From the left are André Labuschagne, Syngenta’s head of agronomy and strategy, Luc Henry, business area head of Syngenta SA, the Van Zyl family of SW, Hannelie, Hanri, Anke and IW, Willie Jacobs, chief executive officer of Potatoes SA, and Murray Thompson, chairperson of Potatoes SA.
From the left are André Labuschagne, Syngenta’s head of agronomy and strategy, Luc Henry, business area head of Syngenta SA, the Van Zyl family of SW, Hannelie, Hanri, Anke and IW, Willie Jacobs, chief executive officer of Potatoes SA, and Murray Thompson, chairperson of Potatoes SA.

Syngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year: Finalists and winner 2026

October 5, 2026

SW and Hannelie van Zyl of Sandveld Aartappels

Hannelie and SW van Zyl have built Sandveld Aartappels up single-handedly since 2012.

SW and Hannelie van Zyl of Sandveld Aartappels in Lamberts Bay were named the Potatoes SA Southern Region Potato Farmer of the Year, as well as the Syngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year. Gratitude and perseverance took centre stage at the 2026 Potatoes SA gala evening as SW accepted the award. He reflected on his journey since starting with just a few hectares in 2012 and dedicated the victory to his wife Hannelie, his management team, and fellow South African producers who have navigated tough agricultural conditions together.

Year-round production in a demanding climate

Sandveld Aartappels is located near the coast and produces potatoes year-round.

SW and Hannelie farm under the Sandveld Aartappels and iTapile iSanti brands, managing a year-round supply of white potato varieties such as Sifra, Avalanche, Mondial, and Valor. The farm’s coastal location allows for unique warm-weather harvesting, although it presents distinct operational hurdles:

  • Microclimate protection: To combat extreme heat and harsh coastal winds, cover crops such as barley are established early to shelter emerging plants.
  • Targeted irrigation: Strategic centre-pivot scheduling maintains soil moisture and cools crops during high temperatures.
  • Specialised packaging: The packhouse utilises state-of-the-art sorting and small-format packaging technology to meet strict retail specifications.

High-tech operations with a personal touch

Sandveld Aartappels specialises in small-format packaging tailored for major retail chains.

While SW relies on modern spraying, sorting, and automated irrigation to lower fuel and labour costs, he maintains that technology can never replace a personal presence in the field. Supported by a long-standing management team, he maintains a hands-on approach across all production phases.

For SW, sustainable farming is ultimately about a legacy. By building a resilient, tech-forward business, he focusses on long-term stewardship and paving a smooth road for the next generation.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of the Van Zyls’ farming operations and management methods.

Bees and Ina Claassen of BIC Boerdery

Bees and Ina Claassen of BIC Boerdery in the Eastern Free State were named Potatoes SA’s Eastern Free State Potato Farmer of the Year and were finalists in the Syngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year award. The couple farms in the Petrus Steyn district where they have built their operation from the ground up.

Starting just four years ago with no existing potato infrastructure on the property, the family constructed their first storage facility with support from Bees’s father-in-law, laying the groundwork for a rapidly expanding, high-performance enterprise.

Smart engineering and precision farming

Bees is systematically developing his agricultural enterprise with precision.

Operating a four-month harvest window from late January through June, the Claassens rely on proactive land development and modern agronomic practices to maximise efficiency:

  • Contour and water management: Specialist expertise was brought in to rebuild field contours, improving planting efficiency while directing waterlogged areas toward soya bean and maize crop rotation.
  • Precision inputs: The operation currently utilises precision agriculture for variable-rate lime application, with plans to expand the technology to fertiliser management.
  • Strategic growth: Through a lease-to-purchase agreement, the farm has expanded its land base, secured critical irrigation hectares, and grown its equipment fleet.

Hands-on leadership and pride

Success at BIC Boerdery relies on direct involvement. Bees and Ina maintain a hands-on management structure that ensures quick decision-making and total accountability. Rather than relying on formal qualifications, the business has forged a respected reputation in South Africa’s potato sector through determination, hard work, and strong industry partnerships.

Driven by resilience, mutual partnership, and deep optimism for South African agriculture, the Claassens take pride in knowing that every bag leaving the packhouse reflects the care and dedication invested across their entire operation.

Scan the code to watch the Claassens’ interview.

Hannes and Estie Nel of JC Nel Boerdery

Hannes and Estie Nel’s approach to farm management includes optimising operations without compromising essential inputs.

Hannes and Estie Nel of JC Nel Boerdery were named Potatoes SA’s Western Region Potato Farmer of the Year and were finalists in the Syngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year award. Rooted in the Christiana area since 1989, JC Nel Boerdery has built a long-standing reputation for agricultural excellence.

As a key producer for WesGrow since entering the potato sector in 1996, Hannes balances high-yield output with uncompromised crop quality for both commercial markets and fellow producers. The farm carefully manages its peak harvest period from February to September, with marketing distribution relying heavily on tuber sizing. Last season, 22% of the crop was dedicated to seed potatoes, while the remaining 78% went directly to market.

Data-driven growth and strategic expansion

Efficiency at JC Nel Boerdery hinges on smart management without cutting corners on vital inputs:

  • Targeted crop nutrition: Son-in-law Manie Groenewald has led a two-year data-gathering initiative alongside fertiliser suppliers, using precise field data to refine future yield strategies.
  • Agrochemical integrity: Premium fertilisation and protection programmes ensure strong crop health across key varieties.
  • Infrastructure upgrades: A newly constructed large-capacity dam enables full utilisation of newly acquired land, paving the way for a 40 ha addition next season and a planned solar power expansion.

Uncompromising standards and pride

For Hannes, farming is a calling that requires personal oversight. The operation enforces a strict grading policy in the packhouse, including downgrading borderline potatoes to second grade rather than risking its primary brand’s reputation.

Driven by faith, a commitment to quality, and strong optimism regarding South Africa’s next generation of agricultural leaders, JC Nel Boerdery continues to set a reliable standard for the country’s potato industry.

Scan the QR code to see how the Nells farm.

Cliffed and Therese Wiggill of Wiggill Farming

Therese and Cliffed Wiggill reflect on past achievements in order to establish new benchmarks and foster continuous improvement for the year ahead.

When dedication to quality meets operational precision, recognition naturally follows. Cliffed and Therese Wiggill of Wiggill Farming were named Potatoes SA’s Northern Region Potato Farmer of the Year and were finalists in the Syngenta National Potato Farmer of the Year award.

Situated in the heart of the Vivo district in Limpopo, the Wiggill operation relies on borehole irrigation and high-quality, self-propagated seed to support consistent yields and crop health. Success at Wiggill Farming isn’t left to chance – it is built on intensive oversight across every stage of production, from initial land preparation and water management to tailored fertilisation programmes and chemical applications.

Precision operations and internal benchmarking

The Wiggills ensure high quality by propagating their own seed potatoes.

The farm’s core production window spans 4.5 months, running from early August to mid-December. Managing this tight season requires months of rigorous planning and meticulous record-keeping across all operational phases. Rather than focussing on external competition, the management team drives performance through continuous self-benchmarking:

  • In-house seed propagation: Ensuring complete control over plant health and genetics from day one.
  • Integrated supply chain management: Maintaining an in-house fleet of six trucks, managed directly by Therese, to streamline packhouse logistics and optimise distribution efficiency.
  • Uncompromising quality control: Rigorously protecting the Wiggill brand’s reputation by prioritising standards over volume.

A legacy built on stewardship

For Cliffed, farming is far more than a business; it is a lifelong passion and family legacy. Their operational philosophy centres on complete focus within their farm boundaries, striving daily to bring the finest potatoes to market while preserving the land for future generations.

Under Cliffed and Therese’s leadership, the Wiggill brand has become a trusted benchmark among buyers and industry peers alike. Looking ahead, Cliffed remains deeply optimistic about the trajectory of South African agriculture, citing the country’s fertile soil and the unmatched resilience and innovative capacity of its farming community.

Watch the Wiggills’ interview by scanning the QR code.

– Hanrie Greebe, Potatoes SA (Photographs: Aerocam)

For more information, visit www.potatoes.co.za

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