SA young farmer of the year hails innovative producers

All finalists were celebrated for their leadership, excellence and commitment to the agriculture sector.

The awards recognise outstanding achievement across the Young Farmer, New Harvest of the Year and Communal Farming Association categories.

Leon Theron, senior vice-president for sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa, said: “Every year I am inspired by the resilience of young farmers who have to deal with political and market uncertainty, financial pressures, climate extremes and crime. Yet they continue to create jobs, drive food stability and contribute to one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in the world. You as young farmers are showing the value of adaptability and strong partnerships.”

Theron urged the finalists to never give up, even when circumstances seem difficult or impossible.

“You are the people who will create hope, and you will have the responsibility to inspire others.”

Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen also attended the event and expressed his appreciation for the farming community.

“I don’t think one can ever thank South African farmers enough. Despite some of the most difficult conditions in the world, agricultural exports are up 10% year-on-year. This is a testimony to your ability to innovate, adapt and keep moving forward.”

Addressing the finalists, Steenhuisen said the entire sector is immensely proud of them.

“When I travel internationally, the awe and respect for South African agriculture is palpable, and that is because of the work each farmer does every day,” he said.

He reiterated government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for farmers to grow and succeed.

“And even when situations seem dire, farmers have the ability to pick themselves up and keep on. This is what makes you all winners – the ability to be resilient.”

In his address, AgriSA president Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt reflected on the sector’s strength, saying it lies in the resilience of South African farmers.

“Although many people often expect farmers to be fragile due to the challenges they have to deal with on a daily basis, this is not the sentiment you will find amongst South African farmers. In fact, it is the opposite. Farmers are anti-fragile, not only due to their skill and hard work, but their willingness to draw strength from one another,” he said.

He reminded the young farmers that they will be the light at the end of tunnel, explaining that they will have to be the ones that come with solutions to address the current issues.

The awards emphasise the importance of diversification in farming enterprises, innovation, the adoption of technology and sustainable practices within the South African agricultural environment.

Earlier this year, Rossouw received the title of Agri Western Cape’s Young Farmer of the Year. He is from Mooigezicht Estates in the Hex River Valley.

He farms table grapes and has implemented precision-farming methods to improve both yield and quality. His approach blends tradition with forward-thinking strategies in sustainability, technology and people-centred leadership.

Rossouw said the past months have shown him that there is one culture that truly unites South Africans, and that is “agriculture”.

He emphasised the importance of organised agriculture as it provides essential support to producers. “This support is fundamental to the agriculture sector’s future.”

He added that he is privileged to have met exceptional young farmers who continue to find solutions and support their communities.

Rudzani Sadiki received the New Harvest of the Year award. Sadiki runs a diversified farm in the Thabazimbi area in Limpopo and produces sunflower, cattle, sheep, and broilers.

Iqhude Supply and Farming, based in Elim in the Western Cape, received the Communal Farming Association award. In their operation they focus on flower cultivation, as well as cattle and sheep production.

@farmersweeklysa Congratulations to Francois Rossouw, the 2025 Toyota/Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year. As a leading table grape producer, Rossouw has embraced precision farming to boost yield and quality, showing how innovation, sustainability and people-centred leadership can shape the future of viticulture. A well-deserved honour. @Lindi Botha #farmersweeklysa #farmingsouthafrica #youngfarmers #tablegrapes ♬ A cool and bright song with a view of the sea that feels summer(1203560) – G-axis sound music