TLU SA Young Farmer of the Year | Last chance for young farmers to enter

Entries for TLU SA’s Young Farmer of the Year 2026 competition close on 19 June, and young producers across South Africa are now encouraged to make use of the final opportunity to become part of one of organised agriculture’s most prestigious competitions. Over the years, the TLU SA Young Farmer of the Year competition has become an important platform where young farmers receive recognition for outstanding management ability, perseverance, innovation, and their contribution to food security in South Africa. The competition does not focus solely on production, but on the complete package of modern farming management and the ability to manage a farming operation sustainably and responsibly during a time of increasing economic and political pressure.

This year’s competition once again offers impressive prizes to participants. The winner will receive the use of a bakkie for 12 months together with a cash prize, while the second- and third-place winners will receive the use of an SUV for three months as well as cash prizes. In addition, finalists will receive exclusive gift hampers, while a technology sponsorship valued at R124 000 also forms part of the prize package. Farm visits by the judges will take place from 13 to 17 July. During this period, finalists will be visited on their farms where various aspects of their farming operations will be assessed. The judging process includes financial management, labour management, technology and mechanisation, risk management, safety, maintenance, innovation, functional efficiency, marketing, and community involvement.

According to Bennie van Zyl, the competition plays an important role in encouraging young producers and giving the next generation of agricultural leaders exposure. “Year after year, we see young farmers who continue to perform exceptionally under difficult circumstances. This competition gives recognition to people who are willing to take responsibility for the country’s food security and who prove day after day that South Africa still has outstanding young producers,” says Van Zyl.

He believes the competition is about far more than simply good harvests or impressive equipment.
“When judges visit a farm, they look at the complete management of the farming operation. It is about vision, planning, discipline, responsible decision-making, and the ability to produce sustainably. We want to identify young farmers who are not only farming successfully today, but who are also laying the foundation for the future of agriculture,” he says.

Van Zyl points out that previous winners of the competition continue to play a major role within their respective industries, regions, and organised agriculture. According to him, the competition has over the years proven that it truly identifies young producers who have the potential to become leaders within the agricultural community.

“When we look back at previous winners and finalists, we see people who are still growing, expanding, and taking leadership today. Many of them now serve on various structures within organised agriculture and continue to set an example for other young producers. This demonstrates the value of the competition and the quality of participants who enter each year,” he says. He also made a serious appeal to young producers not to underestimate themselves and to enter before the closing date arrives. “Too many young farmers think they are not yet ready or that their farming operations are not large enough. However, the competition is about potential, management ability, and dedication. We want to encourage young producers to tell their stories and become part of something that strengthens organised agriculture,” says Van Zyl.

TLU SA believes that young producers play a key role in the future of South African agriculture and that platforms such as the Young Farmer of the Year competition help to encourage and develop that next generation of farmers.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their entries before 19 June. More information is available from TLU SA.