The Grain SA Farmer of the Year competition is about more than recognition. It honours the growth, learning, and resilience of farmers participating in the Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Farmer Development Programme. Through its central pillars of study groups, practical training, mentorship, and on-farm guidance, the programme helps farmers move towards profitable and sustainable grain production. The 2026 candidates show this development in practice through improved yields, expanding enterprises, stronger management, and meaningful contributions to their communities.
1. New Era Commercial Farmer
Obakeng Mogogane farms near Mahikeng in North West, producing maize, sunflower, and beans on communal land. Since joining the programme in 2022, he has expanded his operation, invested in larger machinery, and strengthened his workforce. His farming business employs 14 permanent workers and provides additional seasonal work during planting and harvesting.
Motlalepule Vincent Masiu farms with his family near Senekal in the Free State. The operation produces maize, soybeans, and sunflower and includes a Bonsmara herd. After starting on a smaller scale, the family recently acquired a 700-ha farm. Masiu has participated in the programme since 2020.
Masenga Farming, near Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, is a mixed farming operation producing grain, cattle, and sheep. The business continues to build on the foundation established by the Mbutho family and has shown steady growth across its different enterprises. It has participated in Grain SA’s development programme since 2020.
2. Potential Commercial Farmer
Kopano Lentswetshipi began farming alongside his father in Weltevrede Village near Mahikeng. In 2014, his father gave him 45 ha to cultivate. He has since expanded to 200 ha and established
Thusano Excellency. He has also invested in machinery and strengthened the administrative side of his business.
Thembakuye Jeff Hlela farms near Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal, producing maize and soybeans through Hangala Farming. An agricultural management graduate, he has worked in several areas of commercial agriculture. Despite crop losses caused by hail, wind, and livestock damage, he remains committed to expanding his operation and securing land of his own.
Vincent Ntuli farms at Springbokpan in North West. After his father’s death in 2015, he repaired the family’s old machinery and planted his first 15 ha using income from his mining job. He now cultivates more than 100 ha, creates employment, and leases land from members of the local community.
3. Smallholder Farmer
Stuurman Simon Motau farms with maize and beans near Groblersdal in Limpopo while running a substantial livestock operation. Since joining Grain SA in 2019, he has improved his grain yield from less than 1 t/ha to between 4 t/ha and 6 t/ha. He also assists neighbouring farmers with land preparation and planting.
Lubabalo Jordan farms near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. After working in engineering in South Africa and Ireland, he returned to the agricultural roots established by his father. Since joining Grain SA three years ago, he has expanded his maize production from 3 ha to 13 ha and become chairperson of the Bangilizwe study group.
Mfaniseni Mnculwane began producing maize and broiler chickens near Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal after returning home from Johannesburg in 2002. A Grain SA member since 2011, he finances his own inputs and mechanisation. He also assists newer study group members with chemical weed control, helping them improve the condition of their crops.
4. Subsistence Farmer
Hombile Nombebe farms in the Eastern Cape and joined Grain SA in 2019. Since then, the farming operation has expanded from 0,5 ha to at least 1 ha. Training in maize and dry bean production, together with careful planting and weed control, has contributed to steady progress and consistently good crops.
Manqoba Nkosi farms in Mpumalanga, producing maize and soybeans alongside cattle, goats, and sheep. He holds a qualification in farm management and joined Grain SA in 2016. Improved yields and consistent participation in the programme have strengthened an operation that he hopes to expand to 10 ha.
Nkosingiphile Raymond Nhlabathi farms in Mpumalanga, combining grain production with cattle, goats, and chickens. Before joining Grain SA in 2014, he harvested less than 1 t/ha. He achieved 7 t/ha in each of the past two seasons and assists neighbouring farmers through the Sizama Impilo Co-operative.
