Nampo

Case IH introduced its new Axial-Flow 9 (AF9) combine harvester during a media briefing at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, where the machine attracted considerable attention for its combination of high-capacity harvesting, advanced automation, and redesigned engineering.

With more than 80% of South Africa’s beef cattle calves destined for feedlots, farmers need fast-growing animals that perform well. The Charolais produces top weaners with strong growth and feed conversion, says Dami Stemmett, president of the Charolais Cattle Breeders’ Society of South Africa.

South African agriculture’s resilience was on display at the 58th Nampo Harvest Day, which attracted 81 822 visitors and more than 910 exhibitors to Nampo Park outside Bothaville in the Free State from 12 to 15 May despite difficult conditions.

The cost-price squeeze facing the grain industry is not only a threat to farmers but also poses a growing risk to the broader financial system if producers are unable to repay their debt obligations, says Land Bank chief agricultural economist Sakhumzi May.

South African farmers are increasingly constrained by rising costs and falling commodity prices, with industry leaders warning that producers can only do so much to survive the current cost-price squeeze before broader structural support becomes essential.

Foton South Africa unveiled its new Miler Lite range and Auman 560 6x4 Prime Mover at Nampo Harvest Day 2026 in Bothaville, Free State. The launch added light- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for transport and agricultural use, reflecting the growing presence of Chinese truck brands in South Africa.

John Deere added six new models to its 8 Series in February this year, filling the gap between traditional row crop tractors and articulated four-wheel drive platforms, such as the John Deere 9R.

The new CR10 combine harvester is New Holland’s answer to the harvesting demands of today and tomorrow.

The high-horsepower T9 range of New Holland has been upgraded with six PLM Intelligence models, bringing more power, improved efficiency and smarter precision technology for large-scale farming.

The Nguni cattle breed has shown remarkable resilience to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) during the current outbreak in South Africa, which Dr Oswald Jannasch, president of the Nguni Cattle Breeders’ Society, attributes to thousands of years of selection for disease and pest resistance in Africa.

Nampo Harvest Day once again proved why it remains the highlight of the agricultural calendar. The four days flew by in a blur of innovation, conversation and discovery. This year, the Farmer’s Weekly team spread out across Nampo Park in Bothaville in search of everything new, different, interesting and useful to report on.

New Holland has given its Genesis T8 series a comprehensive upgrade, boosting power and refining efficiency while placing a stronger emphasis on operator comfort and digital integration.

The last Nation in Conversation panellist discussion held during Nampo 2026 on Friday morning looked at the realities, challenges, and opportunities for farmers against the background of the global trade and economic environment, and how these dynamics are reshaping South Africa’s export opportunities.

Water is one of agriculture’s most vital resources, and in a water-scarce country like South Africa, the sector finds itself competing with urban demand, industry, and environmental priorities.

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.

Precision agriculture technologies can significantly improve profitability, but farmers who expect savings through lower input use may be missing the bigger picture. Research presented by Karen Truter at Nampo 2026 shows that the real gains often come from higher yields, better management of soil potential, and more informed decision-making.

South Africa’s failing municipal infrastructure is increasingly forcing farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities to take over functions traditionally performed by government, delegates heard during a panel discussion on infrastructure, municipal partnerships, and rural development at the Nampo Harvest Day 2026.

The modern Boerboel has been developed over decades as South Africa’s only landrace dog breed. Only animals registered with the South African Boerboel Breeders’ Society may be officially recognised as Boerboels.

Over the past few years, agriculture has been able to amplify its voice. But in a landscape shaped by competing and fragmented narratives, political pressure, and public scrutiny, the real challenge is whether the sector is converting its influence into meaningful outcomes.

From machinery displays and livestock exhibitions to crowds filling the showgrounds, these are some of the scenes from this year’s Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville.