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More than 8 000 visitors attended NAMPO ALFA 2025 from 16 to 18 October at NAMPO Park, enjoying three days that showcased South Africa’s leading livestock, hunting and outdoor-lifestyle sectors. The event once again proved the value of combining these industries under one roof, offering a space where producers, agri-businesses, families and outdoor enthusiasts could connect, compete and learn.
NAMPO ALFA 2025 successfully hosted three major national championships – the Old Mutual National Interbreed Beef Cattle Championships, the National Lamb Champs, and the Laeveld Agrochem Farm Skills National Championships – while also providing a vibrant platform for technology demonstrations, youth participation and outdoor-life experiences.
“Each year we see greater collaboration, innovation and engagement across industries,” said Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA. “NAMPO ALFA continues to highlight the spirit of growth and opportunity that drives South African agriculture – from the youth competitors and livestock champions to the exhibitors pioneering smart-farming solutions.”
Among this year’s livestock highlights, Hennie Jonker from Kromdraai near Kroonstad was crowned South Africa’s Tastiest Lamb Champion at the Lamb Champs National Final with his Hampshire Down entry. His lamb impressed judges through all four stages of evaluation – on the hoof, carcass, laboratory analysis and spit tasting – securing him a prize package including R50 000 in cash and the Nic van Rensburg bronze trophy, valued at approximately R80 000. The competition drew entries from four regional qualifiers in Kimberley, Pretoria, Parys and Paarl, involving more than 260 lambs and 12 000 spectators throughout the season.
In the Interbreed Beef Cattle Championships, La Cat Simmentaler Stud, owned by Poerie van Rooyen, took top honours as King of the Expo, while the Queen of the Expo title went to De Blanc/La Blanc Brahmane, owned by Hans and Lize-Mari Terblanche. The Junior Interbreed Champion Bull was a Sussex from Solomon Senekal Agricultural School, while the crowd favourite Mega-Ox Competition saw Phillip Snyman’s impressive ox weighing in at 1 625 kg claim first place.
The Laeveld Agrochem Farm Skills National Championships drew more than 300 competitors from 16 schools, testing their abilities in practical farm skills and animal-handling techniques. The Free State province took top honours overall, followed by North West and Limpopo. Youth participation across the expo remained a strong focus, with Danique du Plooy from Salomon Senekal High School named Junior Beef Cattle Youth Show Champion.
In addition to the competitions, the Landbouweekblad Vee-Akademie provided a valuable platform focussing on solutions for the livestock industry with discussion on topics such as animal health, traceability and market growth. Panel discussions featured around efficient production systems, animal performance and advice for making family farms thrive whilst collaboration within the red-meat and grain value chains drew strong attention.
Technological innovation was another key focus area. The AgTech@NWK exhibit highlighted the rapid growth of drone-spraying technology in South Africa, with almost 950 000 hectares sprayed in the past ten months – a significant increase from 660 000 hectares in 2024. Other exhibitors demonstrated advancements in livestock-management systems, agri-mechanisation and sustainable outdoor equipment, aligning with the expo’s goal of merging agriculture and adventure.
Beyond the showgrounds, research and development also featured prominently. The Maize Trust-funded Grain SA research projects, showcased at the expo, are exploring soil health, cover crops, crop rotation and livestock integration to boost grain-farmer profitability and sustainability across the country.
The weekend’s atmosphere was rounded out with live music, family entertainment and the much-loved Oktoberfees, ensuring there was something for everyone – from producers and entrepreneurs to hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Despite the ongoing challenges that the livestock sector faces, including the impact of foot-and-mouth disease on movement restrictions, this year’s NAMPO ALFA once again proved the resilience and innovation of our producers,” said Dr Dirk Strydom, Managing Director of NAMPO (Pty) Ltd.
“We were delighted to see strong support from both exhibitors and visitors – with online and gate ticket sales reaching the highest levels yet since NAMPO ALFA’s inception. The event continues to grow as a platform where the entire value chain – from grain to livestock, and from youth training to outdoor adventure – connects in a practical and inspiring way.
A particular highlight was the AgriSkills competition, where schools from across South Africa demonstrated impressive technical and animal-handling abilities. These young participants are the future of the industry, and watching their enthusiasm and teamwork on display gives us great confidence in agriculture’s next generation.”
“NAMPO ALFA is about celebrating excellence, sharing knowledge and connecting communities,” added Dr Doyer. “It’s a platform where the agricultural and outdoor worlds meet, proving that innovation and passion can thrive side by side.”
Planning is already underway for NAMPO ALFA 2026, with organisers aiming to expand youth and school programmes, grow participation from emerging livestock producers and introduce even more interactive outdoor-lifestyle experiences.
Ends
Issued by:
Grain SA Communications
Further enquiries:
Alzena Gomes, Media 082 463 4356
Bennie Zaayman, Grain SA for NAMPO ALFA Expo - 081 414 8099
Albert Loubser, ALFA Livestock - 082 562 2188
www.nampoalfa.co.za