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CHAPTER 6
• Grain SA’s new VIP reception hall was inaugurated in 2002.
• By 2002 nearly 80 ha was used for practical mechanisation demonstrations.
• A light aeroplane has been used to monitor the traffic and supply traffic reports
since 2003.
• The biggest number of tools and implements in the history of the Harvest Day
were demonstrated in 2004 over a width of approximately 4 km.
• A Members’ Hall for the exclusive use of Grain SA’s fully paid-up members was
equipped on the grounds in 2006. The venue was moved to the old Club 200
Building in 2014, as it was closer to the parking area for members and provided
better facilities to receive guests.
• Although the controlled mechanisation demonstrations were an important
component of the Harvest Day for about 40 years, after the Executive of Grain SA
gave their approval, the Harvest Day Committee agreed that there would no
longer be any practical demonstrations from 2009 onwards. The decision was
made to make a compromise with exhibitors of implements in order to cut down
on expenses – more specifically the transport of the implements – in order to
ensure their ongoing participation in the Harvest Day.
• Since then exhibitors utilise computer technology, electronic exhibits and even
simulated experiences at their stands to support their stationary exhibits.
Grain SA used volunteer kitchen workers
until about 2001.
Prof Jonathan Jansen, Rector of the Uni-
versity of the Free State (middle), in the
VIP Reception Hall during his visit to the
Harvest Day in 2012. With him are Messrs
Jannie de Villiers and Anton Botha of
Grain SA.
Part of the special treatment for Grain SA
members is a parking area for members and
transport from there to the Members’ Hall.
Grain SA members are treated in the Members’ Hall.
The Harvest Day’s role as discussion and dialogue platform was established in 2013 with the Nation in Conversation forum, of which TV
recordings were made during the Harvest Day week and then telecasted. This addition stimulates discourse about current agricultural
affairs as well as macro factors affecting the economy and society.