Cedara College of Agriculture earned several well-deserved placings in the cattle judging at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, reflecting the dedication, preparation and stockmanship of its students.
Competing in the halter-trained steer classes on Wednesday, 7 October, at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Cedara secured both first and second places in the under-450 kg category, with steers weighing 448 kg and 406 kg respectively.
The college also claimed third place in the 450–500 kg class, adding to its achievements in the individual judging.
In the Student Challenge's Best Group of Four Steers competition, Cedara finished third against longstanding rivals Weston Agricultural College, which claimed the prestigious J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy.
Despite the persistent rain on the first day of the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, Cedara's students handled and presented their cattle with care and professionalism, demonstrating the discipline and commitment that are so important in livestock production.
Determination in difficult conditions
The judging took place in cold, wet weather, adding considerably to the challenges faced by the students and their instructors.
Despite the persistent rain, Cedara's students continued to handle and present their cattle with care and professionalism, demonstrating the discipline and commitment that are so important in livestock production.
Participation in these competitions provides valuable practical experience, giving students an opportunity to apply their agricultural knowledge, develop their stockmanship and measure their skills against those of their peers.
Cedara has been associated with the Royal Show since the early 1900s, and its continued participation forms part of the Society's longstanding commitment to agricultural education and the development of future generations of farmers and agricultural professionals.
Acknowledging the sponsors
The cattle competitions formed part of the 2026 Royal Fat Stock Show, supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Red Meat Producers' Organisation (KZN RPO), Voermol Feeds, ADM Animal Nutrition, HIPRA and the Royal Agricultural Society.
The Society gratefully acknowledges the sponsors' contributions to these important livestock competitions and the opportunities they provide for agricultural students.
The Royal Agricultural Society congratulates Cedara College of Agriculture, its students and instructors on their achievements, and thanks the college for its continued commitment to agricultural education and participation in the Royal Show.
Their efforts, particularly under such challenging weather conditions, were a credit to the college and to the next generation of South African agriculturalists.
