The Free State town of Parys proudly hosted the third qualifying round of Lamb Champs 2025 on 6 September at the Afridome. With Pick n Pay as headline partner, Toyota as driving sponsor, and Old Mutual as category sponsor, the event brought together farmers, meat lovers, and communities from across the country to celebrate family farming, quality lamb, and true South African heritage.
The Parys showcase attracted farmers from four provinces, with the Free State delivering the largest group of 26 entries. Other representation came from North West, the Northern Cape, and Gauteng.
A wide variety of breeds filled the Afridome, showcasing South Africa’s rich genetic diversity and farming traditions. Leading the way were Merino (14 entries) and Dormer (6 entries), alongside Meatmaster, Dohne Merino, Dorper crosses, Ile de France, Landskaap, Hampshire Down, Karakul, Persian and others. This mix highlighted both tradition and innovation in lamb production.
Winners of Lamb Champs Parys 2025
- 1st place: Hennie Jonker, Hampshire Down from Kroonstad, Free State R40,000 cash prize and a custom trophy sculpted by renowned artist Nic van Rensburg and a Weber braai
- 2nd place: Ancois Potgieter, Merino from Tweeling in the Free State – R20,000 cash prize
- 3rd place: Niekie and Christo, Dormer Suffolk cross, Steynsrus Free State- R10,000 cash prize
- 4th place: Barnie Venter, Dormer, Reddersburg Free State – R1000 Pick n Pay voucher
- 5th place: Francois Venter, Dormer, Reddersburg Free State – R1000 Pick n Pay voucher
The day was filled with performances by artists such as Die Boere Orkes, Henru & Schwabie, Dassie, and the Bitterlekker Musas, as well as family-friendly entertainment and the ever-popular live lamb auction.
One of the highlights of the day – Lamb Champs winner Hennie Jonker sold his 25.4 kg boxed lamb that received 1st prize in the TAU carcass competion at auction for R30 000 to Henning Pretorius from Losberg Lodge near Fochville.
Saai CEO Francois Rossouw emphasized the importance of hosting the competition in different towns:
“Every region brings its own unique story to Lamb Champs. Visiting different provinces is not only about giving farmers from those areas the opportunity to compete, but also about connecting with consumers in their own communities. It builds bridges between the people who produce our food, our retail partner Pick n Pay and the people who enjoy it.”
Pick n Pay Head of Partnerships & Engagements, Tessa Chamberlain emphasises the importance of family farmers and joins Saai to support and recognise them by giving them an opportunity to showcase and sell their lamb through the Pick n Pay network of stores, ensuring South African customers have access to the quality of the Lamb Champs lamb. Through this partnership we provide a way to market for family farmers to ensure they thrive and continue to play an important role in food security for South Africa.
The road to the grand final continues:
- 13 June 2025: Kimberley – Winner: Lize Mans from Kakemas, Northern Cape (Dorper)
- 26 July 2025: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – Winner: JP Nel from North West (Dorper)
- 6 September 2025: Afridome, Parys – Winners listed above
- 24 September 2025: Hoër Landbouskool, Boland, Paarl
- 17 October 2025: Nampo Grounds, Bothaville – National final and closing ceremony
Lamb Champs-branded lamb meat is available at selected Pick n Pay stores nationwide, bringing the taste of this unique competition to South African households.
For more information and updates, visit: www.lambchamps.co.za
Francois Rossouw
CEO Saai
0825755484
