Photo: Lindi Botha
Dr Tobias Doyer, CEO of Grain SA, told Farmer’s Weekly that the record attendance, up from 45 894 last year, was bittersweet since it was partly due to the lack of rain.
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“Farmers are desperately awaiting rain to lift wheat yields. If the rain doesn’t arrive soon, yields will be compromised in an environment where prices are low,” he explained.
The importance of in-person interaction was more pronounced in such challenging times. Doyer said Nampo was “the personification of ‘n Boer maak ‘n plan’”.
“If you have a plan, then you have hope; if you think you have a chance at succeeding, then you will go for it. Nampo is full of plans and provides that hope and motivation farmers need, be it new cultivars, new equipment, or plans from other farmers.
“Our operating environment is challenging, but at least farmers know they are all working towards the same goal in a sector that really means something for the country,” he added.4
Mashatile’s visit signals government support
Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s visit to Nampo Cape dominated conversations during the week, as it was another reason for optimism.
According to Doyer, Mashatile’s visit was indicative of his support for the industry, especially since this was his second visit to Nampo. Earlier this year in May, Mashatile attended Nampo in Bothaville.
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“Mashatile’s visit sends a clear message to the rest of government that agriculture must be supported. I hope it’s a sign that there will be more conversations between government and agriculture going forward and that relationships will improve,” he said.
Doyer noted that Nampo was an ideal platform to build productive, meaningful relationships with stakeholders, including government.
“There are those who say politics should not feature at Nampo because it’s a trade show. But Nampo provides an opportunity to sit around a table, communicate our challenges, share our perspectives, and then enjoy a meal together.
It was clear that this is what the deputy president came to do, and I believe he heard us when we spoke about our challenges.
“Since [his] first Nampo visit, there has been a shift in how [Mashatile] sees and experiences the [sector] and the conversation is now flowing more easily,” Doyer concluded.
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