South Africa’s farmers and agriculturalists are the backbone of the nation’s food security and rural economy, standing tall among the best in the world. In a sector where resilience, innovation and grit are tested daily, it is vital that we recognise and honour those who keep our plates full and our agricultural industry globally competitive. The Agricultural Writers SA awards serve as a powerful reminder that behind every harvest and every successful agribusiness are dedicated individuals whose work sustains the future of the country.
Agricultural Writers SA North named its regional candidates on 3 October during its awards evening in Pretoria. The candidates were nominated by Agricultural Writers SA North members in the sections for Farmer of the Year, Agriculturist of the Year, and New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture. These provincial candidates, together with candidates from the !Xhariep region (Western, Eastern and Northern Cape) will now be adjudicated by an independent panel of judges. The national Agricultural Writers SA awards event will be presented on 14 November in the Western Cape where the national winner in each category will be announced.
The Agricultural Writers SA North event’s main sponsors were New Holland Agriculture, NWK, and Rijk Zwaan, supported by Van Loveren, FMC and the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO).
Lindi Botha, chairperson of Agricultural Writers SA North, said at the event that South African farmers and agriculturalists continue to embody resilience and innovation in the face of uncertainty. “Farming is the heartbeat of this country. Without our farmers and agriculturalists, there is no food on our tables, no thriving rural communities, and no economy to speak of. Yet too often their efforts go unseen. These awards are about shining a light on the men and women who work tirelessly—often against incredible odds—to feed a nation and keep South Africa competitive on the world stage.”
“Honouring our farmers is more than just recognition; it is a reminder that food producers are the guardians of our future. The finalists before us today embody resilience, innovation, and sheer grit. They deserve not only our thanks, but our unwavering support.”
Leonard Oberholzer, managing director of Rijk Zwaan, noted that the common thread that connected all the award recipients was their remarkable resilience and determination, grounded in community and family. “Each of them has not only invested in their own growth but has also given back to uplift those around them. Their commitment to continuous learning, training, and progress is driving our industry forward — and they stand as an inspiring example to us all.”
Jaco du Preez, marketing manager for New Holland Agriculture, said they are proud to reaffirm their commitment to the Agricultural Writers SA.
“As a leading provider of agricultural mechanisation, we believe that strong, reliable communication forms the backbone of a progressive agricultural sector. Our support for the association is based on a shared vision: to empower farmers, agricultural specialists, and the broader public with accurate, relevant, and inspiring information. Agricultural Writers SA plays a key role in disseminating knowledge about technology, sustainable practices, and the stories of the people who feed our nation. We believe that a well-informed agricultural sector can build a stronger, more sustainable future.”
This year’s Agricultural Writers SA North award recipients are:
AGRICULTURIST OF THE YEAR
This year’s focus is on extension officers in the Agriculturalist of the Year section, and the award recipient is Dr Hendrik Smith (Gauteng).
FARMER OF THE YEAR
- Jan Grey (Mpumalanga)
- Janna du Rand (North West)
NEW ENTRANT TO COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
This award focuses on farmers who have made the leap from subsistence farmer to small-scale farmer to a full-fledged commercial producer in the past ten years, have already achieved success on various levels and are continuing to show promise.
The award recipients are:
- Joseph Khahleli (Free State)
- Linda Mthalane (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Nkosana Mtimkhulu (North West)
MORE ABOUT THE AGRICULTURAL WRITERS SA NORTH FINALISTS
Gauteng Agriculturalist of the Year – Dr Hendrik Smith
A growing interest in soil health and conservation agriculture, as well as providing alternative solutions for unsustainable farming practices, makes the contribution of Dr Hendrik Smith’s work in the field of regenerative conservation agriculture (CA/RA) even more valuable. Dr Smith is a soil scientist by training and has 31 years of experience of which 90% has been dedicated to research and developing practical and context-specific conservation agriculture systems in summer grain production areas of South Africa.
Dr Smith believes that implementing CA/RA principles is one of the most important investments farmers can make to ensure long-term soil health and sustainability and therefore he uses every opportunity to participate in and advise farmers and other practitioners in this regard. His work has led to high impact results, primarily due to using an on-farm participatory systems research approach in his work with farmers as key innovators and partners and in his advice.
According to him, CA/RA is critical to sustain agricultural sustainability and profitability because it improves, regenerates and protects natural resources while increasing and sustaining farm profits and rural livelihoods.
Mpumalanga Farmer of the Year: Jan Grey
Jan Grey is a fourth generation dairy farmer on the farm Brakfontein near Davel in Mpumalanga. He started farming jointly with his father, the late Dr Vos Grey in 1994, and has been in charge of the farm since then. He manages a diversified farming company Janvos Landgoed. The farming business consists of a dairy sector, milking more than 650 cows in a newly built 50-cow rapid exit system, a Boran stud, commercial Boran herd, apple production and crop production on 3 200 hectares.
Jan Grey is actively involved in organised agriculture and community organisations and supports various local communities. He played a prominent role in Grain SA and serves as a director of a joint agricultural organisation between Agri Mpumalanga and TLUSA in the Ermelo area.
Jan is married to Tania and they have three children. His son is a fifth-year student at Onderstepoort and will possibly join the farming business after completing his studies.
North West Farmer of the Year: Janna du Rand
As a fourth-generation farmer, Janna du Rand has built his career on a blend of tradition, innovation and a commitment to people. Farming alongside his parents, Jannie and Thea, and brother Hugo, Janna plays a central role in strengthening the family operation. While Hugo focuses on the wildlife, lodge and beef enterprises, Janna drives the grain production, row-crop farming and agricultural contracting services – ensuring that every part of the business grows in balance.
In recent years, Janna’s reputation as an innovative and resilient producer has been confirmed by his performance in formal yield competitions. In the Groei vir Goud maize yield competition for the North West region, he secured first place in 2024 with a dryland yield of 9.776 t/ha using the Pannar hybrid PAN 5R-891BR. What makes this achievement remarkable is that it was realised with only 360mm of rainfall across the entire season. Janna’s focus on soil health, water retention, and cultivar selection has enabled him to achieve results that most would deem impossible under such dryland conditions.
Equally important is Janna’s heart for people. Together with his wife Erika, he introduced a programme where the harvest from a portion of land is paid directly to workers as a bonus. This initiative has transformed attitudes, instilling a sense of ownership and pride. Each person is empowered to decide how to use their earnings – whether to invest, save for their children, or finish building a home. For Janna, it is a long-term investment in human dignity and opportunity.
Free State New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture: Joseph Khahleli
A respected producer shaping a sustainable farming future, Joseph Khahleli embodies the spirit of modern agriculture: passion, precision, and a deep connection to family and community.
Today, his mixed farming operation on Zandfontein near Bethlehem and Lindley covers 343 hectares (with an additional 168ha leased) and produces maize, sunflower, sugar beans, and Bonsmara cattle. His 14ha of small white canning beans are planted exclusively with certified seed, ensuring high-quality yields. Careful record-keeping, cost planning, and continuous improvement of fertiliser and spray programmes set Joseph apart as a precise and hands-on producer.
In recognition of his hard work, resilience, and vision, Joseph was recently named AGT Foods Africa Emerging Dry Bean Producer of the Year – a testament to his progress and commitment to sustainable farming. He is also a member of Grain SA’s 250 Ton Club and has completed several training courses to sharpen his technical skills.
Married to Elizabeth and father of three, Joseph is proud that two of his children are showing keen interest in farming – a hopeful third generation ready to cultivate Zandfontein.
KwaZulu-Natal New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture: Linda Mthalane
Originally from Amanzimtoti near Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Mthalane relocated to Dundee after a 10-year career in the corporate hospitality industry. As a city woman stepping into a male-dominated space, Linda Mthalane began her farming journey five years ago when she purchased her first cattle. She is one of the few producers breeding Simbra and Brahman cattle in the area where she farms.
She and Bonginkosi Nkosi started with just eight cattle. Today, Rietvlei is home to approximately 200 breeding cattle, with 5 certified bulls. Linda oversees all aspects of the farm’s operations. Nkonyane Yenkosi Farming specialises in weaner production. The breeding stock is kept on the farm, and Mthalane rears calves until they are weaned. After the weaners have achieved the desirable weight, they are taken to auction and sold mostly to feedlot owners.
As the director of Nkonyane Yenkosi Farming (Pty) Ltd, she has built a brand trusted among feedlots and buyers alike. Her Simbra and Brahman cattle fetch top prices purely based on her reputation.
New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture: Nkosana Mthimkhulu
Nkosana’s journey is a powerful testament to the spirit of a modern farmer. He left a successful corporate career in sales and marketing in 2010 to pursue a purpose-driven life in agriculture. Starting with a dairy farm, he quickly built a vertically integrated agribusiness, even establishing his own processing facility. This ambitious venture, however, faced immense challenges—from shifting market dynamics to the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic—ultimately leading to its closure.
Instead of defeat, Nkosana found a new beginning. He returned to his roots, shifting his focus to grain production in 2022. With strategic vision, he leveraged his business acumen to cultivate high-value crops like non-GMO popcorn maize, wheat, and small white beans, securing partnerships with industry giants like Tiger Brands and PepsiCo’s Kgodiso Development Fund. His farm, which operates on a 30-year government lease, now spans 533 hectares.
Nkosana’s story isn’t just about farming; it’s about resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep-seated commitment to building a stronger, more sustainable agricultural community. He has transformed personal setbacks into a powerful platform for inspiring and empowering others, proving that true success lies in the ability to adapt, learn, and uplift those around you.
