The title of winner of Lamb Champs Boland 2025 was awarded to Louis Botha with a Meatmaster from Cradock in the Eastern Cape, whose exceptional lamb impressed the judges. The winner received a cash prize of R40,000, along with a unique trophy sculpted by renowned artist Nic van Rensburg. Second place went to Nollie Stofberg with a Meatmaster from Fraserburg in the Northern cape, who received a cash prize of R20,000, and third place to Loffie and Micheal Smuts with a Dormer from Moorreesburg in the Western Cape, who received a cash prize of R10,000.
Louis Botha is a skilled Eastern Cape farmer from Cradock, known for producing exceptional Meatmaster lamb of outstanding quality. His winning entry stood out for its superior meat characteristics and consistency, reflecting a strong focus on breed excellence, careful production practices, and a commitment to premium lamb standards.
The first official Lamb Champs 2025 competition took place at the RPO Northern Cape’s “Wys jou Vleisfees” just outside Kimberley. This event marked the launch of the 2025 season and brought together top lamb producers from across the region. Lamb Champs, an initiative by Saai, celebrates local lamb production, rewards excellence in meat quality, and reconnects consumers with the farmers behind their food. The judging process was conducted independently and according to strict criteria, focusing on meat quality, carcass composition, and taste. Thanks to headline sponsor Pick n Pay and category sponsor Toyota, the event successfully showcased the full farm-to-fork value chain and highlighted the role of family farmers in premium meat production.
Awarded for an outstanding entry that impressed judges with superior quality and flavour. As regional winner, Lize Mans qualified for the national Lamb Champs final held on 18 October 2025 at Nampo Alfa in Bothaville.
The 2024 Karoo Lamb Champs, held in historic Parsonage Street, Graaff-Reinet, showcased the exceptional quality of authentic Karoo lamb. After a tough competition among 29 Karoo Lamb Consortium farmers, Chrisna Vermeulen was crowned Karoo Lamb Champion, winning R25,000 and a bronze trophy worth R50,000 by Nic van Rensburg. Chrisna Venter took second place, while Lukas Steenkamp secured third. The event was a true community celebration, with locals preparing traditional Karoo side dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Holiday travelers passing through stopped to enjoy the festivities and stock up on Lamb Champs meat at Pick n Pay, taking a taste of the Karoo home for the holidays. Live performances by Ichnus and Juan Boucher brought energy to the day, making the event a memorable experience for all. Saai CEO Francois Rossouw emphasized that Lamb Champs is more than a competition—it’s a tribute to the resilience and excellence of Karoo farmers. With Pick n Pay, Toyota, and the Karoo Lamb Consortium as proud sponsors, the event reinforced the importance of supporting family farmers and preserving the rich Karoo lamb heritage.
Chrisna Vermeulen won the prestigious title of Karoo Lamb Champion for the best Karoo lamb of 2024. She won a bronze trophy worth R50,000, made by Nic van Rensburg, as well as R25,000 in cash.
The third qualifying round of Lamb Champs 2025 took place on 6 September at the Afridome in Parys. Farmers from four provinces showcased a wide variety of breeds – from Merino and Dormer to Meatmaster, Ile de France, and Hampshire Down. Lamb Champs, an initiative of Saai, celebrates family farming, rewards meat quality, and connects consumers with the farmers behind their food. With Pick n Pay as main sponsor, Toyota as driver, and Old Mutual as category sponsor, the day offered a true celebration of lamb, music, family entertainment, and the popular live auction.
Awarded for an outstanding 25.4 kg lamb that also won the TAU carcass competition. Winner of R40 000, a custom trophy by artist Nic van Rensburg, and a Weber braai.
Lamb Champs Reitz 2024, held at the Bielie Mielie Feesgronde, brought together 37 farmers to compete for the title of the best lamb in the Free State. Morne Coetzer, farming with Meatmaster sheep, won first place, taking home R25,000, a Pick n Pay hamper, a Weber braaier, and a bronze trophy worth R50,000. The day also featured a lamb spit braai competition, a schools’ contest, and a wool carrying event, with live performances from Die Rowers, Ivan Roux, Prop, and Riaan Benade. Sponsored by Pick n Pay and Toyota, the event celebrated the dedication of local farmers.
Morne Coetzer emerged as the top winner at Lamb Champs Reitz 2024 with his exceptional Meatmaster sheep, impressing judges with its outstanding meat quality. His victory earned him a grand prize of R25,000, a Pick n Pay hamper, a Weber braaier, and a bronze trophy valued at R50,000. The fierce competition, held at the Bielie Mielie Feesgronde in Reitz, saw Morne rise above 37 farmers in the Free State. His dedication to producing premium lamb was evident, making him the standout champion of the event.
The second qualification event of Lamb Champs 2025 took place at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 26 July. With 110 top-tier lamb producers participating, the day showcased the finest in local lamb quality, sustainability, and family farming tradition. The event, presented by the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) and headlined by Pick n Pay, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. It celebrated not only quality lamb production but also community, music, and connection across the agricultural value chain. Attendees enjoyed live music from five artists—Vrede, Jan Jan Jan, Ichnus, Ricus, and Ricus Nel—while the highlight of the day was a live auction of 66 lamb boxes, hosted in partnership with Pick n Pay and BKB.
JP will represent North West at the Lamb Champs 2025 national finals on 17 October at Nampo Alfa, Bothaville.
Lamb Champs 2022 is an exciting annual event organised by Saai (Southern African Agri Initiative) that celebrates the finest lamb producers in South Africa. Hosted at Harlequins Rugby Club in Pretoria, the event brings together family farmers from across the country to compete for the title of the best lamb. Attendees have the opportunity to taste lamb from various regions, enjoy live entertainment, and engage with the farmers behind the high-quality produce. Lamb Champs not only highlights the dedication and craftsmanship of South African farmers but also fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the people who bring premium lamb to their tables.
At the 2022 Lamb Champs event, held on April 2nd at Harlequins Rugby Club, 50 family farmers competed to showcase their lambs on the spit, with each lamb being individually judged by 10 food and meat experts. The competition attracted around 2,000 guests who enjoyed sampling lamb from all 50 spits while being entertained by performances from Ichnus Wait, Juan Boucher, and Adam Tas. Nathan Naudé of Nitique Boerdery, a Merino sheep farmer from Kriegerspoort in the Northern Cape, emerged as the winner. He was awarded an impressive trophy worth R80,000, crafted by sculptor Nic van Rensburg, along with R50,000 in prize money. Naudé’s victory not only highlights his expertise in producing top-quality lamb but also boosts his farm’s marketing efforts and expands his network within the industry. Gawie van Heerden from Consortium Merino and Hennie Jonker from Kroonstad took second and third place, respectively.
Lamb Champs 2023 is a premier event organised by Saai, celebrating the best lamb producers across South Africa. Held annually, the event brings together family farmers to showcase their lamb and compete for the prestigious title of having the best lamb in the country. Lamb Champs is more than just a competition—it’s a platform that connects farmers directly with consumers, butchers, and restaurants, promoting transparency and shortening the agricultural value chain. With live music, delicious food, and vibrant activities, Lamb Champs offers an exciting day for all attendees while honouring the dedication and expertise of South Africa’s sheep farmers.
At Lamb Champs 2023, held on July 29th at Loftus, the competition was fierce as over 5,000 attendees tasted lamb from 100 spits to decide who had the best-tasting lamb in South Africa. The spotlight shone on Paul van Rooyen from the Free State, who emerged as the winner with his outstanding Meatmaster lamb. Van Rooyen’s lamb impressed the judges and tasters alike with its exceptional flavor and quality, earning him the title of Lamb King for 2023. He walked away with R50,000 in prize money and a trophy crafted by the renowned sculptor Nic van Rensburg, valued at R80,000. Van Rooyen’s victory underscores his commitment to quality farming and highlights the rich tradition of excellence in South African lamb production.
Lamb Champs 2024 in Pretoria was a tremendous success, attracting over 8,000 attendees and featuring 100 sheep and 50 goat farmers from across South Africa. Jason Davel from the Free State took home the top prize for his Île-de-France lamb. The event celebrated the dedication of family farmers and introduced a new partnership with Pick n Pay, which will now feature Lamb Champs meat in select stores.
At Lamb Champs 2024, the competition was intense, bringing together the best sheep and goat farmers from across South Africa to showcase their skills and top-quality meat. The highlight of the event was the lamb competition, where Jason Davel from the Free State triumphed with his Île-de-France sheep. Known for their excellent meat quality, Jason’s Île-de-France lamb impressed the judges with its superb flavour, tenderness, and texture. Jason’s victory at Lamb Champs 2024 earned him not only the top title but also R80,000 in cash, a valuable bronze trophy by the artist Nic van Rensburg worth R85,000, and a variety of other prizes. His win underscores the dedication and expertise of family farmers in the Free State and highlights the exceptional standards they uphold in lamb production. Jason’s achievement celebrates the hard work and passion that go into producing some of the finest lamb in the country.
