Chrisna Vermeulen crowned as the 2024 Karoo Lamb Champion

The 2024 Karoo Lamb Champs, held in the historic Parsonage Street in Graaff-Reinet, has once again showcased the exceptional quality and heritage of South African lamb production. The event, a celebration of the best Karoo lamb, concluded with Chrisna Vermeulen being crowned the ultimate champion for producing the tastiest lamb of the year.

Vermeulen has earned the prestigious title of Karoo Lamb Champion along with a bronze trophy worth R50 000 made by Nic van Rensburg and R25 000 cash. Second place was awarded to Chrisna Venter, and third place went to Lukas Steenkamp.

This year’s competition featured 29 Karoo lamb farmers, all of whom are registered with the Karoo Lamb Consortium, ensuring the authenticity and quality of the meat showcased. Participants were judged on strict criteria, including meat taste, texture, and overall quality.

The event was a true community celebration, with locals playing an integral role in its success. All the side dishes accompanying the lamb were made using local recipes, with ingredients sourced and prepared by the talented residents of Graaff-Reinet, showcasing the unique culinary traditions of the Karoo.

Parsonage Street was abuzz with holidaymakers traveling down to the coast, many of whom stopped to enjoy the festivities and stock up on Lamb Champs meat at the local Pick ’n Pay before continuing their journey. This special in-store offering allowed visitors to take a piece of the Karoo’s heritage with them, ensuring their holiday meals were of the finest quality.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were live performances by Ichnus and Juan Boucher, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai, expressed his gratitude: “This event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the heritage, resilience, and excellence of Karoo farmers. Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and dedication, and a special thank you to our sponsors Pick ’n Pay, Toyota, and Karoo Lamb Consortium for making this event possible. We are also deeply thankful for the community of Graaff-Reinet, whose involvement made this celebration so memorable.”

Pick ’n Pay’s ongoing sponsorship of Lamb Champs has also paved the way for their exclusive retail offering of Lamb Champs meat, sourced directly from participating farmers. This initiative not only supports family farmers but also ensures that South Africans across the country can enjoy premium-quality Karoo lamb.

For more information about Lamb Champs and upcoming events, visit www.lambchamps.co.za.