South Africa’s agricultural sector is at a crossroads. With an ageing population in the sector, coupled with increasing costs of inputs, a hostile climate and high unemployment among young people, the question is no longer whether there is a need for rejuvenation in the sector, but how soon this rejuvenation can take root.
By Mkhululi Chimoio
Against this backdrop the TLU SA launched a first-ever Youth Farmer of the Year competition in 2026.
Building on the success of its long-running Young Farmer of the Year initiative, TLU SA is now reaching out to school-going children and introducing them to a career in.
“The TLU SA Young Farmer of the Year has proven to be a powerful platform to showcase young people’s talent and innovation,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA.
“We see great value in extending these opportunities to schools and exposing children from a young age to the principles of sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.”
A Structured Framework and Clear Guidelines
The initiative is underpinned by a structured framework and guidelines on how young people can participate.
Launched in 2026, with entries already open, participation is mainly done through schools, making them key facilitators in identifying and supporting learners with promising ideas in agriculture.
The competition is open to learners who are still in school, mainly those in primary and secondary education. And it is inclusive, meaning learners do not have to be on farmland to participate. Instead, they are encouraged to come up with ideas concerning small-scale agricultural projects within their environments.
To participate, a learner has to come up with a project that shows they are involved in some form of agricultural project. This includes documenting their processes, execution and results.
Consent is also mandatory, mainly because of the judging processes and media coverage.
Projects will be judged on their innovation, sustainability, record-keeping, feasibility and impact.
To apply, click here.
A Sector under Pressure
South Africa has an aging population, mainly those who practice agriculture, with fewer people opting to fill the gap created when those in the field retire.
Agriculture is also changing fast. Technological developments such as precision farming and automated irrigation systems are changing the sector. Climate change is also increasing the risks involved in agriculture. The global market is demanding greater efficiencies and sustainability in agriculture.
The competition is a direct response to these challenges by redefining agriculture as an accessible, modern and mentally stimulating activity.
Also read: Empowering tomorrow’s farmers: SA school’s poultry project prepares youth for real careers
Farming Beyond The Farm
One of the key strengths of the competition is that it is not limited to those who own farms or have large-scale farming operations. The focus is on projects that can be undertaken in any environment.
A learner may choose to explore activities such as growing vegetables, hydroponics, poultry farming, composting, and even food processing and packaging. This provides a learner with an opportunity to adjust the project to suit different environments.
“Through this competition, participants prove farming is not only about big farms but about ideas, planning and sustainable practices that create value for our communities,” says Van Zyl.
This is a global phenomenon where food production is moving away from the traditional farms and into urban and peri-urban areas. This also opens up agriculture to a wider cross-section of learners from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Most importantly, the competition introduces the learners to the concept of agripreneurship. Learners are encouraged to think outside the production process by considering aspects like costs, markets, efficiency and value creation.
Cultivating Responsibility and Accountability
In addition to the technical skills, the programme emphasises responsibility and accountability.
“Children must learn early on how to apply ideas in practice and take responsibility,” Van Zyl adds.
The learners learn to take ownership of their project, monitor the progress and evaluate the success.
Another important theme is sustainability. As the effects of climate change take their toll on the South African agricultural sector, the next generation needs to be introduced to sustainable ideas.
Innovation is encouraged. As the learners work with limited resources, they learn to come up with creative ideas to improve the soil, conserve water and market agricultural products.
Also read: We have a group of ageing farmers; we need young ones – KZN MEC
Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
This competition can change the way people view the agricultural sector. In the urban areas, the learners’ projects can introduce their communities to new ideas, such as vertical gardens, aquaponics and container gardening.
In the rural areas, the projects can change the way people view agricultural, showing them the sector is not only lucrative but also innovative.
By engaging learners in these contexts, the programme can help build a more diverse agriculture industry.
Also read: How young farmers are using social media to grow their agricultural businesses
A Timely Intervention
By engaging young people in agriculture, TLU SA is tackling one of the most basic, yet most important, elements of long-term sustainability: human capital.
This competition understands that the future of agriculture will not be defined by government or technology, but by the human beings who choose to engage with it.
The competition can become a model for youth engagement; not only in South Africa but across the African continent.
Also read and watch:
How one young farmer managed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on his livestock farm
Agri Routes: Dr Sipokazi Nyeleka and Amo Seilane discuss modern Animal Science careers
TARDI graduates strengthen EC’s frontline against livestock diseases
How Agri Skills Transfer is preparing a new generation for Africa’s agricultural future
Schoolgirls address water issues with innovative water purification system
