Attracting the biggest and most beautiful beasts from across the country, the Sydney Royal Cattle Show is one of Australia’s most prestigious beef and dairy competition, with a Sydney Royal Ribbon, or Championship, not only providing immense pride for exhibitors but also contributing to increased sale prices.

Comprised of the Elders Sydney Royal Beef Cattle Show, Sydney Royal Dairy Cattle Show, Sydney Royal Purebred Steer & Carcase Competition and Sydney Royal Trade Hoof & Carcase Competition, each class will be judged on specific criteria, with structure, yield, temperament, and production being common across all classes.

Six breeds of dairy cattle and up to 20 breeds of beef cattle will be judged during the Show. Exhibitors travel from almost all states of Australia to exhibit their cattle, with up to 1,600 head of cattle onsite over the course of all 12 days.

A full and strong udder is a must… the judges are looking for cows that can really display lots of milk. They like to see nice legs and feet that can walk long distances. But they also want well-attached udders and nice feet placement.

At the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the best-of-the-best dairy cattle in Australia are on display and ready for assessment. The feature breed in 2025 is the Guernsey.

The Elders Sydney Royal Beef Cattle Show welcomes up to 1,200 head of cattle onsite over the course of the 5 days of Show, with up to 20 breeds of beef cattle, with Exhibitors traveling from almost all over Australia to compete.

Attracting the biggest and most beautiful beasts from across the country, the Sydney Royal Cattle Show is one of Australia’s most prestigious beef and dairy competitions.

A win at the Sydney Royal is not only a matter of immense pride for exhibitors but also a major contributing factor to increased auction sale prices.

Steer refers to young, neutered male cattle primarily raised for beef. In the Sydney Royal Cattle competition, steer are assessed in weight categories including: Lightweight: 380kg - 450kg Liveweight, suitable for the domestic market Middleweight 451kg - 550kg Liveweight, suitable for the heavy supermarket/restaurant trade Heavyweight: 551kg and over, liveweight, suitable for the Export Trade.