It began with more than 30 countrywide nominations for the national Sheep Farmer and Cattle Farmer of the Year awards. From these, three finalists were selected in each category, and on Wednesday, 12 November, the winners were announced.

By Marisa Beeton, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

Richard Armstrong of Tweeddale Dohnes near Cathcart in the Eastern Cape was named Sheep Farmer of the Year. He says he is still a little overwhelmed.

“Just being chosen as one of the three finalists was already a huge privilege. To then be crowned Sheep Farmer of the Year is the cherry on top.”

The farmer’s day he will host in 2026 is, for him, a chance to showcase his own sheep and promote the Dohne Merino breed.

Richard farms about 11 000 ha, most of which is natural veld. He also operates a feedlot on the farm, where he finishes his own lambs after weaning. This is central to his value-adding strategy.

The business has access to premium marketing channels, including a Woolworths contract. The farm’s location in the Eastern Cape also gives him access to developing markets.

He further adds value to the enterprise by selling some of his older breeding ewes while pregnant.

Also read: Legendary vet Doc Faffa honoured with prestigious award recognising for his contribution

Best Among the Cattle Farmers

Paul van Niekerk of Boshoek Bovelders, near Memel in the Free State was named Cattle Farmer of the Year.

“We are incredibly grateful and very proud. We are proud of our cattle – they are the heart of our business. Many people have contributed to this herd over the years, including my father Connie and Dr At Viljoen. We just want to say thank you,” Paul said. “And thank you to our children, Charl and Liana Theron, and my wife, Liana, who all play major roles in the farming operation. Everyone pulls their weight.”

Paul is the fifth generation to farm on Boshoek, and his daughter Liana works alongside him as his right hand in the cattle side of the business.

They implement strict breeding practices, including artificial insemination of female animals and corrective mating. They also recently began using BKB’s Decision Support Services (DSS), a management tool that is part of the company’s Smartstock program. By using data processing and analytics, DSS helps livestock producers make well-informed decisions. Rather than focusing only on individual top performers, they look at the overall performance of their best animals to improve the herd.

The Bovelders are raised on natural veld. The farm covers 5 660 ha, of which 5 293 ha is natural grazing and 47 ha is planted pasture.

Also read: Agricultural Writers SA honours Nkosana Mtimkulu posthumously

Sponsors Pay Tribute to Farmers

The prestigious competition is sponsored by Voermol, FNB, BKB, Zoetis and Landbouweekblad, sister publication of African Farming. At the awards ceremony, sponsors paid tribute to the farmers.

CT du Plessis, acting national sales manager at Voermol, said it was a privilege to celebrate the finalists’ farming practices and the way they overcome challenges.

According to Johan Stumpf, managing director of the BKB Group, he knowns many top farmers across agricultural sectors, and the one thing they all have in common is resilience. “We’ve come through a tough few years in the livestock industry, but farmers keep going and keep finding solutions. I’ve travelled to many countries, but South Africa is where farmers are the most innovative. My message tonight is this: When things get difficult, don’t give up. It will get better again.

“To all the finalists – and to those who weren’t finalists – thank you for staying the course.”

Dawie Maree, head of agriculture information and marketing at FNB Agribusiness, said the evening was not just about handing over awards but about celebrating the best sheep and cattle farmers in the country.

“This title represents the heart and soul of South Africa’s agricultural spirit. Farming is not a job; it’s a calling. It’s an echo of the generations before us who cared for their livestock in biting cold and blistering heat. The stories of these finalists are stories of resilience.”

Dr Ralf Patzelt, livestock business unit director at Zoetis, said the company was proud to be the veterinary sponsor of the competition, which inspires all farmers and reinforces the vital role agriculture plays in South Africa.

“The competition recognises farmers’ progress and innovation. It’s also a golden opportunity for Zoetis to engage with leading livestock farmers and to hear what challenges they face.”

Chris Burgess, editor-in-chief of African Farming and Landbouweekblad, thanked the sponsors and judges and congratulated the winners.

“These farmers are a shining example of the calibre of South African producers,” he said. “Through perseverance, but also through excellent management practices, they demonstrate how to deliver high-quality products.”