Nampo

Farmers have gathered at Nampo Cape 2026 in Bredasdorp to explore cutting-edge technologies, new crop genetics, and joint industry strategies targeting biosecurity, traceability, and foot-and-mouth disease.

Wool and red meat producers will increasingly need to understand what customers want and be able to prove where and how their products were produced if they want to protect and expand their markets.

During a recent panel discussion on the Land Bank’s role in financing agriculture held at Nampo Cape 2026, panellists warned that inadequate funding and support for agriculture were undermining efforts to develop new farmers and grow the sector.

An Eastern Cape stud farmer told Farmer’s Weekly at Nampo Cape 2026 that he believes the changing climate in the Western Cape could make the Senepol an attractive option for red meat producers contending with harsh, dry summers and rising feed costs.

The developing El Niño, believed to be the most severe on record, is expected to exacerbate the fire risk in the Overberg.

Prof Nick Binedell, a renowned leadership and strategy speaker, founding dean of the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and an authority on business education in Africa’s global economy, spoke to Magda Du Toit.

Few names in high-horsepower agriculture carry the legacy of the Case IH Steiger range. From the early 91 and 93 series tractors to today’s advanced four-wheel-drive giants, the Steiger name has become synonymous with traction, brute pulling power, and ongoing engineering refinement.

New Holland launched its T4F S speciality tractor range at Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, introducing a purpose-built solution for orchard, vineyard, and vegetable producers looking for a compact yet versatile machine.

John Deere is positioning its updated 6M tractor range as a versatile, technology-ready workhorse aimed at bridging the gap between basic utility tractors and the company’s premium 6R series.

The new Case IH 475 High-Speed Disc is built around a simple principle: high-speed, heavy-duty construction and efficient field performance that helps farmers save time during critical operations.

Bigger implements, tighter planting windows, and growing efficiency demands are shaping the evolution of high-horsepower tractors. At Nampo 2026, manufacturers displayed more powerful, fuel-efficient machines with smarter technology. Farmer’s Weekly has rounded up 10 standout models from 200kW upwards, in alphabetical order.

Brazilian agricultural machinery manufacturer Stara is strengthening its direct presence in South Africa, shifting from an importer-led model to local dealer support while introducing precision farming technology and machines tailored specifically to local conditions.

Wandile Sihlobo, Presidential Envoy on Agriculture and Land. as well as Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), spoke to Gary Wium about realities facing South African farmers, from rising input costs and export market access to land reform, job creation and the role of technology in growing the sector. The conversation also explores agriculture’s contribution to the economy and the opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.

Case IH’s latest Magnum range builds on decades of high-horsepower tractor development, combining increased power outputs with improved fuel efficiency, precision technology, and operator comfort.

John Deere has introduced its new-generation F-Series self-propelled forage harvesters to the global market, with the machines aimed specifically at large dairy operations and silage contractors seeking higher throughput, lower fuel consumption, and improved forage quality.

At the Shell South Africa thought leadership session held during Nampo 2026 in Bothaville, Free State, earlier this month, rising fuel costs, equipment efficiency, and machinery reliability were central to discussions on keeping farms productive.

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.