood memory. “When I was growing up, my dad always told me that if you remember that the state of Michigan is shaped like a big glove or mitten, you would always remember the state,” she said.

In deciding on the name, Kruszewski said she felt it was appropriate because being a Simmental steer, “it would grow up to be a big, strong, mighty animal.”

More than 2,500 contest entries were received. The second place name was Atlas, submitted by two entrants. The first entrant to submit the name was Iris Rodak of Benton Harbor, who won the second-place prize of $100. The entrants said the name suggested strength, like Atlas of mythology. They also pointed out that every atlas of the United States features Michigan prominently, just as this steer does.

Trooper was the third-place name. Three separate Michigan residents submitted it. The first to submit the name was Scott Mires of Roscommon, who won the $100 third-place prize. Entrants said 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 than 100 residents submitted the name Mitten or Mittens, making it the most popular entry. Big Mac was submitted 16 times, while Lansing (or Lance) was suggested by 18 residents. Another 18 residents submitted the name Lucky, “because he is so lucky to be born with a Michigan mitten on one side and a U on the other, and he’s a sign that Michigan’s luck is about to change. Variations on the name Mackinac and Mac were popular, accounting for nearly 40 submissions, while the name Mitt, Mit or Mitty appeared on about 60 entry forms.

Farm Bureau Insurance officials said the contest was especially fun to judge because each entrant had to explain how he or she came up with the name.

“We had a lot of fun with this contest and want to thank all the people who entered,” said Jim Robinson, executive vice president of Farm Bureau Insurance. “Agriculture is a very important industry in Michigan and Mighty Mitt helps bring attention to that fact. He will help promote agri-tourism and agricultural education in this state.”
Mighty Mitt was born in 2006 on the Jacob Kessler Farm in Spaulding Township and he was purchased by Farm Bureau Insurance last July. The celebrity animal is on permanent loan to the Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center in Macomb County, where he is seen by thousands of visitors each year. Farm Bureau Insurance plans to use Mighty Mitt in future company promotions.

Published on Oct. 7, 2009