Agricultural communicators, farmers and industry professionals gathered in Pretoria on Friday night for the Agricultural Writers SA North regional awards, celebrating individuals whose work contributes to the development, sustainability and growth of South African agriculture.
Mbali Nwoko, vice-chairperson of Agricultural Writers SA North, welcomed guests at Loft at 9 in Menlo Park and highlighted the importance of recognising the people working across the agricultural value chain, from primary producers to journalists and industry professionals.
“Every single day, people eat, yet agriculture is an industry that hardly gets the recognition it deserves,” Nwoko said, reflecting on the sector’s essential role in society.
She encouraged attendees, particularly farmers navigating the pressures of planting and harvesting, to relax for the evening and celebrate their achievements.
Related stories
- From five fish to a commercial farm: Meet the AWSA !Xhariep winners
- Agri Skills Transfer: Where agriculture meets opportunity
- Four major risks SA farmers can’t afford to ignore
- Energy shock, weather risks drive operational costs for SA farmers
Recognising agricultural leadership
The awards highlighted the contributions of agricultural economists, commercial farmers and emerging entrepreneurs who strengthen the sector through research, innovation and practical farming experience.
In the agricultural economist category, Jade Smith was recognised as Agriculturist of the Year for Gauteng. Her work focuses on translating economic research into accessible, practical information for farmers and agribusinesses.
Smith previously worked at the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO), analysing dairy production costs, prices, trade, consumer demand and value-chain developments. Her communication initiatives included the weekly Monday Milk Minute, which reached more than 1 000 farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
During the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, she also compiled weekly updates on reported cases and vaccination progress, helping communicate developments affecting livestock producers.
Her appointment at AgBiz South Africa extends her work across livestock, grain, horticulture and the broader agricultural economy.
Ikageng Maluleke was named Agriculturist of the Year for KwaZulu-Natal. The nominees’ profiles highlighted the importance of agricultural economics in improving farm-level decision-making, strengthening profitability and supporting industry development.
Farmers driving commercial growth
The awards also recognised farmers building commercially viable businesses while contributing to agricultural development.
Sizo Tshabalala was named New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture for Mpumalanga. His farming journey illustrates the potential to develop a commercial enterprise through practical experience, business discipline and diversification.
Beginning with buying and selling eggs in 2013, Tshabalala developed a poultry enterprise with a capacity of 7 500 birds. The business supplies fresh eggs to formal retail markets, employs 11 people and generates an annual turnover of approximately R5 million.
Photo: Agricultural Writers SA
His operation is supported by structured feeding programmes, commercial housing, health monitoring and biosecurity measures designed to protect production and reduce disease risks.
Beyond farming, Tshabalala promotes agricultural entrepreneurship and youth development through mentorship, public speaking and knowledge-sharing initiatives. His book, Fundable Farmer, also reflects his commitment to sharing lessons from his commercial farming journey.
Willem Groothof was named Farmer of the Year for Limpopo. A fourth-generation commercial farmer, Groothof produces sunflower, sorghum and maize, alongside irrigated seed crops, and runs a commercial cattle herd.
His farming approach combines financial discipline, technology adoption and conservation agriculture. Working with his wife, who manages the farm’s finances, he has built a business that has enabled the next generation to join the family enterprise.
He emphasises research, evaluating new technologies and adapting production practices to changing conditions as important elements of long-term farm sustainability.
Celebrating different spheres of agriculture
The awards served as a reminder of the diverse expertise required to sustain South African agriculture, from economic research and market analysis to commercial production and knowledge-sharing.
By recognising individuals working across these areas, Agricultural Writers SA North highlighted the importance of connecting research, practical farming experience and accessible communication.
READ NEXT: Palesa proves small-scale farming can feed communities, retailers
