PAARL – Richard Hutton-Squire (40), an apple and pear farmer from the Elgin-Grabouw region, has been named the Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year 2026.
Western Cape agriculture minister Ivan Meyer presented the trophy to Hutton-Squire at a gala evening in Paarl on [date]. The provincial winner will now represent the Western Cape at the National Young Farmer of the Year Competition.
The event brought together representatives from headline sponsor Santam, national sponsor Toyota, Agri Western Cape management and provincial government officials.
Hutton-Squire farms in the Elgin-Grabouw Valley, a region known for its apple and pear production. His participation in the competition highlighted his agricultural skills, leadership qualities and vision for South African farming.
“Young farmers are the ones that are going to take this forward. Young farmers are very important in the long term. I learned that you only get out what you put in – that is why it is very important to put in the effort and hours. It may not seem great at first, but you will see the results,” Hutton-Squire said.
The Western Cape contributes significantly to South Africa’s food security and export earnings through diverse agricultural industries, including fruit and wine production, grain, vegetables and livestock farming.
The agricultural sector faces the challenge of an ageing farmer profile and the need to attract a new generation of agricultural professionals. The Agri Western Cape Santam Young Farmer of the Year Competition aims to recognise and support emerging talent in the province’s farming community.
