NAMPO 2024 Embraces Connectivity for Sustainable Growth

As society advances further into the digital age, the agricultural sector in South Africa finds itself on the cusp of a profound transformation. In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the importance of agriculture in the digital landscape cannot be overstated. And with NAMPO 2024, the 56th instalment of Harvest Day, scheduled from 14 to 17 May 2024, the stage is set to unveil the latest trends and advancements! From its inception, NAMPO Harvest Day has led the charge in showcasing agricultural innovation on a comprehensive platform in South Africa.

The theme "Agriculture in a Digital Age" resonates with South African producers, who increasingly acknowledge the importance of connectivity in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and prosperity in farming. By harnessing digital tools and platforms, farmers are discovering new avenues to boost productivity, optimise resource usage, and enhance livelihoods.

In a landscape where connectivity has become a pervasive reality, South African farmers are embracing digital solutions to address traditional challenges and propel their operations forward. Whether in remote rural communities or traditional farming districts, the adoption of digital technologies is transforming agricultural practices, rendering them more resilient and adaptable to the changing demands of the market and the environment.

“NAMPO plays an important role in connecting the agricultural sector by offering producers a one-stop environment to interact and do business with small and large businesses and relevant role players. The South African agricultural community realise that staying connected is not just a luxury, but a necessity for growth in today’s competitive Agri-landscape. NAMPO is the trade show that offers producers a platform to access information and interact with services and products on offer related to production, machinery, food-processing, inputs, precision agriculture and financial solutions,” remarked Dr. Dirk Strydom, Head of NAMPO Marketing & Research Development at Grain SA.

Fresh in 2024

NAMPO has incorporated three additional 500kVA generators to complement the existing 300kVA capacity, ensuring ample electricity supply to meet the demands of NAMPO Harvest Day. Many exhibitors are enhancing and enlarging their exhibition offerings, and the newly constructed Midas Hall on the southeastern side of the park accommodates an extra 60 indoor exhibitors.

NAMPO's culinary offerings have expanded, promising visitors a brand-new gastronomic adventure courtesy of the Syngenta Boerekos Plaaskombuis. The food court will tantalise taste buds with a variety of delectable dishes, ranging from oversized Prego steak rolls to mouthwatering Nachos, sweet and tangy Lamb riblets, succulent Butter Chicken sosaties, and grilled beef brisket flatbreads. The regular NAMPO food stalls have also expanded their offerings, benefiting schools, churches, and nonprofit community organisations. Additionally, the exclusive restaurant, inaugurated in 2023 to provide exhibitors with reserved tables for client discussions, will be operational once again in the Fanie Ferreira Hall.

The kykNET Women’s Programme returns to its original location near the tea garden, promising lively mornings filled with local television celebrities and cosy chats with beloved kykNet personalities. Visitors can anticipate a fresh sensory journey leading to the Women’s Programme through the Starke Ayres herb garden, while the newly established children’s play park will offer a secure space for supervised climbing and playtime.

The NAMPO App now provides visitors with enhanced access to exhibitors and their locations, offering the park layout at their fingertips. Through the app, visitors can bookmark events, peruse and bookmark exhibitions to visit, take 3D virtual tours of the park, and navigate to any stand using the built-in navigation feature.

The 2024 Farmer’s Patent Competition, in collaboration with Omnia & Landbouweekblad, introduces a new category in the school section for learners or students enrolled in educational institutions. This must-see exhibition showcases inventions across five other categories, including new, modified, tools, house and garden, and an open category.

NAMPO 2023

Classic Favourites

Time-honoured NAMPO highlights continue to occupy attendees' schedules, such as the beloved 4x4 vehicle demonstrations on the Standard Bank 4x4 track and the adventurous African Group Lubricants Adventure Track, catering to side-by-side vehicles, motorcycles, and quad trails. Meanwhile, the seed plots located on the park's eastern side offer visitors a glimpse of grain, feed crops, and grass varieties from South Africa's leading seed companies.

The Nation in Conversation forum, a perennial favourite, gathers key figures from the agricultural sector to delve into both local and international topics. Filmed during NAMPO, these discussions are live-streamed across various platforms for broader access.

In the livestock division, encompassing cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, nearly 100% of large- and small-stock breeds are represented. A daily pedigree livestock parade is scheduled in the TAU Animal Feeds Livestock Arena, where stringent biosecurity measures and protocols are enforced.

Find Your Way

Exploring the vast expanse of NAMPO Park is facilitated by a range of transportation choices. OFM, NAMPO's official media partner, will broadcast live from NAMPO Park, featuring a dedicated Agri hour and offering traffic updates throughout the day to ensure listeners' safe travel. The "Mieliehop" shuttle service operates daily between NAMPO Park and Bothaville, with long-distance shuttles available from OR Tambo airport and nearby towns. Century Avionics's airport lounge welcomes air travellers to the northern section of the park, providing a shuttle service to Gate 3. Additionally, visitors can board one of the nine tractor trailers following various routes throughout the grounds, facilitating movement between different exhibitions and providing respite for weary feet with designated shuttle stops and schedules.

AgriMag and NAMPO: A Seamless Collaboration

The AgriMag Marketplace team eagerly anticipates NAMPO 2024, where we will conduct interviews with several key clients. NAMPO offers an excellent platform for these clients to unveil their innovative products, encompassing a diverse array of specialised equipment tailored for the agricultural sector.

This year's event holds the promise of granting the AgriMag team valuable insights into the industry's latest advancements while reaffirming their dedication to delivering top-notch service to the agricultural sector and farming community.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased through TicketPro with special discounted rates for online purchases. Gates open at 07:00 and close at 17:00. For route directions and information regarding the private airstrip, visitors can refer to the website or the NAMPO App. Please note that pets, bicycles, self-propelled carts, and motorcycles are not allowed on the premises. However, visitors can avail themselves of complimentary transport carts circulating along three different routes throughout the grounds.

"NAMPO Harvest Day is still a not-to-be-missed highlight on the South African agricultural calendar. This unique platform facilitates peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among farmers, researchers, and agricultural experts. South African producers can exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, strengthen friendships, and collectively address common challenges, all in one place," concluded Strydom.

NAMPO 2024

With NAMPO 2024 almost here, excitement mounts as anticipation for this year's event intensifies, heralding a platform brimming with agricultural innovation and opportunities for all participants. Renowned for its extensive programme and diverse exhibits, NAMPO Harvest Day remains a cornerstone for the agricultural community, not only in South Africa but also globally. The AgriMag team eagerly anticipates their involvement in this esteemed gathering, reaffirming their steadfast dedication to the industry and its future. Whether you're a farmer, a seasoned professional, or simply an enthusiast with a passion for agriculture, NAMPO presents the quintessential occasion to learn, connect, and immerse yourself in the finest offerings of the agricultural sector. Seize this remarkable opportunity to delve into the realm of agriculture. Reserve your tickets today and join us at NAMPO!