Royal Show Agricultural Guide 2018

The first weekend of
the 2018 Royal Show
began with the Youth
and Future Farmer
competitions. The
commercial classes with judging
“on the hoof” preceded
transport to the abattoir.
This year saw the continuation
of the commercial weaner
and heifer competitions. The
purpose of these competitions
is to seek out the best livestock
in KZN in their “working
clothes”, with accolades extended
to winning exhibitors.
In so doing, it is hoped to expand
the section by embracing
commercial farmers and providing
a platform from which
they can gain valuable exposure
in the industry.
The carcass auction — South
Africa’s premier red meat event
— took place in the Sheep
Expo hall on Tuesday 29 May.
The Royal Show competitive
bovine stud section is
renowned for its excellence in
terms of quality stock, and, as
in past years, was the primary
area of focus on the Tuesday
and Wednesday of the Show.
The bovine component concluded
with Interbreed judging,
and the Gold Cup Parade and
presentations on Wednesday
evening. The spectacular and
evocative experience — held
under floodlights — is an event
that elicits interest from breeders
and the public alike.
Whilst the show caters for
all breeds, it is the norm for
Angus, Brahman, Hereford,
Limousin, Pinzgauer, PinZ 2 yl,
Simmentaler, Simbra and Sussex
to underwrite the event.
To complement the competitive
classes, the Royal Show
Cattle Expo is focused on affording
professionals and the
public with a display and information
on various breeds.
Pleasingly, 2018 saw the
return of the Wagyu, a highly
prized breed that by way of
special feed and extraordinary
care is purported to produce
the world’s best beef.
Royal Show 2018
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