Pick n Pay has announced Gerhard and Jani Lourens of LGL Farming Co as the winners of the Pick n Pay Lamb Champs Pretoria 2026 competition, capping a remarkable four-year journey from first-time entrants to national champions.

The husband-and-wife team took top honours with their Persian sheep entry, following years of dedication and continuous improvement in one of South Africa's most respected lamb-quality competitions.

Gerhard and Jani have participated in every Lamb Champs Pretoria competition since its inception in 2022, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to producing exceptional quality lamb. Their perseverance has been rewarded with an impressive progression through the competition, moving from a Top 5 finish in 2025 to being crowned the 2026 Lamb Champs Pretoria Champions.

"Their journey from a Top 5 finish last year to being crowned champions this year is exactly the kind of story Lamb Champs was created to celebrate," organisers said. "It reflects years of consistent hard work, careful breeding, and an unwavering commitment to quality."

About Gerhard and Jani Lourens

Gerhard and Jani Lourens are the owners of LGL Farming Co, a family farming operation based in Gauteng.

Gerhard is a first-generation farmer who farms alongside his wife, Jani, and their two sons. Farming is the family's primary occupation, with the business focused on Persian sheep and lucerne production.

Their success at Lamb Champs Pretoria is a testament to the dedication, passion and commitment they have invested in producing exceptional quality lamb. As first-generation farmers, their achievement highlights the innovation, resilience and determination that continue to drive South African family farming forward.

Competition History

Gerhard and Jani have participated in every Lamb Champs Pretoria competition since 2022, with their results reflecting a journey of persistence and continuous improvement:

• Lamb Champs Pretoria 2025: 5th Place (Persian sheep)
• Lamb Champs Pretoria 2026: 1st Place – Lamb Champs Pretoria Champions (Persian sheep)

Their rise from a Top 5 finish to champions in just one year is a powerful example of the dedication and long-term commitment required to consistently produce premium-quality lamb.

About Lamb Champs

Lamb Champs is Pick n Pay's national celebration of South African lamb farming excellence, recognising producers for the quality of their livestock and their contribution to the country's agricultural sector.

For more information about the competition and its history, visit pnp.co.za/lamb-champs-event.

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