PGP Farmer of the Year finalists show steady progress in South Africa’s grain sector
The 2026 finalists reflect steady farm growth as more developing grain producers move closer to commercial production.
SOUTH AFRICA – The 16 finalists in the 2026 Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Farmer of the Year Competition farm almost 2,390 hectares across six South African provinces, showing steady progress among developing grain producers as they build stronger farm businesses and increase production.
According to African Farming, judges recently visited farms in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State and North West during the adjudication process. While every farm had its own story, the judges noted steady improvements in production, larger planting areas and better business management.
The competition also highlighted the need for continued access to finance, production support, markets and partnerships to help more developing farmers build sustainable commercial grain businesses.
The PGP Farmer Development Programme currently supports 6,783 developing grain farmers across South Africa through training, mentorship and production support. The annual competition provides a clear view of the progress farmers are making as they move towards commercial grain production.
This year’s finalists include several farmers who have moved into higher competition categories after expanding their operations. Lubabalo Jordan from the Eastern Cape and Mnculwane Mfaniseni from KwaZulu-Natal advanced from the Subsistence category to the Smallholder category.
Other farmers recorded even stronger growth. Masiu Farming increased its planted area from 30 hectares to 550 hectares, while Kopano Lentswetshipi expanded from 90 hectares in the 2022/23 season to 367 hectares in the 2025/26 season.
Sibusiso Mabuza, CEO of Phahama Grain Phakama, said the competition gives the organisation an opportunity to see farmer development on the ground.
“Each year we meet farmers who are improving their production, strengthening the way they manage their businesses and looking for opportunities to grow. Seeing farmers move into new categories and significantly expand their production shows what is possible when they have access to the right support.”
He added that cooperation across the sector remains important.
“At the same time, it reminds us that no farmer succeeds in isolation. Continued collaboration between farmers, government, financiers and industry partners is essential if we want to see more developing grain farmers become successful commercial producers.”
Mabuza said farmer development goes beyond production figures and planted hectares. He said it also includes better decision making, stronger farm management and building businesses that support families, local economies and South Africa’s food system.
The finalists will receive recognition during the 2026 PGP Ukukhula Conference and Day of Celebration on 8 October 2026 at Nampo Park in Bothaville. The event will also bring together farmers, government representatives, financiers, development partners and industry leaders to strengthen cooperation and identify practical ways to support developing grain farmers. Members of the 250 Ton Club will also receive recognition for reaching important production milestones.
“We have seen what developing grain farmers can achieve when they have access to the right support. Our responsibility now is to ensure that more farmers have those same opportunities. Commercialisation is not the responsibility of one organisation; it requires a collective effort across the agricultural sector,” Mabuza said.
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