NAMPO Harvest Day remains the answer to all your technology questions

"Technology for sustainable production" is the theme for the 2013 Harvest Day, and it links up with the fact that farming operations are being increasingly mechanised. "If you want to save time, which is a very 'expensive' word in agriculture, and work more effectively on your farm, technology in your operations is the answer," said Cobus van Coller, chairperson of the NAMPO Harvest Day.

According to Jannie de Villiers, Grain SA's Chief Executive Officer, the organisation's Harvest Day offers you the opportunity to compare all the input providers in agriculture with one another in one place and thus to make the best choice. "It is a major networking opportunity for all role players in the industry and also sketches the farming picture to those outside the world of agriculture by way of a showroom," he said.

The first phase of the 8 000 m2 expansion close to the southern parking area has been completed to offer the exhibitors who participate in the Harvest Day every year, more space for their products, services and technology. The additional exhibiting space also helps to accommodate new exhibitors who can add value to technology in agriculture.

International interest and visitors from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries are increasing every year. Forty-five international exhibitors from Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Italy, Turkey and the USA form part of the more than 600 exhibitors.

The first official Grain SA, BKT and Tubestone National Ploughing Competition will be presented at this year's Harvest Day. The winner and the second and third contestants from the four regional competitions, which have already taken place, will qualify for participation in the final. The winner of this competition will be the first South African ploughing champion and will represent South Africa at the World Ploughing Championships in France in 2014.

The Grain SA/Omnia Farmer Patent Competition is getting a new look with the celebration of its 25th anniversary. Only three divisions (the previous categories fall away) constitute part of the competition this year. Larger prizes are involved and only a first and second place is at stake.

For the stock enthusiasts daily static shows and introductory parades will be offered by breeder associations. When you have visited the four-footed friends, you can also catch a glimpse of your four-wheeled friends. Vehicle manufacturers will demonstrate their vehicles' power every day at the 4x4 track, and spectators will be given an opportunity to go along on a drive as a passenger.

The men should remind their wives of the variety of shopping opportunities that will be available. You should also not fail to attend the interesting presentations and demonstrations in the SAMPI Hall. The complete ladies' programme can be downloaded on www.nampo.co.za under Ladies' Programme.

The fashion show will be held in the SAMPI Hall this year, while Club 200 will become part of the Fanie Ferreira Hall, where sit-down meals will be served. The tea garden that used to be at the entrance to the Fanie Ferreira Hall is moving to the Club 200 veranda.

Fully paid-up members of Grain SA will receive free parking on all four days, and transport will be available from the entrance gate to the members' facility and back. Members will receive their invitations by mail. These will include all the information on the exclusive parking area and electronic access to the parking area and the access gate. Members will also have access to coffee, rusks, refreshments and something cold to drink at the members' facility from early in the morning until closing time.

Remain up to date on all this excitement by tuning in to Grain SA Radio (99.2 FM), which can be received in a radius around NAMPO Park from 14 to 17 May between 07:00 and 19:00. 

Avoid long queues at access gates and buy your admission ticket beforehand from selected Engen service stations and agricultural agencies, as well as Senwes Villages. Admission tickets cost R80 per person for attendance on Tuesday and Friday, and R90 per person for Wednesday and Thursday.

Gates open at 07:00 and close at 17:00. Please note that no pets, bicycles, carts or motor- cycles will be permitted on the premises. Please visit the NAMPO Harvest Day website at www.nampo.co.za for more information.

ISSUED ON 24 APRIL 2013 BY GRAIN SA
ENQUIRIES: Johan Loxton, Manager: Commercial Services
Tel: 086 004 7246 Fax: 086 509 7276
Email: navrae@grainsa.co.za
Website: www.nampo.co.za