Hansie Viljoen Named 2025 Grain SA/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year

On 31 October 2025, the Grain SA Farmer of the Year Awards in Johannesburg celebrated excellence, innovation, and resilience in South African grain farming. Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen commended farmers for their determination and hard work, noting that “excellence is born not of comfort but of courage and hard work.” He acknowledged the daily challenges farmers face, saying, “All these challenges surely feel as if they stack up as high as the silos found across the country. But still, you persevere and plant each season.”

Hansie Viljoen, owner of Viljoen Boerdery, was named the 2025 Grain SA/Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year. Viljoen operates farms across Botswana, the Free State, and North West, producing grain, livestock, and game. He runs a family operation with his three sons now actively involved. Viljoen attributes his success to diversification, smart financial management, and balancing chemical and biological practices to maintain soil health. He was joined on stage by family members and officials including Richard Krige, Chairperson of Grain SA; Luc Henry, Managing Director of Syngenta South Africa; and Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA.

The Grain Producer of the Year Award, presented in collaboration with Syngenta, recognises farmers who demonstrate excellence, sustainable practices, and efficient resource management amid challenges such as climate change, rising input costs, and fluctuating markets. Jeremia Mathebula, Vice-Chairperson of Grain SA, highlighted that farming is as much about timing as it is about planting, reflecting the perseverance and dedication of the finalists. The other finalists for the 2025 award were JP Truter from Moorreesburg, Western Cape, and Riaan Taljaard from Hoopstad, Free State.

The awards also honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the agricultural sector. Jozeph du Plessis from Schweizer-Reneke was recognised for his strategic thinking, knowledge, and 22 years of service on Grain SA’s executive team. Danie Minnaar, Vice-Chairperson of Grain SA, noted Du Plessis’s humbleness and mentorship. Former Grain SA chairpersons Jaco Minnaar and Derek Mathews received the Golden Grain Award for their lasting contributions to the industry, including leadership roles in Agri SA.

Other categories celebrated at the Ukukhula Conference earlier in October included: 2025 Subsistence Farmer of the Year, Rameshego Sarah Mahladi; 2025 Smallholder Farmer of the Year, Itumeleng Naphtaly Mongane; 2025 Potential Commercial Farmer of the Year, Madinda Jabulani Mashinini; and 2025 New Era Commercial Farmer of the Year, Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala. The conference highlighted transformation, resilience, and success across diverse farming backgrounds.

Dr Tobias Doyer emphasized that the awards set benchmarks to help farmers remain competitive and achieve global standards. The event celebrated producers who master the balance between tradition and technology, profitability and sustainability, and the art of strategic decision-making. By recognising excellence, the Grain SA Farmer of the Year Awards inspire the next generation of farmers, reinforce sustainable practices, and promote long-term growth in South Africa’s agricultural sector.