105 Actions Outcomes Grain SA managed a nationwide benchmarking process across all participating regions, incorporating scientific evaluation of yield data, cultivar performance, and production practices. Coordinated press releases, photo assets, and multimedia content highlighting recordbreaking achievements and the innovation behind them. Facilitated interviews and expert commentary from Grain SA’s leadership, agronomists, and winners, linking production success to research and resilience. Highlighted new national yield records in multiple categories: Maize: Six regional maize categories achieved new records, reflecting improved management practices, high-performing hybrids, and favourable late-season rains. Wheat: Both Northern and Southern Irrigation categories set new record yields due to improved cultivar selection and precision irrigation. Soybeans: Three new national records were set across irrigation and dryland systems, demonstrating rapid technological adoption. Delivered comprehensive media coverage and digital storytelling to showcase not just yields, but the innovation, science, and stewardship behind success. Positioned Grow for Gold as a key driver of peer learning and knowledge exchange, inspiring producers to pursue sustainable productivity. New national records achieved across maize, wheat, and soybean categories – a historic year for South African grain production. Coverage in various media features, with a wide reach amplifying positive sentiment and industry pride. Reinforced Grain SA’s leadership role in supporting innovation, research, and producer development through data-driven recognition. Enhanced participation from a range of producers reflecting inclusivity and shared success. Strengthened collaboration across the value chain, from cultivar research to on-farm application, underscoring the collective effort behind agricultural progress. Grow for Gold 2025 celebrated not only record-breaking yields but also the innovation and determination that define South Africa’s grain producers. The awards reaffirmed that the country’s farmers are among the most capable and competitive globally, and that Grain SA remains at the heart of recognising and driving agricultural excellence. Trends, learnings and future outlook The reporting year demonstrated that clear systems, consistent messaging, and analytical insight can transform communication from a support function into a driver of influence. Grain SA’s Communication, PR and Advocacy activities proved that when strategy, data and storytelling align, the organisation can meaningfully shape both public discourse and policy direction. Several key trends and learnings emerged: DATA-DRIVEN STORYTELLING The adoption of monitoring systems and planning platforms enabled the team to make decisions rooted in insight rather than intuition. Measuring reach, sentiment, and content resonance made it possible to identify which messages carried the most weight with members, media, and policymakers. PROGRAMMATIC DISCIPLINE The 90-day rhythm created a culture of accountability and agility. Instead of responding to events, the team anticipated them – ensuring alignment between communication activities and advocacy priorities. COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY
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