The 2025 Grain SA Grain Awards held in Johannesburg on 31 October brought together some of the country’s most accomplished producers, industry leaders and policymakers for an evening that honoured excellence in agriculture. One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring address by the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who paid tribute to the resilience, determination and innovation of South Africa’s farmers.
By Maphuti Mongatane, Business Development Manager at African Farming
Celebrating the Culture That Sustains Us
Opening his address, Minister Steenhuisen described agriculture as “the only culture that truly matters” – a powerful reminder of the sector’s central role in South Africa’s economic and social fabric.
“It’s wonderful to be here this evening celebrating the culture that keeps our nation fed – agriculture,” he said. “It’s an honour to share this space with distinguished guests and proud grain producers who embody the heart and hands that sustain South Africa.”
He noted that although farmers often face unpredictable weather, rising input costs and volatile grain prices, their grit and endurance remain unmatched.
“The odds are sometimes stacked as high as a silo,” he said, “yet our farmers stand firm. They remain the backbone of our food security and a pillar of our economic stability.”
Also read: Engineer-turned-farmer wins 2025 Grain SA New Era Commercial Farmer Award
Resilience and Partnership as Pillars of Growth
The Minister acknowledged that the agricultural sector has not had an easy season, citing the combined pressures of drought, logistics challenges and global market shocks. But, he emphasised, the resilience shown by South African farmers continues to inspire confidence in the nation’s agricultural future.
“Our farmers are truly outstanding in their fields, literally,” he said with a touch of humour. “Their determination, innovation and faith in their craft never go out of style.”
Minister Steenhuisen also underscored the value of partnerships between government, farmer organisations and the private sector as the key to creating a stronger, more inclusive agricultural economy.
“We are beginning to see deeper collaboration between government, commodity organisations and the private sector,” he noted. “These partnerships are leading to greater strategy, greater opportunity and greater profitability. When our farmers thrive, our nation thrives.”
He expressed appreciation for companies such as Syngenta and others in the agricultural value chain that continue to drive innovation and technological advancement, helping local producers stay globally competitive.
“Patient capital is the key to successful farming,” the Minister said. “And that’s why partnerships that promote perseverance, persistence and faith are vital to agriculture’s success.”
Also read: SA Grain sector celebrates a season of plenty
Honouring Excellence and Purpose
Reflecting on the achievements of the evening’s award winners, Minister Steenhuisen spoke passionately about the courage and dedication required to farm successfully in South Africa’s complex environment.
“Excellence is never accidental,” he said. “It comes from hard work, courage and the determination to get up every single day even when the odds seem impossible.”
He reminded the audience that the wealth of farmers cannot be measured by money alone. “The world may measure wealth in numbers,” he reflected, “but farmers measure theirs in sunrises, rainfall and the satisfaction of feeding a nation.”
As he closed his speech, Minister Steenhuisen reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making agriculture central to South Africa’s growth and development.
“We look forward to walking this journey with you, newly focused on agriculture and agriculture alone,” he said. “Because when agriculture thrives, our country thrives. When our farmers do well, South Africa does well.
“Thank you for what you do every single day. You don’t just grow crops, you grow hope for our country. Together, we will ensure that agriculture retains its rightful place as South Africa’s premier sector, building a better future for all.”
The evening was filled with emotion, applause and shared pride as farmers from across the country were recognised for their excellence. Minister Steenhuisen’s message served as a timely reminder that behind every bag of grain lies the perseverance, faith and vision of a farmer, and that agriculture will always remain the heartbeat of the nation.
Also read: Grain SA mourns the loss of visionary young farmer Nkosana Mtimkulu
