The Royal Show returns from 7 to 11 October 2026 at Tweedie Hall in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, marking the 175th anniversary of the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) of Natal at its new venue.
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Wayne Muller, general manager of the RAS, says this year’s theme, ‘Innovation in Agriculture – Past, Present and Future’, reflects both the organisation’s long history and its role within a modern agricultural landscape. Muller adds that the 175-year milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on how agriculture has evolved while considering where the sector is heading next.
“With our new business premises, new show site, new judging ring and new destination, we believe it is right to acknowledge the past, look at the present and plan for the future,” he says.
Muller says that technology also forms an important part of this year’s offering, with energy solutions and irrigation technology among the areas highlighted through the theme.
Celebrating the best of agriculture
At its core, the Royal Show remains focused on showcasing agricultural excellence, from livestock and production to machinery, technology and food.
The Royal Fat Stock Show will once again showcase the quality of local livestock production, while the Royal Show’s distinctive Interbreed/Gold Cup Competition will return, although this year’s competition will be limited to sheep.
The show is also placing renewed emphasis on some of the agricultural categories it has historically been known for. Visitors can expect displays featuring cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits and honey, alongside horses, tractors, vehicles, equipment and agricultural technology.
Muller says the event would also provide an opportunity to see developments in areas such as drones, energy and irrigation.
The show will further feature food producers and manufacturers who are adding value to what they produce, giving visitors an opportunity to see the journey from production to finished product.
New attractions and expanded exhibits
Among the new additions is an expanded livestock exhibit, strengthening the agricultural component of the show; and planned demonstrations and presentations.
Another major feature is the Farmer’s Weekly Royal Pavilion, which will focus on the food-to-table journey and highlight people taking their agricultural production and food businesses to the next level.
The Education Hub will provide visitors with information on research, training and educational opportunities, creating a space where the public and agricultural community can engage with developments in the sector.
The Khakibush Bull Pen will take a slightly different approach, focusing on the outdoors, adventure , hobbies and travel.
The Royal Show will also see the reintroduction of its Crafts and Equestrian sections, adding to the diversity of the event.
A platform for agriculture and business
For generations, the Royal Show has served as a platform for showcasing agriculture and related commerce and industry in KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. Muller says that role remains just as important today.
“The Royal Show remains a platform for farmers, producers and agricultural businesses to compete, tell their story and measure themselves against the competition.”
Importantly, that process takes place in front of the public, allowing consumers to engage directly with producers and gain a better understanding of agriculture and the businesses supporting the sector.
The show therefore serves not only as an exhibition but also as a meeting point between agriculture, business and consumers.
Biosecurity remains a priority
Muller says with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) continuing to pose a threat to the livestock industry, animal health and biosecurity will remain a key consideration at this year’s event. The Royal Show follows biosecurity protocols issued by the South African Show Associations’ Organisation, of which the RAS of Natal is a member.
Livestock exhibitors are required to complete declarations and provide proof that they have complied with the necessary veterinary protocols and vaccination requirements.
Animals must be examined before leaving the farm and again upon arrival at the show. A 28-day gap is required between attendance at shows, while animals cannot be moved directly from one show to another.
Cattle attending the show must also have been vaccinated against FMD at least 14 days before the event.
Local private veterinary practitioners will assist show staff with animal health requirements throughout the event.
And while 2026 marks a significant anniversary, the organisers are already looking ahead.
The 2027 Royal Show is scheduled for 28 May to 2 June, with cattle set to return to the programme alongside additional new cattle categories.
Major attractions in 2026
Visitors can look forward to the following highlights, amongst others:
Rabbit Show
The Rabbit Show makes its return to the Royal Show this year. Hosted by The Natal Rabbit Club, this much-loved favourite will run from 7 to 11 October, bringing together an impressive exhibition of rabbits and giving visitors the chance to see a wonderful variety of breeds up close.
Judging will take place throughout 7 October, under experienced UK rabbit judge Brian Platt. This is a great opportunity to see these beautiful animals being assessed at show level! After judging, there will be plenty of time to wander through, meet some of the exhibitors and discover just how much variety there is in the world of rabbits.
Veld heifers
The 2026 Royal Veld Heifer Competion will take place on 9 October. This year’s competition is focused on feminine, fertile, grass-fed weiner heifers; practical female animals brought directly from the veld, judged for the qualities that matter in real breeding herds. This is not a stud-heifer show.
The cattle are not halter-trained, not show-conditioned, and not brought in for long periods. They come from their veld camps for judging, then return immediately. The champions will be crowned the RAS Best Heifers in KZN and will receive a cash prize.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to view beautiful, practical heifers, especially those types and breeds that do not always get exposure in the show ring.
Dormers
The Dormer National Championship will take place on 9 October, under the auspices of the Dormer Sheep Breeders’ Society of South Africa. The Dormer National Show at the Royal has traditionally drawn strong support from breeders across South Africa, many of whom travel long distances to compete, exhibit and take part in one of the most respected sheep breed events on the national calendar.
This year’s championship will form part of the Royal Agricultural Show’s renewed livestock programme at Tweedie Hall, where the Royal Agricultural Society is building a fresh chapter for the Royal at its new home.
With its agricultural setting, central Midlands location, and strong livestock focus, the new Tweedie Hall location offers an attractive setting for breeders, producers and agricultural communities to gather, compete and showcase the strength of South African stud and commercial livestock.
The Interbreed Judging will take place on Saturday, 10 October. The prestigious Gold Cup Awards will follow that afternoon, bringing together the top animals from across the sheep and livestock sections in one of the Royal’s traditional highlights.
The Dormer National Championship will also run alongside the Royal’s broader meat and livestock programme. The Royal Fat Stock Competition will include judging on the hoof for the Fat Lamb Competition on Thursday, 8 October, while the Royal Carcass Competition Awards will be held on Saturday, 10 October, ahead of the highly anticipated Royal Carcass Auction.
Together, these events will place sheep, meat production, stud breeding and commercial livestock excellence at the heart of the October Royal Agricultural Show.
Fat Stock Show and Carcass Competition
Another exciting event to look out for is the Royal Fat Stock Show and Royal Carcass Competition, which will take place at Tweedie Hall from 7 to 11 October.
These events bring together some of the finest sheep and cattle from across the country, showcasing excellence in livestock production both on-the-hoof and on-the-hook. Entries will be evaluated by respected industry bodies, with judging by SAFJA and carcass evaluation by SAMIC, before culminating in the highly anticipated Royal Carcass Auction and Awards event.
Key dates for 2026:
Beef Classes
- Wednesday, 7 October
Lamb Classes - Thursday, 8 October
Royal Carcass Auction & Carcass Competition Awards
- Saturday, 10 October
The Royal Fat Stock Show and Royal Carcass Competition have long been regarded as pinnacle events within the Royal Show programme, attracting discerning buyers, industry leaders and media attention.
For more information, visit royalshow.co.za.
