DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair Butter Cow says it is feeling healthier, moving easier and looking forward to returning to the Agriculture Building next month after losing 50 pounds on a GLP-1 medication.
The iconic sculpture began treatment six months ago after years of struggling with its weight, low energy and what doctors described as “an unusually high percentage of butter.”
“I feel lighter, I’m sleeping butter and I don’t get winded just standing there anymore,” the Butter Cow said in an exclusive interview with The Cob. “Honestly, I’ve never felt butter.”
Fair officials said the transformation will be noticeable when the 2026 Iowa State Fair opens Aug. 13, though they emphasized the cow remains committed to representing the state’s dairy industry.
“This is still the Butter Cow people know and love,” one official said. “There’s just slightly less of it.”
The cow said the medication has also helped quiet constant thoughts about toast and grinding up against warm, fresh-baked bread.
Doctors cautioned that maintaining the weight loss will require continued treatment more exposure to sunlight.
The Iowa State Fair runs Aug. 13-23.
