The Search for South Africa’s Best Lamb: Lamb Champs Returns to kykNET

The documentary series Lamb Champs returns for a second season on kykNET (DStv channel 144) starting Wednesday, June 10th at 20:00. This five-episode series, titled Lamb Champs: Die Kuns van Skaapboerdery (The Art of Sheep Farming), shines a spotlight on the people behind South Africa’s sheep farming—the families, stories, and sacrifices that drive the industry.

Season 2 builds on the success of the first series but increases the scope, depth, and intensity of the competition like never before. For the first time, Lamb Champs travels to the Boland, where the region’s unique sheep farming heritage and wine landscapes add a new dimension to the show. The season also brings together more experts and industry specialists to give viewers greater insight into the science, strategy, and challenges of modern sheep farming—from genetics and nutrition to sustainability, quality, and production management.

More Than Just a Competition

This season focuses not only on who produces the best lamb but on the people and values behind the industry. Lamb Champs demonstrates how tradition and innovation go hand in hand—from genetics and technology to sustainability and adaptability—while farmers face daily challenges to deliver a world-class product. The series celebrates the pride of South African family farming and offers viewers an honest look at the hard work, character, and dedication required to master the art of sheep farming.

Director Morné du Toit, says:

“Lamb Champs is about 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 art-driven modern sheep farming truly is.”

From the Farm to the Final Battle

The series follows the journey of passionate farmers such as Sybrand Venter, JP Nel, Hennie Jonker, and Louis Botha, whose diverse approaches—ranging from intensive practices to the fine art of stud breeding—form the backbone of the season.

Another first for the series is that regional winners will ultimately compete against each other in a national final to be crowned the champion of South Africa’s best lamb. The final judging is more complex and comprehensive than ever, with strict criteria that assess not only taste but also “on the hoof,” “on the hook,” and laboratory analyses. This new format heightens the tension and places each participant’s skill, consistency, and ability to deliver excellence under pressure under the microscope.

Producer Leonie Fourie adds:

“Viewers can look forward to a season filled with beautiful and poignant stories coming straight from the heart of the farm. These farmers do more than just work the land; they share the passion and perseverance behind the true art of sheep farming.”

Ultimately, Lamb Champs does more than just produce a winner; it celebrates the farmers who have learned to claim their place in the industry with confidence.

Connecting Farmers and Consumers

Saai, the founder of Lamb Champs, believes the new season gives viewers the opportunity to better get to know the people, farms, and regions behind that quality.

Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai, says:

“Lamb Champs shows South Africa that excellent lamb doesn’t happen by accident; it starts with family farmers who produce with knowledge, discipline, and pride. For Saai, this is important because Lamb Champs isn’t 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.”

Sponsors and Availability:

  • Pick n Pay: The headline sponsor for the past three years continues its support of South African family farmers. Lamb Champs lamb will be available in all corporate Pick n Pay stores nationwide from the end of May.
  • Toyota: A proud partner for three years, sharing Saai’s commitment to sustainable family farming and supporting the communities at the heart of the sheep industry.

Lamb Champs returns for a second season on kykNET (DStv Channel 144) starting Wednesday, June 10th at 20:00 and is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.