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July 2025
IF YOU VISITED THE 57TH NAMPO HARVEST DAY BETWEEN 13 AND 16 MAY, YOU ARE ONE OF THE 87 191 VISITORS WHO PASSED THROUGH THE GATES AT NAMPO PARK. NAMPO 2025 ONCE AGAIN PROVED TO BE ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS, WITH MORE THAN 900 EXHIBITORS.
With air traffic totalling 377 aeroplanes and 69 helicopters, predominantly from the business sector, the sky above NAMPO was as busy as the ground below – a clear symbol of the reach, relevance and reputation this event has built over decades.
This event is a significant convergence point for the grain sector and the broader agricultural value chain, as well as a critical engagement platform to explore solutions and discussions for the agricultural industry. Various exhibitors use the NAMPO Harvest Day as a platform to launch new products and innovations for the agricultural industry.
The theme for this year, ‘Global agriculture, locally!’, resonated throughout NAMPO Park as global ag-tech met local grit. International exhibitors from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK), Turkey, Argentina and Brazil, together with numerous foreign visitors, joined South African innovators in bringing global agriculture local.
An aerial view of NAMPO Park, near Bothaville.
The Department of Agriculture was there too.
The Mzansi Youth Choir performed a heartfelt song during the John Deere media briefing.
MORE THAN AN AGRICULTURAL SHOW
‘Despite the current harvesting pressures facing farmers, where wet conditions during harvesting delayed the harvest time, the show was a resounding success. The general mood among farmers was upbeat, and exhibitors have expressed satisfaction with the quality of business done. The strong presence of young people also reinforces that agriculture in South Africa has a future,’ said Danie Minnaar, chairperson of Grain SA’s Harvest Day Committee.
‘NAMPO is not just Grain SA’s flagship event – it is proudly owned by our members, 7 670 commercial and 6 073 developing farmers, and driven by Grain SA’s commitment to farmer profitability and food security. It’s a space for practical engagement, driven by the needs of farmers,’ said Richard Krige, chairperson of Grain SA. ‘NAMPO’s purpose remains clear: It’s a neutral, apolitical platform that promotes knowledge sharing, innovation and critical dialogue to advance the entire sector – from soil to silo.’
NAMPO’s core strength remained visible in the thousands of conversations happening every hour – between farmers comparing cultivars, researchers explaining trial results, and service providers demonstrating innovations designed to improve yields and sustainability.
‘What makes NAMPO irreplaceable, is the sound of farmers debating harvester specs or swapping notes on input cost strategies. NAMPO is where farmers discuss strategies to have access to the best seed technologies, where they inspect harvester models and where solutions are sought for input cost hikes, infrastructure bottlenecks and new technology,’ said Dr Tobias Doyer, chief executive officer of Grain SA, affirming that these conversations are the heartbeat of NAMPO.
Doyer also said that NAMPO’s success lies in the platform it provides, where farmers, researchers, agribusinesses and technology providers come together to exchange knowledge, showcase innovation and prepare for the challenges of the coming season.
The minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, with some Grain SA members.
Vice chairperson, Jeremiah Matebula, being driven around NAMPO Park by one of the Santam drivers who were on duty during NAMPO.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile wearing his NAMPO cap.
President Cyril Ramaphosa visited NAMPO as a farmer – but the crowd were still keen to capture the moment.
VIP VISITORS
NAMPO 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered not only for its commercial success but also for the unprecedented political attention it received. Over the course of the week, the show was attended by a series of cabinet-level visitors, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, several ministers – among them John Steenhuisen (Agriculture) and Dean Macpherson (Public Works and Infrastructure) – as well as five provincial MECs and various other political parties’ leadership. These visits, some formally arranged and others in a personal capacity, underscore renewed national interest in the agricultural sector.
President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the event in his personal capacity as a farmer to conduct business and engage with exhibitors on the latest agricultural technologies and innovations. However, the official government delegation, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, made headlines for a more strategic reason: A renewed national dialogue about agriculture’s central role in the economy.
The agricultural sector raised several critical issues during these engagements:
The deputy president acknowledged these concerns and responded with strong support. ‘Agriculture is the backbone of South Africa’s economy,’ he said, affirming that food security is a social priority and a national economic imperative. ‘We are not pursuing land grabs. Our focus is on productive land use, inclusivity and transformation supporting growth.’
He further pledged that rural safety would receive focussed attention through a new task team under discussion between the government and organised agriculture – a development welcomed by Grain SA. The opening of new markets through bilateral discussions is also highlighted as a priority.
If you missed NAMPO 2025, put the dates for 2026 in your diary as soon as possible: 12 to 15 May.
Young and older farming enthusiasts enjoyed their visit to NAMPO.
Publication: July 2025
Section: Pula/Imvula
Author: GRAIN SA PRESS RELEASE, 19 MAY 2025
