What is the KZN Youth Show?

This Sunday, Tweedie Hall in Howick will host the KZN Youth Show as part of the R.A.S. Heritage Events programme. For visitors, parents and members of the public, it offers a valuable opportunity to see young people developing real agricultural, animal-handling and presentation skills in a supportive show environment.

The KZN Youth Show is far more than a children’s display. For over four decades, it has played an important role in cultivating the next generation of farmers by giving young participants a platform to test and prove the skills and knowledge they work on throughout the year. The show was started in January 1983 by Dr Merron Galliers, who was inspired by the 4-H movement during a visit to the United States. The idea was later taken up by other provinces in South Africa and developed into the National Agricultural Youth Show.

Originally held in January, the KZN Youth Show moved to the Pietermaritzburg Royal Showgrounds in 2010 and has been hosted with the support of the Royal Agricultural Society ever since. It has become an integral and much loved part of the Society’s annual show, and will continue to be an important part of the Royal Show going forward.

At its heart, the Youth Show is about learning by doing. Participants are usually tested in three key areas: their knowledge of the animal’s requirements and physiology, the practical preparation of the animal for the show ring, and their showmanship in front of the judge. This includes skills such as washing, grooming, clipping, handling, speaking clearly, presenting confidently and understanding what makes a well-prepared animal.

In a typical year, the KZN Youth Show includes competitive classes such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigeons, poultry, auctioneering and dairy products. These are divided into Junior Junior, Junior and Senior age groups, ensuring that children compete with their peers. This year, due to the current Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, cloven-hoofed animals are not able to be shown, but the event continues with a strong and varied programme.

This year’s Youth Show classes include dog showmanship or agility, auctioneering, photography, poultry, horse showmanship, rabbits, pigeons and pets.

For the public, the Youth Show is a chance to see young people taking responsibility, presenting themselves with pride, and learning how to care for and work with animals. For parents, it is also a chance to understand how children can become involved in a programme that builds confidence, practical skill, resilience and respect.

The Youth Show also draws together a committed group of volunteers and sponsors who give their time and resources to develop, encourage and inspire young people. It is this combination of mentorship, competition, preparation and encouragement that makes the KZN Youth Show such a valuable part of the agricultural community.

The KZN Youth Show takes place at Tweedie Hall, Howick, on Sunday, 31 May 2026, from 8.00am.

Come along, take a look, and support the next generation.