The pinnacle of the South African agricultural calendar, the 2025 Agricultural Writers SA (AWSA) National Awards, took place on Friday, 14 November 2025 at Bergland, outside Worcester. The event gathered more than 120 leaders to honour the farmers, scientists, and communicators shaping the nation’s food production.
Lindi Botha, national chairperson of AWSA, highlighted the significance of the event amidst complex challenges like rising production costs and climate uncertainty. She stated that the awards celebrate those whose resilience and innovation “keep agriculture moving forward.” Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen congratulated the winners, affirming that the sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy and praising the award recipients for setting the standard for excellence.
A Triumph of Precision and Persistence
National Farmer of the Year 2025: Jan Grey (Mpumalanga)
The coveted Farmer of the Year title went to Jan Grey of Janvos Estate in Brakfontein, Mpumalanga. A fourth-generation farmer, Grey manages a highly diversified 3,200-hectare enterprise that includes a 650-cow dairy, Boran cattle, apples, and crops. His success is attributed to his strategic management model: running each division as a separate, fully accountable independent cost and income centre to ensure precision, efficiency, and sustainable growth without cross-subsidisation. Grey also actively serves as a director in organised agriculture and supports local community initiatives.
A Legacy of Courage and Transformation
New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture 2025: Nkosana Mtimkulu (Posthumous)
The award for New Entrant to Commercial Agriculture was tragically presented posthumously to Nkosana Mtimkulu of Amanhle Farm, North West, who passed away unexpectedly at age 42. Mtimkulu’s journey was one of immense courage, leaving a successful corporate career in 2010 to build an agribusiness. After pivoting to grain production in 2022, his 533-hectare farm excelled in producing high-value crops through partnerships with major corporations. Beyond his farming success, Mtimkulu was a dedicated mentor, hosting study groups to uplift and inspire a new generation of black farmers. His legacy embodies resilience and transformation in the sector.
Driving a Sustainable Future
Agriculturalist of the Year 2025: Dr Hendrik Smith (Gauteng)
Dr Hendrik Smith, agronomist and soil scientist from Gauteng, received the Agriculturalist of the Year award. With over three decades of experience, Dr Smith is a national leader in regenerative conservation agriculture, directing the Conservation Agriculture Farmer Innovation Programme (CA FIP) to restore soil health and improve resource efficiency. He empowers both commercial and smallholder farmers through partnerships and research, driving the future of sustainable food production. Dawie Maree of FNB, the platinum sponsor, noted that the winners’ dedication and innovation continue to shape the future of agriculture in the nation.
Celebrating Excellence in Communication
The crucial role of agricultural journalism was also celebrated, with key winners in the FNB Communicator Awards including:
- Broadcast Media: Thabi Modutoane (AmaFama)
- Print Media: Magda du Toit
- Business Category & Crop Protection: Glenneis Kriel
- Youth Communicator: Temba Msiza
- Special Awards: Lindi Botha (IFAJ Star Prize and Mechanisation/Data Award)
The 2025 AWSA awards highlighted not only South Africa’s top-performing farms but also recognised specialist excellence in reporting and industry support. Carien Kruger (Japie Grobler Technical Article), Susan Marais (Japie Grobler Investigative Article), and Corné Louw (Crop Protection Industry Support) were also celebrated for their significant contributions to the sector.
Ultimately, the event served as a powerful reminder that ingenuity, resilience, and collaboration are the defining strengths of modern South African agriculture.