Lamb Champs 2024: SA’s tastiest lamb comes from the Free State

Jason Davel from the Free State, who farms Île-de-France sheep, was crowned as this year’s winner of Saai’s Lamb Champs competition. He wins R80 000 cash and various other prizes, as well as a bronze trophy by the sculptor Nic van Rensburg worth R85 000.

This popular competition was held on Saturday 20 July at the Botanical Gardens in Pretoria and it was once again a huge success. The event attracted 8 000 people, while 100 sheep and 50 goat farmers from across South Africa took part in the Lamb Champs competition to determine the best lamb and goat meat in the country.

Gawie van Heerden from the Northern Cape took second place with his Merino lamb and in third place was Colene van der Merwe, also from the Northern Cape, with her Dormer sheep. The farmers who finished second and third with their lamb receive checks worth R40 000 and R15 000 respectively.

The winner of the goat section is Danie Stauss from Rouxville in the Free State. He wins a cheque worth R25 000.

Lamb Champs, now in its third year, is proud to share the unique stories of family farmers and celebrate their dedication to lamb production. This year’s competition was particularly special as it was the first time that Pick n Pay came on board as main sponsor. This sponsorship means that Pick n Pay will be the exclusive retailer where Lamb Champs meat can be purchased. Pick n Pay are currently rolling out stock of Lamb Champs meat in selected stores across Pretoria and Johannesburg with the aim of rolling it out across all regions in South Africa.

Pick n Pay partnership brings new television show

Pick n Pay’s involvement not only contributed to the success of the day, but also marks the start of an exciting new television show. This television show, which is currently being filmed, will highlight the stories of the participating family farmers. The program will be broadcasted in middle of 2025 and will highlight the personal and professional journeys of our farmers, as well as their challenges and successes in the agricultural landscape of Southern Africa.

“We are excited about the partnership with Pick n Pay. This event not only provides more exposure to our farmers, but also highlights the unique stories behind each family farm. It is about more than just a brand; it’s about creating a story about lamb that highlights the diversity and quality of our regions,” says Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai.

“Our collaboration with Lamb Champs is in line with our commitment to provide the highest quality products at the best prices. This means that every day we deliver exceptional value to our customers, while also making a positive impact on the lives of the farmers who work so hard to bring the best meat to our stores,” says Dallas Langman, Managing Executive of Pick n Pay’s Retail Division.

Festivals across South Africa

The national Lamb Champs event in Pretoria was just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. The focus will now shift to the Free State, where Reitz will host an event with 50 lambs for 2 500 guests on 28 September. The year will end off in Graaff-Reinet on 15 December, where 1 000 people will enjoy the delicious meat of Lamb Champs. Each event is designed to highlight the unique flavours and traditions of its region, strengthen local economies and celebrate the stories behind the farms.

For more information, please visit www.lambchamps.co.za.