From Smarter Farming to Future Careers: Discover the Technology and Innovation Hub

Can water really be moved without electricity? How is technology changing livestock security? Could smarter use of energy help farmers manage electricity costs? How do you know whether the honey you buy is genuine? And what does a career in agricultural engineering actually look like?

These are some of the questions being explored at the Technology & Education Hub at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, where a five-day programme of short talks will bring together practical knowledge, new technology, agricultural research, education and career opportunities.

Talks are approximately 30 minutes long, so visitors can drop in for one that catches their interest, stay for a full session, or return throughout the Show.

Come for one talk, or stay for three. Ask questions, and discover something new.

FOR FARMERS: PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE FOR REAL FARM PROBLEMS

A strong thread running through the programme is simple: how can knowledge and technology help farmers solve problems and make better decisions?

Across the five days, speakers will cover machinery, water, livestock breeding and recording, security, solar energy, electricity costs, farm data, smallholder education and red meat classification.

Friday has a particularly strong technology focus.

The morning session, Smarter Livestock, looks at precision livestock technology, milk recording and agricultural data, and the role technology can play in moving livestock security from theft response towards earlier warning.

In the afternoon, Smart Farming turns to energy, data and decision-making, with talks on solar technology, farm intelligence, electricity pricing and energy flexibility.

The focus throughout is on useful knowledge with practical agricultural application.

THINKING ABOUT A FUTURE IN AGRICULTURE?

For learners, parents, educators and young people considering study and career choices, the Hub offers a particularly strong education programme this year.

Representatives from Weston Agricultural College, Cedara Agricultural College, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Jirah Academy and Grootfontein Agricultural College will discuss practical training, skills development, changing industry needs and pathways into further study and work.

Thursday morning focuses on The Next Generation of Agriculture, while Saturday combines agricultural education with Where Agriculture & Engineering Meet — a session exploring careers in the electrical and electronic fields, greenhouses and undercover farming, and agricultural engineering.

For young people who may not yet know where they fit into agriculture, these talks could open up possibilities they have not considered before.

Modern agriculture needs farmers, but it also needs engineers, technicians, researchers and people with practical and technical skills.

FROM RESEARCH INTO PRACTICE

The programme opens on Wednesday morning with Research into Practice, featuring researchers from the Agricultural Research Council.

Topics include community-based livestock breeding, biological control of alien invasive plants, and building more resilient soils through agroecology.

The session offers visitors a chance to hear how agricultural research is being applied to real production and environmental challenges.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A FARMER TO FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING HERE

Some of the most intriguing talks have much wider appeal.

On Thursday, the KZN Bee Farmers Association will explore the subject of adulterated honey. On Sunday, visitors can learn more about apitherapy and the fascinating life of a bee.

Other talks touch on subjects ranging from biological control and soil resilience to solar technology and practical water solutions.

These are the kinds of sessions that reward curiosity — even if you simply happen to be passing the Hub and a subject catches your attention.

LIVESTOCK, DATA AND BETTER DECISIONS

Livestock also features strongly in the talks programme.

Subjects include community-based cattle breeding, livestock reproduction, precision livestock technology, milk recording, security and the South African red meat classification system.

Together, they show how modern livestock production increasingly combines experience and breeding knowledge with data, technology and market requirements.

IDEAS, SKILLS, TECHNOLOGY AND PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE

The Technology & Education Hub is designed for different audiences.

A farmer may come looking for ideas around energy or livestock technology. A learner may discover a possible career path. A parent may find out more about agricultural study options. A smallholder may hear something immediately useful. A general Show visitor may simply wander in and discover a subject they knew very little about.

That mix is what makes the programme interesting.

As the Royal Agricultural Society marks 175 years and the Royal Show begins a new chapter at Tweedie, the Hub brings together some of the knowledge, people and ideas helping to shape agriculture now — and into the future.

TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION HUB PROGRAMME

Browse the daily programmes below and choose the talks you would like to catch during your visit to the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show.