Hennie Jonker Crowned National Champion at Lamb Champs 2025

Hennie Jonker, a farmer from Kromdraai near Kroonstad in the Free State, has claimed the national title at Lamb Champs 2025 after his Hampshire Down lamb impressed judges across all evaluation stages, from on-the-hoof assessment to final taste testing. Jonker outperformed three other regional champions, earning recognition for his dedication and breeding expertise.

The Lamb Champs series, headlined by Pick n Pay and presented by the Southern African Agri Initiative (SAAI) and Provantage, with Toyota and ZARBet as key partners, hosted four national qualifying events this year. A total of 266 lambs were spitted and more than 12 000 visitors attended the competitions, highlighting the event’s growing popularity.

Jonker received a trophy sculpted by renowned artist Nic van Rensburg, valued at R80 000, along with R50 000 in cash and additional prizes from the event’s partners. He has been competing in Lamb Champs since 2022, citing family and passion for farming as his primary motivation. “I was born in Bethlehem in the eastern Free State, not far from where we farm at Kromdraai. I’m a farmer to the core; it’s in my blood,” Jonker explained.

Breeding Strategy Key to Success

Lamb Champs evaluates participants through multiple criteria, including on-the-hoof assessments, laboratory analysis, and traditional spit evaluation. Judges assess flavour, tenderness, and overall quality. Jonker emphasized the importance of breeding strategy: “You have to obtain the best genetics, as it makes a big difference. If you make the right selection and build up the right lines, it can open big doors.”

He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly selecting the ideal carcass on the hoof. “You have to envision it, and I think we are starting to get it right more often than not,” he said. Despite these challenges, Jonker stressed the value of competitions like Lamb Champs. “It is fantastic that the end consumer can see there’s a family behind the process; someone who has a passion for that chop and works hard to get it to the plate,” he added.

Family, Awareness and Community

SAAI CEO Francois Rossouw highlighted that Lamb Champs is about more than taste. “It gives family farmers a proper platform. These events open doors, create networks, and showcase what quality farming looks like. Every farmer is a champion,” Rossouw said. He noted that the competition raises consumer awareness about lamb and allows farmers to differentiate their products. Successful participants often see increased demand and can influence pricing in the market.

Looking ahead to 2026, Rossouw indicated that the competition will evolve with a new structure, with strategic partnerships still being finalised.

Hennie Jonker’s victory at Lamb Champs 2025 underscores the importance of genetics, dedication, and family-driven passion in South Africa’s agricultural sector. Competitions like these continue to elevate the profile of local farmers, encourage best practices, and connect producers directly with consumers, strengthening both the industry and rural communities.