Press release
The people of Pretoria can be proud. Headlined by Pick n Pay, the fourth edition of the annual competition was as succulent as ever; drawing more entrants and attracting thousands nationwide whilst proudly spotlighting the dedication, quality and tradition of family farming.
Presented by the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), the Loftus Versfeld showcase on 26 July hosted 110 of South Africa’s finest farmers and their world class quality lamb. The second of the four qualification rounds highlighted not only heritage but innovation, sustainability and the value chain within farming.
Congratulations to JP Nel from North West – winner of Lamb Champs Pretoria 2025 with his Dorper. Hot on his heels and in second place was Ancois Potgieter of the Free State with her excellent Merino lamb. Third place went to Gawie van Heerden from the Northern Cape with his Consortium Merino lamb. Fourth place was awarded to Coenraad Meyer of the Free State with his Dhone Merino; and Gerhard and Jani Lourens of Gauteng finished fifth with their unique Persian sheep.
JP’s winning lamb will represent North West in the national finals of Lamb Champs 2025 on October 17 at Nampo Alfa in Bothaville.
On a warm winter’s day, the vibrant community came together to celebrate a rich agricultural heritage, delighting in the finest local lamb cuisine. Interspersed throughout the day were live performances by five artists namely Vrede, Jan Jan Jan, Ichnus, Ricus and Ricus Nel. Adding further flavour to the festivities was the action-packed live auction of 66 boxed lamb packages, courtesy of the partnership with Pick n Pay and BKB.
Saai CEO Francois Rossouw comments that the title for the production of the tastiest and highest-quality lamb, is a unique contest;
“Lamb Champs isn’t just about who has the tastiest lamb, it’s about giving family farmers a proper platform. These events open doors. Farmers meet new customers, learn from each other, and showcase what real, quality farming looks like. Whether it’s a young farmer just starting out or a family that’s been farming for generations, everyone brings something to the table. That’s what makes this competition so special.”
The regional Lamb Champs competitions are open to all family farmers across South Africa who produce lamb meat. Winners are selected by a panel of expert judges, based on key criteria including taste, texture, and presentation.
Driven by Toyota, the 2025 Lamb Champs competition consists of four qualification events:
- 13 June 2025: Kimberly – Winner: Lize Mans from Kakemas, Northern Cape, farming with Dorper sheep.
- 26 July 2025: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Winner: JP Nel from North West, farming with a Dorper.
- 6 September 2025: Parys Afridome, Free State.
- 24 September 2025: Hoer Landbouskool, Boland, Paarl.
Grand final (4 winners): 17 October 2025: Nampo Grounds, Bothaville, Free State. The winner will be announced at the Lamb Champs 2025 closing ceremony.
Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai, expressed his gratitude: “Every farmer who showed up today- win or lose, played a role in making this day a success. These are the people who feed South Africa. And to our much-valued partners Pick n Pay, Old Mutual Insure and Toyota: Thank you for backing real farmers and helping us take their stories to more places. This is what it looks like when agriculture and community come together.”
More about Lamb Champs:
- www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yht2hqqSl9w
- www.lambchamps.co.za
- www.facebook.com/lambchampsSA/
- www.youtube.com/@SAAIorg
- www.instagram.com/lambchamps/
Lamb Champs branded lamb meat is available at selected Pick n Pay stores across South Africa.
For more information about Lamb Champs and upcoming events, visit www.lambchamps.co.za.
Photo above (supplied): From left, Iné Bester Operations manager at Saai, Tessa Chamberlain head of strategic partnerships Pick’nPay, JP Nel Winner of Lamb Champs Pretoria, Tjaart Steyn JP’s father in law , Minki van de Westhuizen.
