On 31 October, the Bluegumbosch Multipurpose Community Hall in Qwaqwa, Free State, buzzed with excitement as the province honoured its most promising young agricultural talents at the 2025 Provincial Youth in Agriculture (YAFF) Awards.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

Now in its ninth year, this prestigious ceremony has become more than just an annual gathering, as it represents a fundamental shift in how South Africa approaches agricultural development and youth empowerment. Under the leadership of MEC Elzabe Rockman, the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has consistently championed the cause of young farmers, recognising their potential to transform not just their own communities but also the entire agricultural landscape of the province.

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“These awards are a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of our young farmers, who are playing a crucial role in advancing socioeconomic transformation in our province,” said MEC Rockman as she addressed the gathering of winners, traditional leaders and agricultural stakeholders.

The ceremony itself was a testament to the deep respect for both tradition and innovation that characterises modern South African agriculture. Traditional leaders, including representatives of Paramount Chief wa Batlokoa, Paramount Chief wa Makgolokoe Paulos Moloi and Paramount Chief wa Bakoena, sat alongside government officials and farming communities, creating a powerful symbol of unity in agricultural development.

Outstanding Winners Across Diverse Agricultural Sectors

Pedi Agri from Mangaung Metro claimed the overall winner’s title, and enterprises such as Mpumelelo Foods, Egg On-Top and Sephiri Agricultural Projects showed the diverse range of agricultural innovation happening across the province. These winners represent different categories ranging from smallholder operations to commercial enterprises, each telling a unique story of perseverance, innovation and success.

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Award Winners by Category

Subsistence Category:

Top Achiever: Young Black Farmers/Growers
1st Runner-up: Mpumelelo Foods (Lejweleputswa District)
2nd Runner-up: Tshabalala Farming (Lejweleputswa District)

Smallholder Category:

Top Achiever: Egg On-Top (Fezile Dabi District)
1st Runner-up: Kudi Farming (Lejweleputswa District)
2nd Runner-up: Manosi (Xhariep District)

Commercial Category:

Winner: Pedi Agri (Mangaung Metro)

Special Recognition Awards:

Agricultural Training Institute Graduate: Tshele Moloi (Fezile Dabi District)
Disability Category: Sephiri Agricultural Projects – Rethabile Thiane (Mangaung Metro)

MEC Recognition Awards – Subsistence Category:

Koena L&L (Lejweleputswa District)
MSC Agriculture/MS Construction (Thabo Mofutsanyana District)
Molo’s Brother (Xhariep District)

Overall Winner: Pedi Agri (Mangaung Metro)

Bridging the Generational Gap in Farming

What makes these awards particularly significant is their role in addressing a critical challenge facing South African agriculture. As MEC Rockman explained in her keynote address, “The awards aim to bridge the historical gap between commercial farming, dominated by a generation of older farmers, and our young farmers, who are mostly first-generation farmers.” This generational transition is perhaps one of the most important developments in contemporary South African agriculture.

More Than Recognition: Creating Real Impact

The practical impact of recognition extends far beyond the ceremony itself. “The prize money often provides young farmers with some additional support to make improvements or further investments in their enterprises,” noted MEC Rockman, highlighting how these awards serve as catalysts for continued growth and development.

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MEC Rockman emphasised that “the awards are more than just accolades, but are also an opportunity to showcase the innovation, dedication and resilience of our young producers and farmers. Many of our past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success, both in primary agriculture and agro-processing. Their stories serve as an inspiration to others, proving that with the right support, anything is possible.”

From Job Seekers to Job Creators: A Revolutionary Mindset Shift

This transformation from job seekers to job creators represents a fundamental shift in how young South Africans view agriculture. The MEC said that over nine years, the awards have consistently demonstrated that farming is not just a viable career option but also a pathway to entrepreneurship, innovation and community development.

The diversity of this year’s winners reflects the evolving nature of South African agriculture. From specialised egg production operations to agricultural training institute graduates making their mark in the field, the awards celebrate not just traditional farming excellence but also innovation, sustainability and social impact. Special recognition for farmers with disabilities, such as Rethabile Thiane from Sephiri Agricultural Projects, underscores the programme’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development.

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