Now the Maniototo farmer is president of the association and is looking forward to the 113th annual show in Ranfurly on Wednesday, February 15.
Not that he is entirely sure what his duties will entail, apart from making a speech and a few presentations.
"For 20 years I've been in the sheep pens. I haven't seen a lot of what the president does," he laughed.
Mr Steele enjoyed his involvement with the show, saying it was an important part of the rural community.
He was senior sheep steward for about four years before stepping down last year when he and his wife Janet took over organising entertainment for children at the show.
There were various attractions for children, including the popular pet parade, which had drawn a wide range of entrants over the years - from plenty of lambs and dogs, to rabbits, several pigs, a turtle and even a hedgehog.
The A and P association was in good heart and the show was "all coming together". The organising committee was continually trying to improve it, Mr Steele said.
The sheep, wool and equestrian sections were traditionally very strong, while the trade sites were getting "bigger and bigger".
There was a mixture of age and experience among those involved, with some older stalwarts of the show an integral part of its success, while there were also young people who have got involved. He thanked those who contributed to or sponsored a recent raffle night, which raised $1600 to go towards running the show.
Mr Steele, who farms sheep, beef and deer at Kyeburn, is also a keen sculptor, creating his works of art from scrap metal and old tools and implements.
Some of his work is on display in Middlemarch and he has "plenty of orders" to catch up on when he gets the time.
Entries for the show close on Friday and secretary Neville Wahrlich expected a rush of entries just prior to then. There had been good demand for schedules which was always a good sign, he said.
The association is hosting the Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand's national Golden Fleece competition, for the second consecutive year, in May, and he expected that would help boost entries in the wool section at the show.
Horse convener Zara Crutchley was expecting good entries in equestrian events, with numbers increasing in recent years.
There was good sponsorship and a wide variety of classes, ranging from qualified hunter round-the-ring, to unregistered showjumping classes, led horse and pony sections and a pony club section. She was hoping for good entries in the novice round-the-ring hack and pony circuit, which is run by the Maniototo, Central Otago and Mt Benger A and P Associations.
The first and second place-getters from each show will jump a further round at Mt Benger A and P show on February 18.