Nampo: Young farmers flock to hub of innovation

All roads lead to the 55th presentation of the Nampo Harvest Day where some of South Africa’s top farmers will have the chance to get up and close with the latest technology, machinery, innovations, and productivity solutions.

Farmers from all corners of the country will flock to the Nampo grounds in Bothaville from Tuesday, 16 to Friday, 19 May 2023.

This year, Food For Mzansi will also exhibit, offering school groups a glimpse into the world of study and career opportunities in the agriculture sector. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity to join Land Bank’s lunchtime conversations. Gain valuable insights, network with industry professionals, and shape the future of agricultural finance.

Karabo Mahlaba, a Free State farmer. Photo: Supplied

“Nampo provides a wide range of products and services to the farmers, and producers and has access to exhibitors from all over the country,” said Karabo Mahlaba, a Free State farmer.

Mahlaba enjoys the opportunity to be able to compare a very wide range of products and services, as well as having access to agricultural experts.

“This year my focus is mechanisation and to see what’s the latest technologies available.

“Secondly, the livestock exhibitions and getting to understand the different breeds as well as the different seed cultivars. I want to know which ones performed better the previous year and under what conditions,” he said.

Kgomotso Ranchu, a Free State farmer and agricultural consultant. Photo: Supplied

Kgomotso Ranchu, another Free State farmer and agricultural consultant, knows that the annual exhibition is the leader in showcasing agricultural innovation, providing that one-stop platform to agricultural enthusiasts in South Africa.

“What makes Nampo so special is accessing different companies in one place and time. Networking with stakeholders, [and] getting exposed to new technologies and products,” Ranchu said.  

The event, organised by Grain SA, promises to exceed all expectations once again, and Ranchu hopes to walk away with possible funding from Grain SA, he told Food For Mzansi.

Gomolemo Phalatse, Gauteng farmer and lecturer at Agriskills Transfer. Photo: Supplied

Gomolemo Phalatse, a Gauteng farmer and lecturer at Agriskills Transfer, is a big fan of the yearly event because it offers farmers a space and chance to express themselves, he said.

“It’s an eye-opener to those who thought we are just in the fields. It’s an official farmers’ holiday cause we get to meet with others in the industry and have game-changing conversations about things we’ve never thought of like climate-smart farming.”

He hopes to be inspired and walk away with a new perspective.

“Being at Nampo as an agri facilitator will help me walk away with a vast amount of [knowledge], opportunities, and creativity for students.”

Another Free State farmer, Petros Letsitsa, said he looks forward to this year’s showcase.

“The networking and coming together with all the different players in agriculture is special, from finances to mechanisation.”

It is not the first time that Letsitsa will attend Nampo. He has been attending the exhibition for years.

“I look forward to learning more about conservation agriculture and Land Bank financing. I’m also interested in knowing what other financial institutions are offering.”

Nampo is a place where producers meet and the only trade show that brings together agricultural solutions for all types of farms and crops.

According to Dr Dirk Strydom, Grain SA’s Nampo marketing and research development lead, the event plays an important role in developing the agricultural sector by providing a successful environment for businesses and producers to interact and do business.

“It brings all agri role players together where they can showcase their products and services in the areas of production, machinery, food-processing, inputs as well as other products and services related to the sector,” he said.

Many exhibitors have upgraded and expanded their Nampo offering and newly paved roads will improve the distribution of feet on the park.

The new weapons and outdoor apparel offering has been added with the inclusion of new exhibitors. New outside exhibition spaces on the southern side of the grounds bring the total number of exhibitors to more than 800.

Traditional Nampo favourites still form an integral part of the programme, including the popular 4×4 vehicle demonstrations on the Standard Bank 4×4 track and the adventure track for side-by-side, motorcycle and quad trails.

The livestock division includes cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, representing almost 100% of the large- and small-stock breeds, as well as miniature horses.

For more information, visit the website at www.nampo.co.za or download the Nampo app from your preferred online store.

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