CATTLE
CATTLE
Important!
There will be no events held in the Royal Agricultural Show’s Cattle Section 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, a different Royal Agricultural Show is planned for 2025.
Unfortunately during this time, cattle, along with sheep and goats, will not be able to have a presence.
A “Royal Roadshow” is planned, as a way to consult with cattle farmers to strengthen the RAS’s ties with them, ahead of the Society’s 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).
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Royal Steers Competition in 2025
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).
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Royal Heifer Competition in 2025
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.
Closing date for entries:
There will be no stud competitions in 2025
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 we will be holding no livestock events, as explained here.
The Gold Cup Awards will return in 2026.
