Henk Aggenbach, chairperson of Bredasdorp Park, told Farmer’s Weekly that preliminary figures indicated that about 8 000 people visited the show on Saturday alone, despite persistent rain. The final figure still had to be audited.
Overall attendance was estimated at between 38 000 and 40 000, also still to be audited and verified. This compared with the record 49 326 visitors in 2025 and 45 894 in 2024.
Aggenbach said the lower turnout had been expected, given the difficult economic climate, high fuel prices and rainy conditions. High travelling costs in particular appeared to have discouraged some visitors from further afield.
“The smaller visitor numbers were reflected in lower accommodation bookings in the region,” he said.
The decline in numbers did not, however, translate into a disappointing event.
Aggenbach said feedback had generally been positive, particularly from indoor exhibitors. Outdoor exhibitors had also prepared for poor weather, and many reported doing good business despite the rain on Friday and Saturday.
Grain SA, Agri Western Cape and Vinpro were among the organisations that reported strong visitor interest, while the livestock section remained popular.
The absence of cattle was nevertheless noticed, with Aggenbach saying organisers had received considerable criticism over the decision.
“We are sorry, but we could not compromise on that,” he said, adding that the risk posed by foot-and-mouth disease was simply too high to allow cattle onto the grounds.
Infrastructure put to the test
The show also placed significant pressure on Bredasdorp Park’s infrastructure.
Aggenbach said about 70% of the park’s electricity requirements were supplied by Eskom, while the remaining 30% was generated on site to help meet the high demand.
The medical centre was relatively busy, predominantly treating older visitors suffering from exhaustion. An independent pharmacy was also introduced for the first time and turned out to be one of the busiest stands at the event.
The courtesy shuttles were kept exceptionally busy, transporting visitors around the showgrounds throughout the event.
“They worked non-stop except today,” Aggenbach said.
The various information sessions hosted during Nampo Cape were another success, attracting strong attendance and media interest.
Plenty to see beyond the machinery
Among Saturday’s highlights was an engagement hosted by Agri Western Cape with Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp, where industry representatives had an opportunity to raise concerns directly with him.
Issues discussed included wheat prices, crop insurance, foot-and-mouth disease and fire preparedness.
Farmer’s Weekly journalists covering the show also found plenty of interest away from the major machinery and commercial stands.
Henning Naudé was struck by the range of locally developed innovations on display across industries serving agriculture.
He also attended the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society’s show, where the emphasis placed on breeding and genetics demonstrated that preserving valued South African genetics extended well beyond conventional livestock.
According to Jeanne van der Merwe, the Boerboel show proved one of the event’s most popular attractions, with interest swelling further on Saturday as showgoers sought shelter from the rain.
Several owners told Farmer’s Weekly that the breed’s imposing appearance, loyalty and suitability as a family dog were among its biggest attractions.
Meanwhile, Clayton Swart visited the Youth Show, where young competitors from across the Western Cape, took part in disciplines ranging from poultry and cheese and dairy-product making to cooking, photography and crochet. About 100 entries were received.
On the business front, Daneel Rossouw, head of sales of agriculture at Nedbank, told Lindi Botha that tough economic conditions continued to constrain major capital investment by farmers.
Where farmers were investing, however, spending was increasingly being directed towards water efficiency, irrigation upgrades, renewable energy and protective infrastructure such as shade netting.
For Aggenbach, the value of Nampo Cape could not be measured by attendance figures alone.
“The event provides an important platform for farmers, agribusinesses, industry organisations and service providers to network, strengthen relationships and do business. It also generates important economic spin-offs for Bredasdorp and the surrounding region, with visitors and exhibitors supporting local accommodation establishments, restaurants, fuel stations and other businesses during the week,” he said.
