CATTLE
CATTLE
Important!
There will be no Royal Agricultural Show in 2025
As the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) finalises its relocation from its premises of 122 years and we get our new home ready for you, we will be taking a break to plan new Royal Agricultural Show for 2026.
There will be no Royal Agricultural Show in 2025.
For the remainder of 2025, a “Royal Roadshow” will take place, as a way to consult with sheep farmers to strengthen the RAS’s ties with them ahead of our 175th anniversary in 2026.
Informed by this consultation process, the cattle section will be able to return in full force in 2026 for our special 175th anniversary show, stronger than ever.
For 174 years, the Royal Agricultural Society has hosted the Royal Agricultural Show, an outstanding showcase of the best commercial and stud beef and dairy cattle from KZN and further afield.
Steers classes
Commercial
Steers classes
The Royal Steers competition is for both haltertrained and non-haltertrained steers. In 2024, the competition was judged by the South African Fat Stock Judging Association (SAFJA).
2026 queries: Julia Hackland (livestock@royalshow.co.za) or Andrew Adams
Wessel Oosthuizen (right) of Ferrero Bonsmaras receives the 2024 Steers Champion of the Yard trophy from Craig Gibson (ADM Animal Nutrition).
Heifer classes
Commercial
Heifer classes
The Royal Heifer Competition is open to grass-fed beef and unprepared heifers – beef or dairy, purebred or cross-bred, registered or unregistered. Animals need to be well presented but not necessarily halter-trained.
In 2024, the competition was judged by the South African Fat Stock Judging Association (SAFJA).
2026 queries: Julia Hackland (livestock@royalshow.co.za) and Andrew Adams
Rustin Shawe of Grassfields Beef was awarded the trophy for the 2024 Grand Champion group of three senior heifers for his Droughtmasters.
Stud classes
Stud classes
Brahman, Simmentaler, Angus, Dexter, Limousin and Sussex breed championships are held each year, and are facilitated through the respective provincial and national breed societies.
Judges are appointed by the breed societies.
2026 queries: Julia Hackland (livestock@royalshow.co.za)
RAS Gold Cup Awards
Winning a Gold Cup Award elevates the status of breeders and their winning animals.
This honour provides an immense reputational boost for bull, heifer, semen and embryo sales during the winter sale season that follows the Royal Agricultural Show, and beyond.
At each year’s show, the champions from each cattle, sheep and goats breed competition move forward to compete in the Interbreed Championships for the coveted Royal Agricultural Society Gold Cup Awards, and the title of Supreme Champion.
RAS Supreme Champions are selected after rigorous judging by the most highly experienced and highly respected judges in South Africa.
In 2025 there will be no Gold Cup Awards, as there will be no Royal Agricultural Show.
The Gold Cup Awards will return in 2026.
