Van Niekerk is also amongst five Eastern Free State farmers in the finals of the 25th Free State Agriculture (FSA) Young Farmer of the Year awards. Van Niekerk is also the only female contender in the finals of the FSA Young Farmer of the Year Awards. She shares that animals have always been a passion of hers as she grew up on a farm near Reitz, and officially started her cattle herd at the age of 17. When asked what some of the challenges are that she faces as a young cattle farmer, Van Niekerk stated that finances are one major challenge for not only her but other farmers and business owners too.

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The favourable weather conditions that underpinned higher agricultural output in 2020 have continued into 2021. According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural business chamber, Agbiz, an example is the data recently released by the Crop Estimates Committee that shows that South Africa's 2020/21 summer grain and oilseed production could increase by 5% y/y to 18,5 million tonnes. While this is still the first production estimate for this season, with eight more to follow, this would be the largest on record if it materialises. He adds estimates from Vinpro suggest that South Africa's wine grape crop could be somewhat larger than in 2020, and in the fruit industry, there is also optimism for continued growth in output in 2021. Essentially, the favourable production conditions provide the basis for another year of substantial growth in South Africa's agriculture. Sihlobo said in a release they believe that South Africa's agriculture gross value-added could expand by 4% y/y in 2021. The base effects contribute to a slightly muted growth rate this year compared to 2020.

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