Weston Claims Double Beef Carcass Honours at the Royal Show
RAS President Tim Nixon presents Pierre Janse van Rensberg of Weston Agricultural College with the Champion Beef Group award at the 2026 Royal Carcass Competition Awards. Weston also claimed the Second Reserve Champion Beef Carcass award.
Weston Agricultural College added two major carcass awards to its successful 2026 Royal Agricultural Show campaign, claiming the Champion Beef Group of Four and Second Reserve Champion Beef Carcass titles.
The awards were presented on Saturday, 10 October, at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, near Howick, following carcass judging conducted by SAMIC at Halaal Fresh Meats Abattoir.
The Royal Carcass Competition forms the final judging stage of the Royal Fat Stock Show, assessing the quality of the finished product after the livestock has been judged on the hoof by SAFJA.
Weston's Champion Beef Group of Four earned the prestigious Crafcor Hygrade Floating Trophy, together with cash prizes, the Royal's championship sash, rosette and certificate.
The group competition recognises consistency in carcass quality across several animals, making Weston's championship particularly significant. The College also secured the Second Reserve Champion Beef Carcass award, adding an individual placing to its group success.
Both entries attracted support at the subsequent Royal Carcass Auction. Yakoob's Meat purchased Weston's Champion Beef Group of Four for R58,319.40, the highest total sale value achieved by a beef lot at the auction. The same buyer purchased the Second Reserve Champion Beef Carcass for R22,886.85.
The Champion Group of Beef Carcasses at the 2026 Royal Carcass Competition, exhibited by Weston Agricultural College.
The Second Reserve Champion Beef Carcass at the 2026 Royal Carcass Competition, exhibited by Weston Agricultural College.
Student Challenge Victory Adds to Weston's Success
The carcass awards complemented another highlight of Weston's Royal Show campaign. On Wednesday, 7 October, the College won the Student Challenge against longstanding rivals Cedara College of Agriculture, claiming the prestigious J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy.
The Student Challenge tests the preparation, handling and presentation of halter-trained cattle, giving agricultural students an opportunity to demonstrate practical stockmanship and teamwork in the show ring.
Weston's success in both competitions highlighted the value of hands-on livestock experience in agricultural education, with students demonstrating skills relevant to commercial beef production.
The 2026 Royal Fat Stock Show and Beef Carcass Competition were supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Red Meat Producers' Organisation (KZN RPO), Voermol Feeds, HIPRA, ADM Animal Nutrition and the Royal Agricultural Society of Natal.
The College's achievements added to its longstanding association with the Royal Show, making the Society's 175th anniversary event, and its first at Tweedie, a particularly memorable one for Weston.
Weston Agricultural College students celebrate their victory in the 2026 Royal Show Student Challenge, posing with the J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy alongside Pierre Janse van Rensburg and Hannelie le Roux.
Pierre Janse van Rensburg with the J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy, awarded to Weston Agricultural College for its victory in the Student Challenge at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show.
