What is the show about?
Where does that juicy lamb on your grill come from? Who are the farmers making it possible? This isn’t just a show about sheep farming—it’s a story about family, tradition, and passion!
In Lamb Champs, our TV series takes you across South Africa, following six sheep farmers from different regions. They share their stories, their challenges, and their pride—the exceptional lamb that ultimately lands on your plate.
Lamb remains a true family product—something special we share with loved ones. Unlike chicken, beef, and pork, which over the years have been processed into nuggets, patties, and sausages, lamb is still lamb. It remains a pure, raw, and natural product—and that’s what Lamb Champs celebrates.
Together with Saai, Pick n Pay, and Toyota, we bring you closer to the people behind the meat. It’s about more than just farming—it’s about the story behind the chop on the shelf.
- Airing: 16 March 2025, 20:00, Kyknet
- Time: 20:00
- Where to watch: Kyknet or DSTV Catchup
See our Saai initiatives
Accurate Weather, Market Prices & Expert Knowledge at Your Fingertips Agriculture is full of uncertainties—weather changes suddenly, market prices fluctuate daily, and reliable advice is indispensable. What if you could have the best agricultural extension officer available, 24/7, with access to real-time data, market information and expert advice to guide your decisions? With AI Farmer, that’s exactly what you get.
Land claims remain one of the most pressing concerns for farmers and landowners in South Africa. With shifting policies, legal uncertainties, and administrative delays, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about your farm’s status in the land restitution process.
The agricultural sector is changing, and with it comes new opportunities for young professionals and aspiring farmers. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or simply passionate about a career in agriculture, Landworks is your key to success. Why Landworks? Landworks is a dedicated job platform that connects agricultural job seekers with leading employers in the industry.
In a pioneering step for local farmers, Pick n Pay and the Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai) have signed a partnership that not only sponsors the Lamb Champs competition, but also for the first time offers farmers the opportunity to sell their meat directly in Pick n Pay stores. This development brings an unprecedented opportunity for family farmers to offer their lamb directly to consumers, with a special in-house brand that highlights the origin and quality of their products.
Building the Future of Family Farming in South Africa The future of South African agriculture lies in the hands of young, passionate farmers who are ready to embrace innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Saai Youngboere is a dynamic initiative that brings together the country’s leading agricultural student associations—Tuks Landbou, Stellenbosch Landbou, Kovsies Agri, and Farmers Lovers—to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Natural disasters—whether fires, droughts, floods or severe weather conditions—can paralyze farmers overnight, destroying their income, homes and livelihoods. With the government’s slowness to provide effective aid, private initiatives have become the backbone of agricultural disaster relief in South Africa. Saai plays a key role in ensuring that family farmers get the support they need to survive and rebuild.
Farmers
Who is Saai?
Saai was established to keep family farmers on their farms.
Saai is involved in everything that can help family farming survive, including access to financing, insurance, technology, marketing, political policy, security, succession planning, and competitiveness.
At Saai, we go to great lengths to support small towns. We focus on primary schools, congregations, cooperatives, and community activities for the sake of the families who rely on their nearest town.
Many people in the city no longer have an uncle or grandfather who farms, and their experience of food ends at a supermarket shelf. Saai aims to open up the world behind the shelf for them and introduce them to the farmers who ensure that good food is still available.
What is Saai's relationship with Lamb Champs?
Saai (Southern African Agri Initiative) was established with the goal of keeping family farmers on their farms. They work tirelessly to protect and support family farming, especially in challenging times when large corporations are increasingly taking over agricultural industries. Saai’s focus spans access to financing, insurance, technology, marketing, political policy, security, succession planning, and sustainability—all aimed at ensuring the viability of family farmers.
Lamb Champs was born from this core mission of Saai—to celebrate and protect the importance of family farmers. Unlike chicken, beef, and pork, which are now largely controlled by big commercial corporations, sheep farming remains in the hands of family farmers. This makes lamb unique—it is not just a commercial product but something cultivated with care and tradition, passed down through generations.
Who should become a Saai member?
Saai membership is designed for anyone who supports, relies on, or wants to protect family farming.
Whether you are a farmer yourself, part of the agricultural value chain, or simply someone who believes in sustainable and independent food production, Saai is for you.
