Greetings, farmers!
Cape Town becomes the meeting place of Commonwealth agriculture this week, as leaders of agricultural societies, show organisers, farmers and young agripreneurs from across the globe gather for the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference.
Organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) and hosted by Agri-Expo, the conference runs until Thursday, 5 November under the theme “Opportunities of change in a connected world – from South Africa to the world”.
Delegates from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Zambia and South Africa will spend four packed days on the future of farming, food and the agricultural shows that bring them to the public. The programme closes with a look ahead to the next edition in Sydney, Australia.
Monday 02 November
Show leaders and young voices set the tone
The 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference opens at FNB Portside in Cape Town with two parallel sessions. In the CEO session, Grain SA chief executive Dr Tobias Doyer looks at the changing face of global agriculture.
Food For Mzansi co-founder Ivor Price joins Calgary Stampede chief executive Joel Cowley to unpack how shows shape public understanding of food and farming. A panel then imagines the agricultural show of 2050.
Down the hall, the Next Generation Session features Carnarvon sheep farmer Roux Steenkamp, 2025 National Young Farmer of the Year Francois Rossouw and 2025 Western Cape Prestige Agricultural Worker of the Year Shannon Robertson. The day ends with the announcement of the RASC’s 2027 Understanding and Assistance Mission and a tasting of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10.
For more information, click here.
Livestock Auction
Brahman buyers and lovers, save the date and join the Kroon Vee Brahman auction. A deep, masculine bull with lots of beef and bone. Easy fleshing like his sire, JVZ16-177 Ghanzi. A good medium-frame bull.
- When: 7 November 2026
- Where: Farm Buckshee, Vryburg, North West.
For more information, contact Jan Jnr on 082 944 0500.
Tuesday 03 November
Dr Johann Rupert headlines official opening of Commonwealth conference
CEOs and young leaders join forces in the morning for sessions on leadership and sustainability at the 31st Commonwealth Agriculture Conference in Cape Town.
Speakers include Singaporean “chief farmer” Kenny Eng, Alltech’s Patrick Charlton and Hollard’s Andries Wiese on succession planning. In the afternoon, the main conference opens at Century City. Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey joins online, and Western Cape agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer also addresses delegates.
Business leader and philanthropist Dr Johann Rupert delivers the keynote on the opportunities of a changing world. Former AgriSA CEO Christo van der Rheede and Beauty Mokgwamme of the Mohair Empowerment Trust then turn the spotlight on South Africa’s diverse agricultural sector.For more information, click here.
Livestock Auction
The Swellendam Christmas Auction will take place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, from 11:00 at the Swellendam Showgrounds, Western Cape.
For more information, contact Jan Erasmus (manager, coastal region) on 082 924 6096.
Wednesday 04 November
Livestock Auction
The Riversdal Christmas Auction will take place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026 from 11:00 at the Riversdal Auction Premises, Western Cape.
For more information, contact Fanus Muller (marketer) on 076 577 6744.
Thursday 05 November
Beef Production Course
Ready to level up your livestock skills? Get hands-on with Agri Skills Transfer’s five-day Beef Cattle Production Short Course at Agri Skills Transfer!
What’s in it for you?
- 5 days of focused beef cattle production training
- 2 days of practical training at their Cullinan Practical Farm
- Food included during the course
When: 9–13 November 2026
Gain practical knowledge, build your confidence and take your agricultural skills to the next level. Whether you’re starting or looking to sharpen your farming game, this course is for YOU.
For more information: 012 002 3723/admin@agriskills.net.
Friday 06 November
Tulbagh Agricultural Show
From Thursday, 3 December to Saturday, 5 December 2026, attendees will be spoiled with a lot of activities, such as fun and entertainment for the whole family, including various exhibitions and shows, famous guest artists, a wine garden and restaurant, stalls, as well as kiddies’ entertainment.
Main attractions
- National Horse Championships and horse jumping
- Poultry and flower/wildflower exhibitions
- Stalls, youth fair, mechanical bull riding, and wine garden
- Live music performances and evening event
For more information, click here.
READ NEXT: Reality check: What SA agri interns really experience on the farm
