ITC Midwest Team Participates in Iowa Lineman Rodeo
August 26, 2026 | Midwest
ITC Midwest joined electric utilities from across Iowa at the second annual Iowa Lineman Rodeo on August 21. Held at the Iowa State Fair and hosted by the Iowa Utility Association and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) local unions, the competition highlighted the skills, precision and dedication required to deliver reliable electric service.
Line workers from investor-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives and local union halls competed in events that demonstrated the technical expertise, teamwork and commitment to safety that are essential to the electric utility industry.
ITC Midwest’s dedicated contractor, Utility Lines Construction Services (ULCS), entered two teams into the event. The ULCS teams representing ITC Midwest competed against peer utilities in four events, including a hurt-man scenario in which a life-sized dummy was rescued from the top of a utility pole and a speed climb in which participants raced up and down a pole while carrying an egg without breaking it.
The rodeo built on the success of its first year. Participation increased significantly in 2026, with more teams competing and over 40 vendors attending. Representatives from Iowa’s line worker training programs were on-site, introducing the industry to the next generation of skilled workers.
ITC Midwest had a prominent presence at the event, displaying a bucket truck and other equipment and hosting a booth where fairgoers could meet employee volunteers and receive reusable bags. ITC Midwest also sponsored a cooling tent that provided relief for competitors and attendees. In addition, ITC Midwest volunteers helped organize the event, set up equipment and judge the competition.
Several Iowa state and federal elected officials, including Governor Kim Reynolds and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, also attended and met with ITC Midwest representatives.
The 2026 Iowa Lineman Rodeo provided attendees with a unique opportunity to see line workers in action while highlighting the expertise, professionalism and commitment to safety that help deliver reliable electric service throughout Iowa.
