NAMPO 2026 draws over 81,000 visitors as South African farming sector faces rising pressure
The four day farm show focused on costs, market access, technical skills, and practical ways farmers can stay profitable under difficult conditions.
SOUTH AFRICA – The 58th NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 closed on a strong note after drawing 81,822 visitors to NAMPO Park in South Africa from May 12 to 15.
Organised by Grain SA, the event brought together more than 910 exhibitors from across the farming value chain.
This year’s event focused heavily on how farmers can manage rising production costs, weak infrastructure, market uncertainty, and pressure on profits. Visitors also viewed new machinery, digital farming systems, crop inputs, and livestock technologies.
Heavy rain before the event created major pressure on roads and parking areas around the venue. Organisers said teams worked continuously to prepare the grounds before visitors arrived.
“The lead-up to NAMPO this year was exceptional. A week before the show, sections of the terrain were still heavily waterlogged following significant rainfall, yet the team worked around the clock to ensure the park was ready for exhibitors and visitors,” said Dr Dirk Strydom.
Traffic congestion also affected visitors after more than 30 kilometres of gravel access roads became unusable due to wet conditions. Activity around a Toyota Hilux Guinness World Record attempt added further pressure after 1,545 vehicles entered the area during the week.
Despite the challenges, industry leaders said the event showed how South African agriculture continues to adjust under difficult business conditions.
Danie Minnaar said farmers now operate under growing strain from input costs, logistics problems, and uncertain global markets. He noted that exhibitors focused strongly on practical systems that help farmers improve efficiency and maintain sustainable production.
Discussions during the week also centred on grain exports, wheat tariffs, debt pressure, biofuels, livestock markets, and financing concerns facing producers. Grain SA used the event to hold meetings with government officials, banks, agribusiness firms, and other industry groups.
Foot-and-mouth disease restrictions also affected livestock exhibitors. Even so, companies continued engaging visitors through digital displays, educational sessions, and alternative exhibition methods that complied with animal health rules.
Technical training also received strong attention through Grain SA’s NAMPO-Tech programme. Industry leaders discussed the growing demand for skilled technicians, digital farming specialists, and machinery experts as modern farming systems continue changing agricultural work.
“NAMPO remains one of the most important platforms for agricultural business and engagement anywhere in the world,” said Richard Krige, Chairperson of Grain SA.
Grain SA confirmed that NAMPO Cape will take place from September 9 to 12, 2026, while NAMPO ALFA will run from October 2 to 3, 2026. Organisers also confirmed that the 2027 NAMPO Harvest Day will take place from May 11 to 14 near Bothaville.
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