(Foto: Richard Bands)
The documentary series Lamb Champs returns to kykNET (DStv channel 144) on Wednesday 10 June at 20:00 with a second season that promises to be bigger, more comprehensive and more intense than ever before.
The five-episode series, titled Lamb Champs: The Art of Sheep Farmingonce again shines the spotlight on the people behind South Africa’s sheep farming industry – the families, stories, sacrifices and passion that make the production of world-class lamb possible.
Where the first season attracted great interest, the new series takes the concept further by focusing not only on the best lamb, but also on the science, strategy and challenges of modern sheep farming.
For the first time, the series travels to the Boland, where the region’s unique sheep farming heritage and iconic wine landscape give a new dimension to the programme.
‘It’s about the people behind the farming’
According to the director, Morné du Toit, the new season focuses strongly on the people and stories that the industry carries.
Hennie Jonker, farmer from Kroonstad, JP Nel, farmer from Vryburg, Louis Botha farmer from Cradock, Sybrandt Venter farmer from Carnarvon. (Photo: Provided)
“Lamb Champs is about much more than just the tastiest lamb – it’s about the people, the stories and the incredible perseverance behind every farm. This season shows how complex and what a fine art modern sheep farming really is.”
The series explores how tradition and innovation go hand in hand, with themes such as genetics, nutrition, technology, sustainability and production management taking center stage.
Viewers will also see how farmers have to face daily challenges in order to consistently deliver a world-class product.
“This series shows that excellent lamb does not happen by chance. It requires discipline, knowledge, experience and an enormous passion for the industry. The farmers must constantly adapt and think innovatively to remain competitive,” says Du Toit.
From intensive farming to stud art
The season follows several passionate sheep farmers, including Sybrand Venter, JP Nel, Hennie Jonker and Louis Botha.
Their varied approaches to sheep farming – from intensive production practices to the fine art of stud building – form the backbone of the series.
According to producer Leonie Fourie, viewers can look forward to stories that come from the heart of the farm community.
“These farmers do more than just work the land; they share the passion and perseverance behind the true art of sheep farming.”
Fourie believes the series offers an honest look at the character, dedication and hard work needed to achieve success in the industry.
“It’s not just a competition. It’s a celebration of family farming and of people who dedicate their lives to the production of quality food.”
National final raises tension
Another first for the series is the introduction of a national final where regional winners finally compete against each other to be crowned the champion of South Africa’s best lamb.
According to the producers, the final assessment is more complex and comprehensive than ever before.
In addition to taste, participants are also judged on factors such as “on the hoof”, “on the hook” and laboratory analyses.
The new format puts participants’ ingenuity, consistency and ability to work under pressure under the magnifying glass.
According to the producers, this new structure increases the tension significantly and offers viewers a much deeper insight into the industry.
‘Excellent lamb doesn’t happen by chance’
Seed, founder of Lamb Champssays the new season gives viewers the opportunity to get to know the people, farms and regions behind quality lamb better.
“Lamb Champs show South Africa that excellent lamb does not happen by chance; it starts with family farmers who produce with knowledge, discipline and pride,” says Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai.
Rossouw believes that the series also plays an important role in reconnecting consumers with the origin of their food.
“For Saai it is important, because Lamb Champs it’s not just about who produces the tastiest lamb; it’s about giving family farmers a credible platform, shortening the value chain and reconnecting consumers with the origin of their food.”
He says the series ultimately helps create greater appreciation for local farmers.
“When people understand the stories behind the product, we not only build a stronger brand for lamb, but also greater appreciation and better opportunities for South Africa’s family farmers.”
Major brands support series
Pick n Pay, which has been the main sponsor of for three years now Lamb Champs is, supports the series as part of its focus on South African family farmers and local food production.
Lamb Champs-lamb will be available in all corporate Pick n Pay stores nationwide from the end of May.
According to the manufacturers, Toyota, which has also been a partner of the series for three years, shares Saai’s commitment to sustainable family farming.
The company supports the farmers and communities that form the heart of South Africa’s sheep industry.
Minki van de Westhuizen presenter of Lamb Champs, Iné Bester operational manager of Saai and Project Manager of Lamb Champs. (Photo: Provided)