Prof Johann Laubscher passed away on 26 February 2026. He retired at the end of 2005 as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch University, where he made a lasting contribution to teaching, research, and the development of agricultural economists.

He was born on 29 July 1945 at Rust Station in Swartland, where he completed his primary school education at a small two-teacher school. In 1958, he began his secondary education at Paarl Gymnasium and remained a devoted supporter of the “Gimmies” throughout his life.

He began his studies at Stellenbosch University in 1964, obtaining his BScAgric degree in 1968, followed by a BScAgric Honours (cum laude) in 1970, an MSc Agric in 1971, and a PhD Agric in 1987.

He began his career at the Department of Agriculture in Pretoria in 1971 and joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at Stellenbosch in January 1974 as a lecturer.

Johann’s lecturing and research focused on farm management, with expertise in strategic planning, futures studies, financial viability analysis, business planning, farming potential assessment, agricultural enterprise advisory, and environmental impact assessment from an agricultural economics perspective.

Many graduates of the Department regarded his comprehensive farm budget exercise as one of the most valuable components of their academic training. This keystone assignment required students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the BScAgric (Agricultural Economics) programme and leaving a lasting impression on generations of students.

As an agricultural economics consultant, Johann contributed to several large-scale financial and economic viability studies of irrigation projects, including the Theewaterskloof irrigation scheme, which supplies water to Stellenbosch and Somerset West, and the Koekedouw Scheme near Ceres. In later years, he focused on assessing land-use changes associated with the development of solar and wind energy projects.

Beyond his academic and professional contributions, Johann was also a talented rugby player and later a coach at the Matie Rugby Club and Dagbreek Residence team, which won the Sauer Cup during his tenure. Furthermore, he coached Paul Roos Gymnasium rugby teams with great success. He was also a keen golfer.

Johann and his wife, Marleen, have three children—Adriaan, Annelize, and Christiaan—all qualified chartered accountants —and four grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his dedication to agricultural economics, his commitment to student development, and his lasting contribution to the Department.