Technology

If machinery sales are a little slower at Nampo Harvest Day this year, some in the industry might jokingly point the finger at Wynand Visser, financial adviser at North Financial Services. Armed with a custom-built model designed to strip away marketing spin and expose the real cost of finance deals, Visser is making it harder for glossy promotions to do all the talking.

Tractor and combine harvester sales recorded year-on-year gains in April, but rising input costs and weaker commodity prices are beginning to weigh on farmer confidence, says Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association and CEO of AGFACTS.

Toyota showcased its upcoming new-generation Hilux range at Nampo 2026, with the first South African models expected from June. While the bakkie gains revised styling, improved refinement and mild-hybrid technology on selected models, Toyota has retained the proven diesel drivetrain and workhorse underpinnings that continue to make the Hilux a popular choice in the agriculture sector.

Land Rover showcased the Defender OCTA and Trophy Edition at Nampo 2026, linking modern off-road performance with the brand’s expedition heritage. The OCTA follows the Defender Dakar D7X-R’s Dakar Rally victory, while the Trophy Edition references earlier Camel Trophy-inspired expedition vehicles.

Greater reliance on solar energy to power Hannes Schutte’s crop irrigation has meant a change in how he manages his scheduling and the system he employs. By switching to low-pressure sprinklers, this crop farmer has reduced his energy costs and boosted yields.

Proper lubrication is essential for keeping farm machinery in proper condition, reducing wear and preventing costly downtime. With planting and harvesting windows tight, experts advise that farmers looking to invest in machinery or tractors at Nampo should do thorough maintenance and product research to prevent breakdowns when the stakes are high.

Bush encroachment can reduce grazing capacity and water availability, making livestock management difficult. However, clearing invasive species can also become an expensive exercise if it is not done correctly.

The Defender is Jaguar Land Rover’s best-selling local vehicle by a country mile. With a variety of body styles and powertrains on offer, buyers are spoiled for choice.

As farmers prepare for Nampo Harvest Day, the lure of new machinery may be difficult to ignore. However, the wrong purchase can become a costly mistake. Dr Jim Rankin, secretary of the South African Agricultural Machinery Association, shares key factors to consider before buying.

The Land Rover Defender 130 launched in 2023 as a capable eight-seater SUV. Recent updates have improved comfort and capability, albeit at the expense of one seat at optimal trim level.

For Farmer’s Weekly’s first review of a motorcycle imported from China, Jedrie Harmse spoke to Henri du Toit, founder of the Proudly Meerkat adventure rider group and a brand advocate for CFMOTO, to get his honest impression of the new CFMOTO 800MTX adventure bike.

At STIHL, you’ll find the right tools to take on any challenge in your field. The new agriculture power pack brings together three high-performance tools, built to the premium standards you expect from STIHL.

Since introducing the Defender in 2020, Jaguar Land Rover has kept its British adventure brand fresh by introducing desirable model editions throughout the past five years. The latest two come in the form of the OCTA Black and Trophy Edition, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.

Farming in South Africa isn’t getting any easier. Implements are getting heavier, seasons are more unpredictable, and every hectare has to work harder to stay profitable. Farmers have been clear about what they need from the John Deere 5090E: more lift capacity to handle today’s equipment with confidence. We’ve listened and we’ve responded.

From the dusty tracks of the Kalahari to the muddy lanes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Defender has earned its reputation through grit and reliability. Now, that legacy is being celebrated with a modern tribute to the world’s most iconic off-road challenges.

Toyota has applied its familiar mantra of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ in updating the Corolla Cross GR-Sport (GR-S), writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.

Over the years, farmers have become accustomed to solutions and innovations from Case IH machinery. They have been prominent over the decades, and remain a strong foundation for the future of harvesting.

Farm machinery is moving into a new era defined by connectivity, efficiency and smarter decision-making on the ground. Lindi Botha looks at how emerging technologies are shaping the next generation of equipment, and what visitors can expect at Nampo.

From higher capacity to precision control, New Holland’s latest machines are built to maximise output while minimising losses.

A Western Cape pilot project by Afriwild could help landowners tackle the removal of invasive plant biomass, with a trailer-mounted incinerator being tested to reduce fire risk, improve soils, and support restoration through carbon finance.