Weston Claims Student Challenge Trophy with Home-Bred Steers at 2026 Royal Show

Weston Agricultural College students celebrate their first and second places in the halter-trained Group of Four Steers competition, posing with their cattle and the J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy. Joining them are Agricultural Management Educator Pierre Janse van Rensburg, Acting Principal Hannelie le Roux and Farm Operations Manager Bobby Govender.

Weston Agricultural College claimed the prestigious J.R. Brewitt Floating Trophy in the Student Challenge at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Show, overcoming strong competition from Cedara College of Agriculture and difficult weather conditions.

Competing at the new Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, near Howick, on Wednesday, 7 October, Weston secured both first and second places in the Best Group of Four Steers competition, with Cedara taking third place.

The Student Challenge forms an important part of the Royal Show's commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural professionals, giving students an opportunity to demonstrate their livestock knowledge, animal husbandry and stockmanship skills in a competitive show environment.

For Weston's Grade 11 students, preparing steers for the Royal Show is an integral part of their practical Beef Production studies, during which they learn how to manage a feedlot. The project provides hands-on experience in feeding, conditioning, animal health and the management practices involved in preparing cattle for competition.

This year's later Show dates also presented an opportunity for Weston to exhibit Beefmaster steers bred at the College itself. All the cattle shown by the Weston students were home-bred, adding further significance to their achievement.

The project benefited from the generous support of MSD Animal Health, through Rayner Talbot, who sponsored animal health products and provided valuable guidance on feedlot management. His practical knowledge and involvement contributed to the students' preparation for the competition.

Strong results across the weight categories

Weston's success extended to the individual halter-trained steer classes in the Royal Steers Competition, where the College dominated three of the four weight categories:

450–500 kg: First and second place
500–530 kg: First, second and third place
Over 530 kg: First, second and third place

Cedara College of Agriculture also performed well, securing first and second places in the under-450 kg category.

The results reflected months of work by the students and their instructors, with the cattle's condition and presentation demonstrating the care and attention invested in their preparation.

Determination in the face of miserable weather

The competition presented an additional challenge, with cold temperatures and persistent rain.

Students from both Weston and Cedara acquitted themselves exceptionally well, parading and presenting their halter-trained cattle in the rain while maintaining their composure and professionalism throughout the judging.

Despite the miserable weather, they continued without complaint, demonstrating the discipline, resilience and commitment required of those working in agriculture.

Judges Dave Shewan and Douglas Fletcher likewise deserve recognition for carrying out their duties so cheerfully in these circumstances.

The experience offered a valuable reminder that working with livestock demands dedication and perseverance, regardless of the conditions.

Continuing a 175-year tradition

The determination shown in the judging ring echoed the spirit of the very first Pietermaritzburg Agricultural Show, held on 23 December 1851, when exhibitors pressed ahead despite rainy weather.

At the Royal Agricultural Society's new home in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, 175 years later, that same commitment to agriculture was evident in the efforts of a new generation.

The Student Challenge 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 of Natal.

The Society gratefully acknowledges the sponsors' contributions to sustaining these important livestock competitions and the opportunities they provide for the next generation of agricultural professionals.

The Royal Agricultural Society congratulates Weston Agricultural College, its students and instructors on their outstanding achievement, and commends Cedara College of Agriculture for its contribution to another successful Student Challenge.

Both colleges, together with the judges, deserve particular recognition for their professionalism, good spirit and determination in less than optimal circumstances.