Royal Show rescheduled to October
The Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) has taken a considered decision to reschedule the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show to October, in response to ongoing national foot and mouth disease (FMD) management and livestock movement uncertainty.
This decision has been taken to protect livestock producers, exhibitors and the long-term integrity of the Royal Agricultural Show, while allowing sufficient time for disease control measures to stabilise.
The 2026 Royal Agricultural Show will take place from 8–11 October, positioning the event as a strong Spring showcase following a period of unprecedented disruption for the agricultural sector.
“The decision to move the Show to the end of agricultural show season has been taken proactively,” said Wayne Muller, General Manager of the RAS, “to provide livestock producers, commercial exhibitors and sponsors with greater certainty and confidence, while ensuring the event can be delivered responsibly and resiliently under ongoing FMD conditions.”
Muller confirmed that this decision forms part of a broader, proactive strategy to strengthen the Show’s agricultural and livestock programme, and to provide certainty to exhibitors and stakeholders going forward.
As part of this approach, the Royal Agricultural Society is launching the Royal Agricultural Exchange at the October Show, a new agricultural leadership and engagement platform that will become a permanent feature of the Society’s business. The Exchange will serve as a central hub for authoritative information, livestock breeder exposure, agricultural producer marketing and visibility, market engagement and practical support for all exhibitors.
Recognising the current pressures facing farmers and agricultural businesses, the Society will also seek opportunities in the coming months leading up to the October Show to bring farmers, exhibitors, policymakers and industry leaders together for structured “indabas” on disease management, movement policy, market access, and other pertinent FMD issues.
In addition, as part of its 175th anniversary celebration programme, the Royal Agricultural Society will roll out a commemorative engagement initiative to support all exhibitors during the extended lead-in to the October Show.
“These initiatives are designed to bridge the period between now and October, to support the livestock community and all our exhibitors, and to ensure that the October Royal Agricultural Show offers enhanced value, relevance and resilience,” said Tim Nixon, President of the RAS.
From April to June 2026, the RAS will continue to host other standalone events, including the Fred Kean Poultry Show, the Natal and Coast Poultry Club Show, the Natal Rabbit Club Show, the Pietermaritzburg Canary and Cage Bird Club Show, and a Honey and Crafts Festival.
Further programme details and participation opportunities will be announced shortly.
