TLU SA is proud to announce the six finalists for the 2025 Young Farmer of the Year competition. Now in its 24th consecutive year, the competition celebrates young agricultural leaders who farm with passion, skill, and determination, regardless of the size or nature of their enterprise.
Next week, from 14 to 18 July 2025, the national judging panel will visit each finalist on their farms. These farm visits form part of the second round of judging, which will assess management ability, technical expertise, and financial control, among other criteria.
This year’s six finalists are:
- Niel Booyens (28) from Belfast, who farms with cattle, sheep, and crops (maize, soya beans, and oats).
- Tiaan Barkhuizen (33) from Garies, runs a Dorper stud and farms commercially with Boer goats and sheep.
- Thian Heyns (29) from Clocolan, Free State, farms with Sussex stud and commercial cattle, as well as maize, soya beans, sunflowers, and wheat.
- Martin van Jaarsveld (30) from Greylingstad, Mpumalanga.
- Willem van der Merwe (36) and Francois du Toit (34) from Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga, have entered as partners. They are crop farmers who share responsibilities in marketing, planning, finances, maintenance, trials, and security. Willem is also a practising attorney, and Francois a forestry technician.
- Francois du Toit (34) has also entered individually with a focus on arable land.
The Young Farmer of the Year competition is open to any TLU SA member aged 40 or younger. Candidates may farm independently or in partnership, provided that their responsibilities are clearly defined. Judging is conducted objectively by an independent panel of experts according to international management criteria.
The grand prize for the winner includes a brand-new BYD bakkie, sponsored by Hatfield Motor Group for one year’s use, as well as R50 000 in cash, sponsored by Manitou. Santam is sponsoring the cash prizes for the runner-up and third-place finalist.
The top three finalists will be announced after the farm visits, and the winner will be revealed during the TLU SA Congress on 10 September 2025.
