diff --git a/salt/pillar/__init__.py b/salt/pillar/__init__.py
index b035cbd6bf..c0d33e411d 100644
--- a/salt/pillar/__init__.py
+++ b/salt/pillar/__init__.py
@@ -235,6 +235,8 @@ class Pillar(object):
             errors.append(
                     ('Rendering Primary Top file failed, render error:\n{0}'
                         .format(exc)))
+            log.error('Pillar rendering failed for minion {0}: '.format(self.opts['id']),
+                    exc_info=True)
 
         # Search initial top files for includes
         for saltenv, ctops in tops.items():