Celebrating the growth of grain farmers

September 2026

History was made when the first Phahama Grain Phakama (PGP) Ukukhula Conference was held on 2 October 2025. The next conference will take place at NAMPO Park on 8 October 2026. It will be followed by the annual Day of Celebration, where the exemplary work of all PGP’s farmers will be recognised.

Together, these events give black grain farmers a strong opportunity to share their experiences, tell their success stories, exchange ideas and discuss important issues with government officials, funders and other role players in the agricultural value chain – while also being recognised for their achievements.

Pula interviewed Bankies Malan, credit and loan coordinator at PGP, on what to expect of this year's conference.

1.   Why is it called the Ukukhula Conference?

The word “Ukukhula” means “growth” in isiZulu and isi­Xhosa. This represents the progress of farmers as they move from small-scale farming to commercial production. It shows how farmers are growing their businesses, creating opportunities and working towards long-term success in South African agriculture.

2.   What was the initial goal when planning the conference?

For too long, developing grain farmers had to operate on the margins of national debates about land, finance and markets. Ukukhula is about bringing their voices to the centre – to shape the solutions needed for sustainability and growth. It is more than a conference – it is an engine for transformation. Farmers lead the conversations while the government and stakeholders respond. And by ending the event with the Day of Celebration, we honour those who are already showing what is possible.

3.   What feedback did you receive after the 2025 conference?

The feedback was extremely positive. Grain farmers welcomed the opportunity to discuss the challenges and issues affecting them. This was evident during the conference through the lively interaction between the panel and the audience. Attendees were not overloaded with presentations, as each guest speaker was allocated only ten minutes to present. The presentations were followed by an engaging panel discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience, which encouraged meaningful participation and dialogue.

4.   Why the decision to split the farmers into two groups?

While farmers across the sector face many common challenges, such as unpredictable weather conditions and rising input costs, the breakaway sessions provided an opportunity to focus on the specific challenges encountered by subsistence and smallholder farmers. These included access to high-quality inputs, mentorship, the storage of produce, markets, affordable financing and livestock nutrition. The sessions also covered the fundamental aspects of crop production to strengthen practical knowledge and skills.

For commercial farmers, the discussions centred on issues such as land ownership, financing and risk management. By addressing the needs and priorities of those groups separately, the conference could facilitate more relevant and meaningful discussions, which contributed significantly to its overall success.

5.   What can our farmers look forward to this year?

Although the format will be the same, we are very excited to bring in a session on livestock production with the Red Meat Industry Service (RMIS) on board. This is to help farmers learn more about diversifying a farming operation through livestock. The legendary veterinarian, Dr Faffa Malan, will be one of the special guests this year. He will share information on foot-and-mouth disease and other topics concerning livestock production.

The programme will again be packed with representation from the government, including five provinces’ MEC’s for Agriculture, as well as the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development, the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), the South African Cultivar & Technology Agency (SACTA), the Kgodiso Development Fund and FNB, ensuring that the discussions are once again practical, informed and solution-oriented.

6.   Who are the partners who are making this event possible?

The PGP Ukukhula Conference is proudly supported by Bayer, FNB, Hollard, Kagiso Trust, Khula, Pannar, the RMIS, Santam and Standard Bank. Our media partners Farmer’s Weekly, African Farming and AmaFama, ensure that our farmer stories of transformation and growth are shared widely.

Small-scale farmers gathered in a seperate group to discuss their challenges at last year's conference.

Publication: September 2026

Section: Pula/Imvula

Author: COMPILED BY THE EDITORIAL TEAM