Photo: Magda du Toit
The candidates were nominated by Agricultural Writers SA North members in the sections for Farmer of the Year, Agriculturist of the Year, and New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture of the Year for 2023.
Lindi Botha, chairperson of Agricultural Writers SA North, said during the event, “Despite economic pressure felt worldwide by every sector, agriculture as an industry continued to stand out as flourishing. This is a testament to the resilience and innovation of everyone involved in agriculture.”
During a panel discussion focusing on solutions for an uncertain future, the take-home message was that relationships, solid partnerships, adaptability and perseverance were key elements in being successful as a farmer.
Botha said that the road ahead was strewn with challenges. “Despite the success of our agricultural industry, we also think of those who find themselves in make-or-break situations. This makes it all the more important to stand together, build relationships and work together to find solutions.”
She added that similarly to farmers, the media were also facing troubles on account of the changes in the information landscape.
“The information landscape has changed to allow for unverified ‘facts’ and alternative truths. At this time, it is even more prudent to seek out and support those who are on the side of truth. Here, the Agricultural Writers SA plays a vital role. In reporting on the industry, and developing communication strategies, our members work to ensure agriculture’s voice is heard and that the industry is informed by facts, without bias. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports our industry – whether you read your news online, buy a magazine each week, or utilise expert communicators to reach your audiences. Without your support an important watchdog will cease to exist,” she said.
The provincial award recipients for Agricultural Writers SA North were:
Farmer of the Year
- Gauteng: Jimie Malan
- Mpumalanga: Dewald te Water
Agriculturist of the Year
This year the focus was on agricultural economists:
- Gauteng: Corné Louw
- Free State: Prof Frikkie Maré
New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture
- Sophy Musabeni Litshani
Heleen Pienaar and Dirk Strydom from Grain SA received Corné Louw’s award as Agricultural Writers SA North Agriculturist of the Year for Gauteng on his behalf. Louw was unable to attend as he was in Australia representing Grain SA at the World Canola Congress.
