2026

Royal carcass

COMPETITION

& Auction

10 OCTOBER 2026 • ROYAL SHOWGROUNDS AT TWEEDIE

Buyers, butchers, restaurateurs and members of the public are invited to attend the 2026 Royal Carcass Competition awards and Royal Carcass Auction on Saturday, 10 October, at the Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie.

One of the most prestigious fixtures on the South African red meat calendar, the Royal Carcass Competition and Auction brings together excellence in livestock production, carcass quality and the commercial red meat industry.

Proceedings will begin at 15:00 in the Livestock Marquee with the presentation of the 2026 Royal Carcass Competition awards, followed immediately by the Royal Carcass Auction.

The event is made possible through the valued support of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), Voermol Feeds, the Royal Agricultural Society, ADM Animal Nutrition and HIPRA, whose involvement reflects the strong industry partnerships behind this longstanding Royal Show event.

Carcasses entered in the competition are judged on the hook by SAMIC, with the championship and group winners then offered for sale at auction.

For buyers, butchers and restaurants, the auction provides an opportunity to bid for outstanding beef and lamb recognised through the Royal competition. Securing one of the championship carcasses also offers the successful bidder a valuable opportunity to associate their business with recognised excellence in South African red meat.

The auction will be conducted by auctioneer Tom Hodgson and facilitated by AAM Livestock Agents & Auctioneers.

Beef classes

Carcasses to be recognised and auctioned include:

  • Champion

  • Reserve Champion

  • Champion Group of Three or Four

  • Reserve Champion Group of Three or Four

  • Super Beef Carcass – 340 kg and over, on the hook, A Grade

  • Biltong Cow

Lamb classes

The lamb competition includes:

  • Champion

  • Reserve Champion

  • Second Reserve Champion

  • Champion Group

  • Reserve Champion Group

  • Second Reserve Champion Group

  • Champion European Genetics

  • Reserve Champion European Genetics

  • Champion Group – European Genetics

  • Reserve Champion Group – European Genetics

  • Champion Super Lamb – over 27 kg on the hook

  • Reserve Champion Super Lamb – over 27 kg on the hook

Attend in person or follow the auction live

Bidders and members of the public are warmly invited to attend the awards and auction in person.

For those unable to be at the Royal Showgrounds, the auction will also be livestreamed on the Royal Show’s Facebook and YouTube channels, taking this prestigious event to buyers and red meat supporters beyond the Showgrounds.

Telephone bidding can be arranged in advance. Prospective telephone bidders should contact Louise Riddell of AAM Livestock Agents & Auctioneers on 082 558 3250.

Confirmed bidders attending in person will be offered complimentary access and convenient parking, which must be arranged beforehand. To make these arrangements, please contact Janice Will at the Royal Agricultural Society by Thursday, 8 October, on 033 345 6274 or admin@royalshow.co.za.

The 2026 Royal Carcass Competition and Auction takes place on Saturday, 10 October, at the Royal Showgrounds at Tweedie, Howick, providing a fitting showcase for the quality, skill and achievement of South Africa’s red meat industry.