The Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc
2026 National Show
Bathurst, New South Wales, 5th - 7th June 2026
Highland Cattle Set to Take Centre Stage in Bathurst for the
2026 AHCS National Show
The Australian Highland Cattle Society Inc. is thrilled to announce that the 2026 AHCS National Show will be held over the June long weekend, from 5th to 7th June 2026, at the Bathurst Showground. The 2026 AHCS National Show is proudly hosted by the NSW Highland Breeders Group.
Up to 100 Highland cattle are expected to be on display, representing breeders from across Australia and showcasing the best of the breed.
The show promises to be an exciting gathering for exhibitors, AHCS members, Highland cattle enthusiasts, the broader community of Bathurst and the Central West of NSW. The show will bring together breeders, exhibitors, cattle lovers, and rural businesses for a weekend packed with top-quality cattle, community spirit, and country hospitality.
With something for everyone, from serious cattle judging to family-friendly activities, the event is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Bathurst, along with an even larger audience online via livestream and social media.
The highlight of the weekend will be the judging of Highland cattle by an internationally renowned judge, culminating in the crowning of the Supreme Highland Exhibit.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of Australia’s largest showcase of Highland cattle!
Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open
Businesses and supporters of regional Australia are invited to be part of the show as sponsors, with a full range of packages now available. Sponsoring the 2026 National Show provides a unique opportunity to connect with Highland cattle owners, breeders and enthusiasts. Sponsors will also reach a broad range of hobby farmers and tree changers throughout Australia, and a wide audience of spectators from across the Central West region of NSW.
Sponsorship can be offered as cash, goods or services, and all supporters will be recognised throughout event judging, social media, and printed material.
“Being involved in the show is a great way to get your brand in front of a highly engaged and loyal rural audience,” said committee member Hugh Hayden. “We’ve focused this year on making our sponsorships more valuable - especially online - with tailored social media content, livestream exposure, and targeted marketing.”
With in-person attendance expected to exceed 5,000 visitors, and online views topping 5,500 across Australia, the UK and the US, sponsors will enjoy strong visibility and direct connection to a fast-growing agricultural community.
From trade stall space and awards dinner tickets, to premium ad placements and banner displays in the judging ring, there’s a package to suit every budget.
Get Involved:
To find out more, please download the Sponsorship Prospectus, or contact the committee: show@australianhighlandcattle.org
Convenors:
📞 Jenna McAtamney - 0420 936 121
📞 Hugh Hayden - 0481 237 707
Secretary:
📞 Sarah Vaughan - 0493 965 684
Exciting Changes Announced for the 2026 AHCS National Show
The 2026 show will feature a refreshed schedule designed to improve the exhibitor and visitor experience. Stud classes, which were previously all held on Sunday, will now be split across Saturday and Sunday. This change ensures smoother judging, improved animal welfare, and greater opportunities for spectators to enjoy the show across the full weekend.
Key Highlights of the 2026 National Show:
Workshops & Education Day (Friday): A full day of learning, including junior judging and commercial classes (Graded Females and Market Steers).
Stud Classes (Saturday): Individual stud classes will be on Saturday, giving exhibitors more preparation time and the public more chances to see Highland cattle in the ring.
Paraders Judging (Saturday): Junior; Senior; Open; Novice
Championship Judging (Sunday): Female and Male Champions, Grand Champions, and the Supreme Exhibit will be awarded, with extended time for judge commentary.
Group Classes and Costume Classic: (Sunday)
Grand Parade of Champion Animals: (Sunday)
By distributing judging across both Saturday and Sunday, the new format creates a more exhibitor-friendly program while also enhancing the experience for spectators. This change supports better animal welfare and ensures more opportunities to showcase the breed to the public.
The AHCS 2026 National Show promises to be a landmark event, combining tradition with innovation, and highlighting both the heritage and the future of Highland cattle in Australia. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and the public to Bathurst for what promises to be our biggest and best show yet!
Join us at Bathurst in 2026
Save the Date! 5th - 7th June 2026
Join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, community spirit, and top-quality Highland Cattle! More information will be available soon.
Book your accommodation now!
Accommodation is available at the Panorama Motel Bathurst, located a short walk from the showground.
Camping is also available at the Bathurst Showground, and can be booked directly through Bathurst Showground website, or email: bookings@bathurstshowground.com.
