If there’s one thing Shannon Robertson, the Western Cape’s 2025 Prestige Agri-Worker of the Year, wants the world to know, it’s that agriculture is cool.

By Lucille Botha

“There are so many new developments and innovations – there’s technology, systems and so much to learn,” Shannon Botha (25) says enthusiastically a few days after being named the Western Cape Agri-Worker of the Year, before heading to the cattle on the farm Boschendal, where she has been working since 2022.

Originally from Stellenbosch and raised in Kuils River, Shannon says her love of agriculture probably comes from her grandparents, Jacky and Iderica van de Rheede, who farmed strawberries and vegetables in Jamestown.

“I’ve always been an outdoorsy person, always somewhere playing with the dogs or doing something outside – you’d never find me in front of the television,” she says.

After obtaining a BSc degree in conservation ecology from Stellenbosch University, she began her internship at Boschendal. There, she was exposed to the food gardens, vineyards and regenerative agriculture – but she lost her heart to the livestock.

“They made me the assistant livestock manager because they realised I was always with the animals anyway,” she says with a laugh. She admits she would have seriously considered studying veterinary science if Pretoria hadn’t been so far away.

Today, she helps to manage about 230 Black Angus cattle, 140 Hampshire Down sheep, as well as pigs and chickens. The lambs are especially close to her heart.

“I’ve been given complete control over the lambing season, which is an important and special project, and I’m determined to make it a success.”

Surprised By How Much She Loves Farming

“I can’t believe how full of life farming is. At the awards ceremony, I quoted Genesis 1:26, which says God created man in His image and that it’s our duty to take care of the animals. Regardless of your position in agriculture, we have a valuable impact – we do what we do to provide for people,” she says.

As a young woman in agriculture, Shannon says she quickly learnt not to take discrimination personally. “They see you as a wet-behind-the-ears girl, but you learn to ignore it and let your work speak for you. Once they see the results – how beautiful your animals look and how well your camps come together – the respect follows.”

She’s not afraid of hard work. “I don’t hesitate to lift heavy things or hold a sheep. I’m not going to let anyone think I can’t do it; I’m just a little cheeky that way!”

She does believe women’s calmer approach can have a positive effect on livestock. “And we’re also more thorough,” she adds cheekily.

As the overall winner of the Western Cape competition, she hopes to serve as a role model in agriculture.

“I’m not perfect, but people need to realise that with hard work and perseverance, you can come out on top. I’m glad I never gave up. That’s why I want people to come to me for help, advice or motivation.

“To other young women who want to work in agriculture, I say, ‘Go for it. Just do it. It’s not going to be easy, but persevere and prove yourself.’”

Her greatest wish is to own her own land. “It may sound idealistic, but my dream is to build communities. I want my own piece of land so I can teach others how to care for the soil and feed their communities – so they can teach others in turn.”

Honouring the Heartbeat of the Western Cape’s Agriculture

The Western Cape Prestige Agri-Worker Awards celebrate the skills, dedication and excellence of the province’s agricultural workforce. The competition originated in the Hex River Valley in 2002 as the Farm Worker of the Year competition. This year, 1 393 people entered – 150 more than last year.

Agricultural workers are the heartbeat of the province’s agricultural economy, says Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape minister of agriculture, economic development and tourism. “Their commitment sustains food security, supports our economy and builds resilient rural communities,” he says.