2026
COMMERCIAL
POULTRY
7–11 OCTOBER 2026 • ROYAL SHOWGROUNDS AT TWEEDIE
LAYERS &
BROILERS
A PRACTICAL LOOK AT MODERN
POULTRY PRODUCTION
Poultry at the
2026 Royal Show
will look a little different.
With the October Show falling during the breeding season for show poultry, the traditional show-poultry exhibition will take a break this year, with show poultry expected to return in 2027.
In its place, the 2026 Royal Show will turn the spotlight onto the commercial poultry industry, with a focused feature exhibit exploring two of South Africa’s most important poultry production systems: layers, which produce eggs, and broilers, which are raised for meat.
Visitors will be able to see live birds, explore different stages of poultry production and learn more about the management, feeding, housing and practical considerations involved in raising poultry commercially.
SEE HOW
POULTRY
PRODUCTION
WORKS
For many visitors, something as familiar as an egg or a chicken on the supermarket shelf is far removed from the agricultural system that produces it.
The Royal Show’s Commercial Poultry exhibit aims to close that gap.
A dedicated poultry area will introduce visitors to layer production and take them through different stages of broiler growth, creating a simple visual journey through the commercial poultry process.
It is an opportunity for families, school groups, emerging farmers and anyone interested in agriculture to learn more about an industry that plays an important role in South African food production.
POULTRY AS A BUSINESS
Our Commercial Poultry feature will also highlight poultry farming as an agricultural enterprise, with information about poultry training and courses for people interested in developing their knowledge or entering the industry.
Visitors will be able to find out more about the skills required to manage a poultry enterprise, whether at small-scale, emerging or more established commercial level.
COMMERCIAL POULTRY
TECHNOLOGY
The poultry experience will connect naturally with the wider agricultural exhibition around it.
Big Dutchman, a leading supplier of modern poultry production and housing systems, will also exhibit at the 2026 Royal Show, giving visitors an opportunity to see some of the technology and equipment used in contemporary poultry farming.
Together, the live poultry display, industry expertise, training information and commercial technology will offer a practical introduction to the journey from layer to broiler — and to the business behind poultry production.
