Mzansi celebrates its brightest young farming talent

The country’s most promising agricultural talent took centre stage at the 2025 AgriSA/Toyota SA Young Farmer of the Year Awards, held in Johannesburg recently.

The event celebrated excellence across the sector, highlighting resilience, innovation and the vital role of youth in building South Africa’s food security.

Opening the evening, Leon Theron, senior vice president for sales and marketing at Toyota South Africa, was warmly acknowledged for the company’s long-standing partnership with AgriSA.

“Personally, both my family and my wife’s family come from farming. I’m passionate about this sector, Toyota is passionate about it, and I know you are too. It’s an honour to stand with the young farmers who give so much hope to our country.

“What inspires me every year is the resilience of young farmers. You deal with political uncertainty, financial pressures, climate extremes, and crime. Yet you continue to create jobs, drive food stability, and contribute to one of the most dynamic agricultural sectors in the world,” he said.

Working together as a farming community

Theron warned of global market disruptions and policy shifts that affect both agriculture and the automotive industry, stressing the importance of adaptability and strong partnerships.

Minister of agriculture John Steenhuisen expressed deep appreciation for the farming community.

“I don’t think you 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.

“We are immensely proud of you. When I travel internationally, the awe and respect for South African agriculture is palpable, and that is because of the work each of you does every single day,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuisen reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that allows farmers to grow and succeed.

Willem de Chavonnes Vrugt, president of AgriSA, reflected on the resilience of South African farmers through a vivid analogy. He emphasised that farmers’ strength lies in the community.

“What makes us anti-fragile is not only our skill and hard work, but our willingness to admit vulnerability and draw strength from each other,” he said.

Outstanding farmers

2025 Award winners

Communal Farming Association of the Year: Iqhude Supply and Farming

Iqhude Supply and Farming, operating in flowers, cattle and sheep in Elim, Western Cape, received the 2025 Communal Farming Association of the Year Award. Judges praised their strong community integration and consistent performance despite challenging conditions.

New Harvest Award: Rudzani Sadiki

Limpopo’s Rudzani Sadiki, who farms sunflowers, cattle, sheep and broilers in Thabazimbi, was named the 2025 New Harvest Winner.

Overwhelmed by the recognition, Sadiki said, “I was not expecting this. Thank you to Toyota and the team. Honourable minister, the invitation to visit the farm still stands.”

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Toyota SA/AgriSA Young Farmer of the Year: Francois Rossouw

The top honour of the evening went to Francois Rossouw, a table grape farmer from the Western Cape.

Rossouw reflected on the journey that began when he was selected as the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year: “These past months have shown me that there is one culture that truly unites South Africans: agriculture.”

He emphasised the long-standing importance of organised agriculture, noting that its two centuries of existence reflect the essential support it provides to farmers and producers, support he described as fundamental to the sector’s future.

Rossouw also expressed profound hope for the sector’s future. “Despite challenges, I’ve met exceptional young farmers who continue finding solutions and supporting their communities. With these pillars in place, the future of agriculture in South Africa is undoubtedly bright.”

He closed by thanking his family, faith community, government leadership and agricultural organisations, including AgriSA and its provincial structures, for their unwavering support.