Appreciation and a new competition from TLU SA.
TLU SA wishes to express its deepest appreciation for the successful initiative Coast to Coast 4 Farmers, a groundbreaking project that brought the mental health and overall wellbeing of South African farmers to the national stage.
The campaign was a unique and demanding adventure: a team of four participants travelled thousands of kilometres per jetski from coast to coast, with the aim of drawing South Africa’s attention to the daily challenges faced by farmers. This symbolic journey from the east to the west coast not only tested the participants’ physical endurance, but also served as a powerful metaphor for the determination and perseverance of farmers across South Africa.
TLU SA recognises that farmers today are under significant pressure. They must contend not only with market uncertainty, rising input costs and other external factors, but also with regulatory challenges and social pressures within their communities. The mental health of farmers and their families is often the silent, unseen aspect of this pressure, and Coast to Coast 4 Farmers has helped to bring this vital conversation into the open.
“This campaign was a brilliant example of how adventurous and creative methods can raise awareness,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA. “By capturing public interest, it helps people across the country to realise that farming is not merely economic production, but a life filled with challenges, responsibilities and, at times, isolation.”
The project made farmers’ stories visible and connected the agricultural community with the broader public.
TLU SA continues to encourage all South Africans to support initiatives such as this. “Every share, every conversation, and every small act of support contributes to building a stronger and more resilient farming community,” says Van Zyl. “We see campaigns like this as an important link between the agricultural community and wider society, particularly consumers, where understanding and engagement reinforce one another.”
Through their innovation and dedication, the organisers of Coast to Coast 4 Farmers have set an example of how collaboration, awareness and community involvement can support farmers. TLU SA will continue to support such efforts and will always recognise and value what is being done to improve the lives of South African farmers and their families.
TLU SA sincerely thanks the team for their hard work, courage and commitment to a cause that is of the utmost importance to every farmer: the preservation of mental health, resilience, and the dignity of the agricultural way of life.
TLU SA launches first Youth Farmer of the Year competition
TLU SA is expanding its successful Young Farmer of the Year competition by introducing, for the first time in 2026, a Youth Farmer of the Year competition for school learners. The project gives young people the opportunity, already at school level, to develop their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and sense of responsibility through practical agricultural and food projects.
“The TLU SA Young Farmer of the Year has, year after year, proven to be a powerful platform to showcase young people’s talent and innovation,” says Bennie van Zyl, General Manager of TLU SA. “We see great value in extending these opportunities to schools and exposing children from a young age to the principles of sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.”
The Youth Farmer of the Year project focuses on developing children’s problem-solving skills, creative thinking and sense of responsibility, even on a small scale. Participants demonstrate that farming is not only about large farms, but about ideas, planning and sustainable action that creates value for their communities.
“It is important to us that children learn early how to apply ideas in practice and take responsibility,” Van Zyl adds. “This project is a step towards inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders in agriculture.”
The Youth Farmer of the Year competition launches in 2026 and promises to be an exciting new platform for schools and young people to showcase their ideas and skills to a wider audience.
Click here* to read more about the Youth Farmer of the Year competition and how to enter. Please note that all participants who are minors must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian, including consent for the use of photos and videos for media and promotional purposes.
TLU SA
*https://www.tlu.co.za/veldtog/jeugboer/
