The future of agriculture unfolds at NAMPO 2017

After the 50th anniversary celebrations of the NAMPO Harvest Day last year, Grain SA has stepped up efforts to have expansions and innovations on the grounds and to the programme ready for the 51st Harvest Day – which is being presented from 16 to 19 May 2017 outside Bothaville.

“Grain SA wants to ensure that NAMPO is the agricultural sector’s most relevant platform and market place for innovation, technology, information exchange and discussion. The expansions and innovations, our 2017 theme, “Unfold the future”, and a brand-new NAMPO logo confirm that the organisation is positive about the role of the Harvest Day in the future of agriculture”, Toit Wessels, Assistant Manager: NAMPO and Marketing of Grain SA, said on the eve of NAMPO 2017.

New outside exhibition spaces on the eastern side of the grounds – near the seed plots – and at the main entrance close to the Wall of Remembrance bring the total number of exhibitors to more than 700. “In collaboration with exhibiting input suppliers, manufacturers and distributors, the Harvest Day committee is installing the newest and most advanced agricultural technology on one site. The focus of the new, expanded premises near the seed plots is on conservation agriculture equipment and technology in particular”, added Cobus van Coller, Harvest Day chairperson.

International interest in the Harvest Day increases every year. A Canadian and a British pavilion, as well as exhibitors from Russia and Brazil, are new additions this year. Exhibitors from Portugal, Israel, Argentina, France, Poland, the USA and India can once again be visited during the Harvest Day.

4x4 enthusiasts can look forward to an upgraded version of the obstacle course that will be attempted daily by the leading automotive manufacturers’ products. Another new addition is a demonstration track for motor cycles, four-wheel motor cycles and side-by-sides. This smaller version of the 4x4 programme is located in the new part of the grounds across from the seed plots.

The stock section boasts ten sheep breeds, four goat breeds and 28 cattle breeds that are being exhibited. The Saddlebred Society of South Africa and Arab Horse Society of South Africa are participating, in addition to the Friesian and miniature horses which can be seen. An international auctioneering competition will be offered for the first time in the auctioneering complex during NAMPO 2017. A youth show is offered daily in the cattle/horse arena, where the young ones will show their skills by working with miniature horses, Limousin and Brahman cattle.

Grain SA and Omnia’s Farmer Patent Competition – a popular exhibit at the Harvest Day – is well worth a visit. Come and have a look at innovative plans developed by producers in the various categories in an attempt to make life easier on the farm.

After an absence of two years, the Women’s programme is back in the mornings. It has a brand-new location and offers an inspiring programme in the large white GL Events tent next to the Polkadot tea garden. Ladies can also look forward to a few new and even more exhibits.
According to Jannie de Villiers, chief executive officer of Grain SA, NAMPO is the place where the agriculture family can get to know one another better, and where new partnerships and friendships are forged. “This is also the event where Grain SA can show appreciation towards our members for their ongoing support. We would like to spoil them during the Harvest Day and give them preferential treatment. Paid-up members receive free admission tickets and access to an exclusive parking area and the members’ hall”, he said.

The members’ hall will be instated as the Grain SA and NAMPO Experience Centre this year. With a new entrance at the side of the Fanie Ferreira Hall, every visitor can view Grain SA’s focus areas and even enjoy a movie theatre, where audio visuals of the organisation’s activities will be shown. NAMPO branded clothing and promotional items will be offered for sale. As always, visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments throughout the day and agricultural economists and other specialists in the Grain SA team will be ready with advice and assistance throughout.

Admission tickets are available online at www.ticketpros.co.za at R85 each (for Tuesday and Friday) and R95 each (for Wednesday and Thursday). Tickets are also available at the gates, albeit R15 more than online prices. The gates open at 07:00 in the morning and close at 17:00. Tune in to Grain SA Radio at 99.2 FM for traffic reports and current Harvest Day information.

NAMPO Park can also be reached by plane and the runway and landing strip are manned by air traffic controllers and ground marshals. Air traffic control will be in operation from 7: 00-17: 00, with the call signal "NAMPO Tower". Transport will be made available to visitors from the runway to the gate and one of the NAMPO exhibitors will be on hand to do any maintenance on planes if required.

No pets, bicycles, self-propelled carts or motor cycles will be permitted on the premises. Visitors can use the transport carts moving along three different routes on the grounds throughout the day at no charge.

For more information, visit the website at www.nampo.co.za or www.grainsa.co.za. A NAMPO app is available for free from your preferred online store.

Ends
 

Issued by:
Grain SA Communications

Further enquiries:
Toit Wessels, Assistant Manager: NAMPO & Marketing, Grain SA
086 004 7246 | toit@grainsa.co.za | www.grainsa.co.za