Wayne Muller, general manager of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS), said the standard of exhibits had surpassed those he had seen at other agricultural shows across the country this year.
“Even though we’re coming to the end of the show season, what we have seen on the grounds today is better than anything I’ve seen around the country this year. Well done to all of you,” he said.
Among the award recipients was Farmer’s Weekly, which received a gold medallion in recognition of its Farmer’s Feasts exhibit and live cooking demonstrations.
This year’s Royal Show marked the return of an annual theme. The 2026 theme was ‘Innovation in agriculture: Past. Present. Future’, which encouraged exhibitors to showcase innovation through their displays and interactions with the public.
Muller explained that the theme also aimed to reflect the RAS’s future direction, particularly its efforts to attract younger members and remain relevant.
He thanked exhibitors who had embraced the theme and contributed to the high standard of displays at the show.
The following exhibitors received trophies at this year’s Royal Show:
- Amber Glades, senior living village in Howick – Royal Commercial Floating Trophy for the best and most outstanding display in an exhibition hall
- The KwaZulu-Natal Farmers’ Association – Royal Industrial Floating Trophy for the best and most outstanding display in an individual building
- FNB – Hulamin Floating Trophy for the best and most outstanding display on an open site
- Key Pietermaritzburg – Wesbank Trophy for the most outstanding motor industry display
- Butch Pike Sales – David Wing Trophy for the best display of light-duty agricultural equipment
- Afgri Equipment – Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce Agriquip Floating Trophy for the best display of heavy-duty agricultural equipment
- ThinkQuip – Materials Handling and Construction Equipment Trophy for the best and most outstanding display of materials handling and construction equipment, including heavy-duty forestry equipment
- TWK Agri – Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Floating Trophy for the best South African industrial display
- Momma’s Hearth – Pietermaritzburg & Midlands Chamber of Business Trophy for the best small business exhibitor
- Ballito Gas & Braai – Pietermaritzburg Sakekamer Shield for the best display by first-time exhibitors at the Royal Show
- The Nguni Guy – PCCI Award for the best trade exhibit by members of the private sector based in the greater KwaZulu-Natal area
- Weston Agricultural College – Royal Industrial Floating Trophy for the best display in the educational hub
- Lions River Honorary Officers – Telkom Customer Care Trophy for the highest standard of customer care and service
- KhakiBush Magazine – Mike Moncur Floating Trophy, a new award for the best commercial display in the bullpen
