TLU SA is expanding its successful Young Farmer of the Year competition by introducing, for the first time in 2026, a Youth Farmer of the Year competition for school learners. The project gives young people the opportunity, already at school level, to develop their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and sense of responsibility through practical agricultural and food projects.
“The Young Farmer of the Year has, year after year, proven to be a powerful platform to showcase young people’s talent and innovation,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA. “We see great value in extending these opportunities to schools and exposing children from a young age to the principles of sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.”
The Youth Farmer of the Year project focuses on developing children’s problem-solving skills, creative thinking and sense of responsibility, even on a small scale. Participants demonstrate that farming is not only about large farms, but about ideas, planning and sustainable action that creates value for their communities.
“It is important to us that children learn early how to apply ideas in practice and take responsibility,” Van Zyl adds. “This project is a step towards inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders in agriculture.”
The Youth Farmer of the Year competition launches in 2026 and promises to be an exciting new platform for schools and young people to showcase their ideas and skills to a wider audience.
