Nampo

South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak has exposed weaknesses in the country’s biosecurity systems, strained trust between government and the livestock industry, and highlighted the urgent need for stronger public-private cooperation.

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.

Farmers under financial pressure should avoid delaying machinery upgrades to the point where productivity and profitability start slipping, says Antois van der Westhuizen, managing director of John Deere Financial for Africa and the Middle East.

Despite strong commitment, transformation in the grain industry has been slow. There are several reasons for this, one of which is that agriculture is capital-intensive, making it difficult for new entrants and small-scale farmers to compete.

Anyone walking through exhibition stands at NAMPO quickly sees that agriculture is a sector build on innovation and technology. Across the value chain, innovation is changing how crops are grown, marketed, and processed, underscoring the need for training and skills development that match the demands of today and the future.

At a media event hosted on the eve of Nampo 2026 at the Syngenta Boerekos Plaaskombuis at Nampo Park in Bothaville, Free State, Luc Henry, business area head of Syngenta South Africa, said South Africa’s regulatory data protection legislation is significantly out of line with global norms.

From spare-wheel solutions to livestock recovery aids, entrants in this year’s Nampo Boereplanne competition impressed judges with practical innovations shaped by real challenges on farms across Southern Africa.

Oilseed and grain farmers across South Africa are under pressure to remain profitable amid volatile markets, climate variability, and rising input costs. Farmer’s Weekly spoke to producers at Nampo 2026 about opportunities for growth and how they’re staying afloat.

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.

Visitors to Nampo Harvest Day 2026 faced heavy traffic congestion on Wednesday morning, with some reporting delays of up to three hours before reaching the showgrounds.

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.

South Africa’s agriculture sector must make biosecurity part of daily farming operations and long-term planning, not just a crisis response, industry leaders warned during a media briefing at Nampo Harvest Day 2026, saying recurring disease outbreaks threaten exports, food security, and farm profitability.

South African farmers are facing one of the toughest operating environments in recent years. Industry leaders at Nampo Harvest Day 2026 urged producers not to lose hope but instead use the platform to find practical solutions to improve efficiencies to keep businesses sustainable.

During this morning’s Nation in Conversation discussion at Nampo 2026, the focus fell on the economic realities farmers have to deal with while farming.

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.

With farming margins under pressure and input costs continuing to climb, producers are urged to take a more calculated approach to mechanisation decisions, focusing on profitability, utilisation, and long-term sustainability rather than simply buying the biggest or latest machine available.

The theme of this year’s Nampo Harvest Day, ‘Resilience through Innovation’, aims to encourage the entire agriculture sector to not only reflect on the challenges farmers currently face but also to find proactive, data-driven solutions focused on profitability and sustainability.

While breed societies usually showcase live cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs at Nampo Harvest Day, this year they are preparing for a very different exhibition in light of the restrictions on cloven-hoofed animals due to the nationwide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

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.

Avoid traffic congestion and parking hassles at Nampo Harvest Day with the Mielie Hop Shuttle service from 12 to 15 May 2026.