OFM Announces 'lekker Soos 'N Trekker' Competition Winner

The competition, which started six weeks earlier, called for farmers to submit short videos and motivations for a chance to win a brand new John Deere 5045D valued at over R330 000. Judges evaluated 270 entries to select the five finalists who travelled to NAMPO Park for the final draw, says OFM. 

According to the radio station, the finalists include:

• Arno Potgieter from Bloemfontein, who manages 50 sheep, 400 layer chickens, 30 pigs and crops. He believes a reliable tractor will streamline his mixed farming operations, improve feed efficiency, reduce downtime and boost productivity.
• Ben Pienaar from Potchefstroom, whose farming journey started alongside his grandfather. Despite outdated equipment, he dreams of building a sustainable future for his family.
• Johan Naude from Bethlehem, a young farmer producing maize, soybeans, apples, sheep and cattle. He hopes a new tractor will improve efficiency, cut costs and secure his farm's future.
• Rikus Stander from Luckhoff, who farms with maize, mielies and livestock on Eendrag. After a serious accident, he committed to John Deere for reliable power. A new tractor would improve his efficiency, reduce operating costs and increase productivity.
• Richard Carey from Bloemfontein, a second-generation instant lawn farmer, sees the John Deere 5045D as essential for mowing, fertilising, spraying and hauling, making daily operations smoother and more efficient.

John Deere South Africa's Managing Director, Stephan Gouws, highlights the vital role farmers play in their communities. "We are here to meet our customers and connect with them better. Every piece of equipment we develop has added value that we are proud to share," says Gouws.

OFM Sales Manager, Anchen Lintvelt, says the competition showcased the creativity of South Africa's farming community. "Thank you to everyone who entered — it was amazing to see the effort the community put in. We received 270 unique entries, and it was creative, innovative and inspiring to see the talent in our agricultural sector," says Lintvelt.

John Deere Sales Manager, Lucas Groenewald, says the feeling of making a difference is indescribable. "I'm just as excited as the winner. Making a difference is one of the most rewarding things in life, and I think we did that today. John Deere does this every day — we make a difference in the lives of farmers and the future of agriculture," says Groenewald.

Carey, still processing his big win, says he is looking forward to the benefits his new tractor will bring to his business. "The main purpose of my new tractor will be spraying herbicides, mowing grass and spreading fertiliser. We are very happy and know this tractor will make a huge difference and last for many years," concludes Carey. 

For more information, visit www.ofm.co.za. You can also follow OFM on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor