Under the theme “Spring Fever”, this year’s Pretoria show promises to have something for every interest. But it’s the agricultural section that’s attracting a lot of support from exhibitors, said show manager Hanelie. Highlights include the international Simmentaler and Brahman championship shows, the national Pinzgauer, Drakensberger and championship shows, the regional Saddle Horse championship show and Beef Recording and Improvement Scheme awards. In total 11 cattle breeds will be represented including Dexter, Braunvieh, Limousin, Drakensberger, Simbra, Jersey and Santa Gertrudis.
From these 15 beef bulls that came into contention for the Platinum Performance awards will be chosen. From the number of entries it’s safe to assume that the agricultural component of the show is going to be a huge success said Delport. She noted the record number of Brahman and Simmentaler entered and the Suffolk sheep entered, a first for the show. A unique entry Five Suffolk breeders are going to auction about 60 animals.
The breed is know for fertility and good carcass quality. Judging of live slaughter animals in the carcass competition will be on 30 August and carcasses will be judged at the Shamdor abattoir in Krugersdorp on 2 September. An awards ceremony and carcass auction will follow. Another highlight is Enos Mafokate’s horse riding school exhibiting horsemanship and horses. It starts on 22 August and judging takes place between 8am and 6pm every day. the horse-shows category 13 horse breeds have been entered for the different competitions.
The shows will host the World Show Jumping Championship competition this year. Star Stallion show will take place on 27 August at 7:30pm. Arab show takes place on 26 August, a day before the official opening of the show. Fresians will be shown on 1 September and inter-breed judging will take place on 6 September at 4pm in the main arena.
In the smallstock section the National Pedi Championship show takes place on 26 and 27 August. Dorpers and White will be judged on 4 September and an auction follows on 6 September. SA Boer Goat judging takes place on 1 and 2 September with an auction on 3 September. Kalahari Reds will make their third appearance and be judged on 1 and 2 September and auctioned on 3 September. In the poultry pens about 450 birds will be shown between 26 August and 1 September. – Staff reporter
