Grain SA honours resilient farmers in grain and wheat industry

Grain SA took time to celebrate farmers in different categories for the important work they do in the grain and wheat industry in an award ceremony held in Bothaville, Free State.

The event was attended by farmers in the maize and wheat commodity, captains of the industry, and financial aid institutions like Land Bank, Absa Bank, Standard Bank, Kgodiso Development Fund, John Deere and Hollard.

According to Grain SA, these developing farmers are some of the many who are always hard-working and committed to sustainable practices to ensure a bountiful harvest and a brighter future for all.

Themba Rikhotso, the chief executive officer of Landbank, delivers a message of support as co-sponsor of the Grain SA/Land Bank Smallholder Farmer of the Year. Photo: Grain SA Twitter

Honouring excellence

Farmers in the grain industry play a vital role in feeding the world, showcasing incredible dedication and resilience through their labour.

The industry faces challenges such as climate change, infrastructure, crime and the need for sustainable farming practices, but ongoing innovations and government support aim to enhance productivity and resilience.

Annette Steyn, the advisor to the minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen, delivers the keynote address on his behalf. Photo: Grain SA Twitter

Standing in for the minister of agriculture was his special advisor Annette Steyn who spoke about the importance of agriculture and how important it was to ensure that the sector grows and creates jobs in all the commodities.

Free State farmer Petrus Ranko Tsotetsi contested with Luvuyo Mbutho and Bheki Mabuza in the Best New-era Commercial Farmer category and walked away with the main prize.

Dieketseng Mahlelehlele (left) and Bheki Mabuza were finalists in the Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year and New-era Commercial Farmer of the Year categories. Photo: Supplied/Grain SA

In the category of Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year, the finalists were Dieketseng Mahlelehlele, Zoliwe Nombewu, and Alfred Gondo, with Gondo winning the award.

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Grain SA, Dr Tobias Doyer, thanked all the sponsors and everyone who joined the event and congratulated all the nominees and winners. Doyer urged them to work hard and continue supplying South Africa with food despite the challenges they face.

CEO of Grain SA, Dr Tobias Doyer. Photo: Grain SA Twitter

Mhlangeqaba Mkizwana from the Eastern Cape won the Best Subsistence Farmer of the Year prize. Mandla Nkosi, Jim Masemola, and Buyisiwe Dhlamini were finalists in the category of Smallholder Farmer of the Year, with Masemola winning the award.