SHEEP
SHEEP
Important!
There will be no events held in the Royal Agricultural Show’s Sheep 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, sheep, along with cattle and goats, will not be able to have a presence.
A “Royal Roadshow” is planned, 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 sheep 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 sheep from KZN and further afield.
The country’s top sheep breeders travel to the Show from across South Africa, and we greatly appreciate their efforts
Fat Lambs
Commercial
Fat lamb classes
The Royal Fat Lamb competition is judged by the South African Fat Stock Judging Association (SAFJA).
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Fat Lamb Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
Johnny Forbes (front left) of Vredesig Dormers and Suffolk receives the 2024 trophy for the champion commercial lamb on the hoof.
Ile de France
Ile de France
Stud
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Ile de France Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
Mark Gietzmann (centre) of Hageland Ile de France, receives the trophy for the 2024 Junior and Grand Champion Ile de France ram from judge Clark Rattray.
Suffolk
Suffolk
Stud
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Suffolk Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
The 2024 Grand Champion Suffolk Ram was bred by Twee Seuns Suffolks.
Dorper
Stud
Dorper
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Dorper Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
The 2024 Junior and Senior Grand Champion Dorper Rams were bred by Christo Dorfling of Dorfling Dorpers, who also bred the Junior and Senior Grand Champion Dorper Ewes.
Dormer
Dormer
Stud
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Dormer Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
Hatari Farming won the Senior Champion and Grand Champion Ram in the Dormer National Championship at the 2024 Royal Agricultural Show.
Hampshire Down
Hampshire Down
Stud
Closing date for entries:
There will be no Hampshire Down Competition in 2025
Queries:
Emmie Barnard (082 770 7998)
The 2024 Grand Champion Hampshire Down Ram was bred by Zorro Hampshire Down.
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 ram, ewe, 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.
