The pinnacle of South African commercial agriculture was celebrated on Friday, 31 October 2025, at the Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre in Boksburg. The prestigious Grain SA / Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year Awards 2025 gala crowned a diverse farmer known for his strategic diversification and provided a crucial platform for the Minister of Agriculture to address the serious financial challenges currently facing the industry.
The Champion of Grain: Hansie Viljoen
The coveted Grain SA / Syngenta Grain Producer of the Year 2025 title was awarded to Hansie Viljoen of Viljoen Boerdery. Farming across Leeudoringstad (North West), the Free State, and Botswana, Viljoen represents the kind of strategic thinking and diversification required to thrive in modern agriculture.
Viljoen’s operation is a true mixed enterprise, balancing substantial grain production with livestock and game. This approach, which he manages alongside his three sons, is underpinned by a philosophy of hard work, thorough planning, and smart financial management. Viljoen’s win, alongside finalists JP Truter and Riaan Taljaard, highlights that success in today’s farming requires a balance between traditional excellence and the adoption of modern, sustainable practices, particularly focusing on soil health and resource efficiency.
Minister Steenhuisen’s Stark Warning
Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen delivered the keynote address, starting with high praise for the sector’s incredible performance. He commended producers for achieving a record 23 million tonne grain and oilseed harvest—a staggering 30% increase year-on-year.
“This is not just a number. It is food on tables, foreign currency in our banks, jobs in rural towns, and stability on our balance of payments. You – the grain producers of South Africa – have delivered one of the greatest agricultural successes in our country’s history,” the Minister declared.
However, the Minister quickly pivoted to a serious warning about the “shadow” cast by this abundance: an “immense financial squeeze.” This pressure hits from two sides: lower output prices due to the surplus, and soaring input costs for fertiliser, fuel, and finance. Steenhuisen committed government support on three fronts: fighting for profit by opening new export markets; slashing red tape with faster water-use licences and permits; and building tomorrow’s farmers through mentorship and mechanisation grants.
Grain SA: Inspiring a Sustainable Future
Grain SA used the event to reinforce the vital role producers play in the nation’s stability and to celebrate the breadth of talent across the sector.
Dr. Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, underscored the significance of the award beyond just the victory: “Winning the Grain Producer of the Year award is not only a mark of distinction but also serves as an inspiration for other farmers. Recipients often become role-models within the agricultural community, encouraging others to adopt modern, sustainable practices and contributing to the overall development of South Africa’s grain industry.”
The evening also celebrated other key achievements, including the Golden Grain Awards for lifetime service to Jaco Minnaar and Derek Mathews, and honoured the rising stars across the Developing Farmer Categories (e.g., Rameshego Sarah Mahladi, Botlhale Jacob Tshabalala).
The success of the awards, now in their 25th year, was made possible by the dedicated support of key sponsors, including Syngenta, Toyota, Absa, John Deere Financial, and Land Bank, who continue to champion the pursuit of excellence in South African grain farming.