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NAMPO Cape 2024 Driving Economic Growth in the Overberg Region

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NAMPO Cape 2024 Driving Economic Growth in the Overberg Region

The Overberg region once again put its best foot forward as it hosted the 5th annual NAMPO Cape Expo from 11-14 September 2024 in Bredasdorp. With a record-breaking 45,894 visitors over four days, the event surpassed last year’s attendance of 34,635, solidifying its status as the leading agricultural showcase in the Western Cape. This year’s NAMPO Cape not only served as a celebration of agriculture, but also demonstrated the sector’s vital role in the economic growth of the Overberg region.

Agriculture, the bedrock of the Overberg’s economy, was at the heart of this year’s theme Agriculture The Backbone of Economic Growth which resonated throughout the event, underscoring agriculture’s crucial role in feeding millions of people and creating employment opportunities for a significant portion of the population. “Agriculture significantly influences global trade due to its direct effects on other economic sectors, creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth,” said ODM Executive Mayor, Ald Sakkie Franken.

Mayor Franken further elaborated on agriculture’s indispensable contribution to the region, saying “Agriculture is essential for any society because it helps to feed people. It plays a vital role in the growth of our economy as well as the development of our region. It is safe to say that our existence depends directly on it.” His remarks reflect the deep connection between agriculture and the overall economic health of the Overberg, where farming and related industries form the backbone of the community.

Expanding Opportunities for Growth

The NAMPO Cape Expo has become a crucial platform for networking and partnership-building within the agricultural sector. Exhibitors from across the country, representing diverse sectors from crop farming to livestock management, converged to showcase their products and innovations. The Expo fosters business connections that translate into growth for local and regional economies. Through the various partnerships formed at the event, Overberg’s farmers and agribusinesses have access to new markets, technologies, and opportunities to expand their operations.

This year’s event introduced new and exciting exhibitions, such as the debut of the Sheepdog Expo where skilled dogs demonstrated their talents in herding livestock. Visitors were also captivated by the world-famous South African Lipizzaners, whose majestic movements left audiences spellbound. The floral arrangements and Fynbos exhibitions, a hallmark of the event, once again celebrated the region’s biodiversity, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.

The Agri in Conversation program was another highlight, offering a platform for engaging discussions on pressing issues affecting agriculture, from climate change and technological advancements to market access and policy reforms. Industry leaders, farmers, and policymakers came together to share insights and strategies, ensuring that the agricultural sector remains a driver of growth and innovation in the region.

Nurturing the Future of Agriculture

A key focus of NAMPO Cape 2024 was the future of agriculture, particularly the role of youth in driving the sector forward. The Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s schools program played a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Students from across the province participated in interactive exhibits, gaining hands-on experience and learning about the diverse career opportunities within the agricultural sector.

The importance of women in agriculture was also front and center, with a vibrant women’s program packed with celebrity guests and entertainers. From farming to agribusiness, women are making significant strides in the sector, and the program celebrated their contributions while encouraging greater participation from women in agriculture.

A Pillar of Economic Empowerment

Beyond the excitement of the exhibitions and the rich cultural experiences, NAMPO Cape continues to strengthen the economic fabric of the Overberg region. By bringing together key stakeholders, from farmers to agribusiness leaders and government officials, the expo has become a powerful platform for economic empowerment. The record-breaking visitor numbers are a testament to the growing importance of NAMPO Cape in the agricultural calendar, not just for the Overberg but for the broader Western Cape region.

As the 2024 edition comes to a close, the positive impact on the region’s economy and the agricultural sector is clear. NAMPO Cape has grown from strength to strength, evolving into a vital event that not only showcases the best of South African agriculture, but also paves the way for future growth, collaboration, and innovation.

Stellenbosch University Launches Advanced Eucalyptus Research Laboratory

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Stellenbosch University Launches Advanced Eucalyptus Research Laboratory

The Hans Merensky Chair in Advanced Modelling of Eucalypt Growth and Wood Formation (EucXylo) at Stellenbosch University (SU) officially launched its state-of-the-art IMPACT (Intensive Monitoring of Planted And Competing Trees) Open-Air Laboratory (OAL) on 11 September 2024 at Lourensford Farm, Somerset West. This research facility, a key component of the EucXylo programme, is designed to monitor eucalyptus tree growth and wood formation using advanced technology.

Led by Prof Dave Drew from SU’s Department of Forest and Wood Science, the IMPACT OAL uses cutting-edge monitoring systems, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, drones, and advanced LiDAR technology, to track tree growth, carbon sequestration, and water usage. The ten-hectare laboratory is among the first of its kind in South Africa, offering real-time insights into how eucalyptus trees respond to various environmental factors.

A National Research Platform

The IMPACT OAL is intended not only as a research hub but also as a collaborative platform for scientists, students, and the public. According to Drew, the goal is to create open-access data that will contribute to global research and environmental management. The facility will allow continuous monitoring of trees to understand how competition, drought, and pests affect eucalyptus growth and wood formation.

Dr Khotso Mokhele from the Hans Merensky Legacy Foundation praised the laboratory as a piece of national infrastructure that will support future generations of researchers and professionals in the forestry industry. Prof Sibusiso Moyo, SU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, emphasized the laboratory’s role in bridging research, teaching, and sustainability.

Sustainable Forestry Research

Eucalyptus trees are a critical resource globally, producing products such as timber, flooring, cellulose for fabrics, and pharmaceuticals. With its focus on sustainability, the IMPACT OAL aims to contribute to better management practices for this essential resource. The facility also provides hands-on educational opportunities for students and researchers, making it an invaluable resource for the forestry and agricultural industries.

South African Farmers Set World Record with Heaviest Plum

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South African Farmers Set World Record with Heaviest Plum

Dean and Deon Barnard, farmers from the Oppie Plaas Boerdery in George, , have grown the world’s heaviest plum, weighing a staggering 464.15 g. This achievement, which has earned them a place in the Guinness World Records, surpasses the previous record by over 100 g, a plum of 354.57 g grown in Japan in 2021.

The record-breaking plum is part of the Autumn Treat variety, known for its crisp texture and sweet taste. Remarkably, this giant fruit came from a commercial tree among 150 other plums, without any special preparations or alterations to the farming process. Dean Barnard, who was recently named the Western Cape Young Farmer of the Year, shared that the plum weighed 480 g at harvest, but due to moisture loss, it shed a few grams before the final weigh-in.

Diversifying and Expanding Plum Cultivation

With eight years of experience in plum farming, the Barnards have diversified their agricultural ventures to include hops and almonds. Recently, however, they have shifted their focus toward expanding plum cultivation. Their farm’s unique microclimates and careful soil management practices have greatly contributed to their success, helping produce several other large plums this season, weighing between 400-450 g.

A New Goal: The 500-Gram Plum

Farming has always been a learning journey for the Barnards, and they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The Barnards’ passion for their craft shines through, as they now set their sights on a new goal—growing the world’s first 500-gram plum.

The success of this record plum not only reflects the exceptional conditions of their farm but also highlights the importance of innovation and perseverance in agriculture. Their achievement serves as an inspiration to farmers across the globe, proving that with hard work and commitment, even the smallest crop can yield world-class results.

Vergelegen Wine Estate Embraces Innovative Trellis System for New Cabernet Sauvignon Planting

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Vergelegen Wine Estate Embraces Innovative Trellis System for New Cabernet Sauvignon Planting

Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West is making strategic investments in new Cabernet Sauvignon plantings, and experimenting with an alternative trellis system, as part of its ongoing commitment to expressing its unique terroir. This initiative also supports the renowned estate’s focus on sustainable viticulture.

Six hectares of new Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards have been planted near the hilltop cellar. The estate is also using the ‘stok-by-paaltjie’ trellis system, known as ‘staked vines’ or vine by post, with these new plantings, says estate viticulturist Rudolf Kriel.

This is the first time that Vergelegen has implemented ‘stok-by-paaltjie’. The estate has traditionally used the vertical shoot position (VSP) trellis system, whereby vine shoots are trained upward in a vertical, narrow curtain, with the fruiting zone below.

With the ‘stok-by-paaltjie’ method, each vine grows upward along an individual supportive pole. While this approach is more labour-intensive, it optimises land use with a higher density of vines per hectare.

Kriel says his team have planted 6 500 vines/hectare around the cellar using the new trellis system. This compares to 3 330-3 700 vines/hectare elsewhere at Vergelegen.

Wind is also a major consideration, adds Kriel. Under the previous VSP system, five to six vines were planted between poles. Now, individual poles provide greater support for each vine. This is a bonus as, unlike elsewhere on areas of the estate, these hilltop vineyards are not protected by windbreaks of beefwood trees.

Kriel has planted a ground cover crop of clover and medics around the vines. These should provide optimal coverage in two years’ time. The crop will prevent the need for weedicides and manual under-vine maintenance, and produce a “flower garden for bees”, he says.

Oats have been planted in the working zones between vines, to further protect the young vine shoots against wind.

Vergelegen winemaker Luke O’Cuinneagain anticipates that the new trellis system will help the estate enhance fruit purity and structure. “Vines on VSP trellising tend to grow upwards  and sprawl at the top. With the ‘stok-by-paaltjie’ system, the leaf canopy should be less vigorous, requiring less mechanical trimming, and encouraging optimal sun exposure,” he explains.

Beefwood windbreaks can cause overshading and reduce water availability in their vicinity. “Agricultural land is at a premium,” says O’Cuinneagain. “With fewer windbreaks and more ‘stok-by-paaltjie’ trellising, we can allocate more land to grapevines.”

The new trellis system will be implemented elsewhere at Vergelegen, as vineyards require replanting, if the results are positive. “We are always exploring new viticultural techniques,” says O’Cuinneagain.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most prominent grape variety at Vergelegen. It is grown across diverse sites and soil types, mainly Hutton, Clovelly, Pinedene, and Glenrosa.

“Our goal is to achieve a greater expression of our terroir. It’s about respecting the fruit when it comes in, understanding its aromatic expression, and working with the barrels to highlight those characteristics,” says O’Cuinneagain.

The Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2024 scored Vergelegen Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve wines (2020-2022) at 93 points. Vergelegen V, the flagship wine mainly comprising Cabernet Sauvignon, scored 93, 94 and 95 points (2019, 2021 and 2022.)

Trellis system research

Research has shown that the choice of trellis can influence grape composition by affecting factors such as light exposure in the bunch zone, air flow through the leaf canopy, and crop load – and, consequently, the primary metabolites (small molecules produced during the metabolism of living organisms) that contribute to the production of secondary compounds in wine.

This is according to research on Chenin Blanc grape quality, working with six trellis types. Tests were conducted by the Department of Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University, with results published in 2020.

The study showed that “trellising systems can influence amino acids, yeast assimilable nitrogen, phenolic content and aroma compounds, as well as sensory characteristics.”

Find out more about Vergelegen’s wines at https://vergelegen.co.za/wine-range/

Fruitbox Ltd. Partners with EastPack to Bring Zespri Kiwifruit to East Africa’s Growing Market

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Fruitbox Ltd. Partners with EastPack to Bring Zespri Kiwifruit to East Africa’s Growing Market

In an ongoing effort to align with strong and respected global fresh produce brands, Fruitbox Ltd. recently partnered with New Zealand post-harvest operator EastPack Ltd. to supply Zespri brand kiwifruit to Kenya.

“We are excited to partner with EastPack via their collaborative marketing partnership with Zespri to represent this well-known global brand. It fits well with our model of trading first-class fruit with integrity,” said Sandip Jethalal, general manager of Fruitbox Ltd., shortly after the first shipment with Zespri kiwifruit arrived in Nairobi.

Fruitbox Ltd., a Kenyan importing and distribution company, was formed in 2014 and is owned by two South African companies, Vitanova International and Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, as well as Messrs. Sandip Jethalal and Bhaumik Shah, who both have a long history in the Kenyan fresh produce industry.

Modern supply chain and cold storage

While Zespri’s kiwifruit was previously available in limited volumes in East Africa, the logistical route and cold chain were cumbersome and inefficient. This led to the product having a higher cost and shorter shelf life.

The exclusive partnership enables Fruitbox Ltd. to supply high-value Zespri brand kiwifruit directly and cost-effectively to the region’s growing middle class.

“Previously, we sourced Zespri kiwifruit primarily from South Africa and then air-freighted it to Kenya, contributing to the cost chain and the final product price. Our direct supply chain will reduce the cost to the final consumer. Still, more importantly, we will now be able to vouch for the quality and integrity of the product we sell to our customers,” explains Sandip.

When it comes to handling and storing fruit, Fruitbox Ltd. is the market leader in Kenya.

According to Nico de Lange, chairman of Fruitbox, the company is well-placed in East Africa, with an unparalleled supply chain and modern cold storage facility ensuring consistent quality.

“As a first receiver with established distribution channels and storage facilities, we can import full container loads directly from the country of origin and develop the category to its full potential.”

Blue-chip suppliers

Fruitbox Ltd. welcomes partnerships with like-minded companies that share their core values and have a long-term vision.

“Our agreement to market Zespri brand kiwifruit is in line with our strategy to collaborate with blue-chip suppliers into Africa, a growing market for many production countries,” Nico and Sandip believe.

East Africa is the region with the largest population in Africa.

“With the growing middle class in East Africa comes a demand for higher-value fruit such as cherries, peaches, and nectarines. We aim to align with esteemed brands, such as Zespri, Tru-Cape, and Jana Fresh, to supply these products directly from source, which results in value and quality optimisation for consumers in the region.”

Since its inception, Fruitbox Ltd. has offered suppliers an international trading experience in terms of disclosure, transparency, quality control, and payment systems.

“International brands are comfortable doing business with us. We have state-of-the-art facilities and cold storage, and our way of conducting business earns the trust of our suppliers.”

This was echoed by Richard Fraser-Mackenzie, general manager for order and supply at EastPack in New Zealand, when he said Fruitbox has invested in quality product-handling infrastructure and has good local operators with strong relationships to establish the kiwifruit program in Kenya.

“Fruitbox has a unique geographic location and can supply the East African community with kiwifruit from New Zealand. We expect the market to grow incrementally and our green and gold kiwifruit consumption to expand annually.”

Fruitbox Ltd. is the exclusive importer of Tru-Cape’s produce in Kenya. These products include apples, pears, cherries, and soft citrus. Fruitbox Ltd. imports citrus and table grapes from Southern African countries and Egypt.

Nederburg’s Double Gold Triumph Pays Tribute to Günter Brözel’s Legacy

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Nederburg’s Double Gold Triumph Pays Tribute to Günter Brözel’s Legacy

The inspiration behind Nederburg’s cache of double golds earned at the 2024 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards can be found in the legacy of Günter Brözel (90), newly crowned Winemaking Legend in Tim Atkin MW’s 2024 South Africa Wine report.

Commenting on Nederburg’s performance at Michelangelo that delivered four double gold and three gold medals, Samuel Viljoen, the Paarl winery’s cellar master, says: “Tim Atkin’s acknowledgement of Günter’s contribution to the South African wine industry is so entirely deserved. He may have retired as cellar master in 1989, but his ethos is still in evidence across every aspect of Nederburg. I like to believe that we exemplify the principles and priorities Günter cultivated. I do my best to keep them alive as I mentor and motivate today’s cellar team.

NederburgDuring his 33-year career here, Günter established a way of thinking that remains unchanged. The world of winemaking has altered. We have urgent climate change priorities to address. We know new things about winegrowing, winemaking and wine marketing, but the values he embedded almost four decades ago, stay strikingly relevant.

“The relentless pursuit of quality, always seeking to better our best efforts, was a foundation that he set. His questing, lively curiosity and innovative spirit continue to animate our winegrowing, winemaking and new product development. As the consummate blender of technology with craftsmanship, he encouraged all those who’ve followed to see it as a tool for enhancing artistry.”

Samuel points out that one of the four double-gold medallists, the 2020 Heritage Heroes Motorcycle Marvel, a Rhône-style blend, is a wine named in honour of Günter. He was renowned for driving up and down the vineyards, often well before dawn and after dusk, on his vintage BSA motorcycle, to check on the development and ripening of the grapes. “Of course, grapes could be chemically analysed during his time, but taste was always the final arbiter in determining his harvesting schedules. And today? Just the same.”

Günter introduced the Private Bin name that features in the Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. “His Cabernets from the 1960s to the 1980s, are still suffused with life decades later.

“Among the other double-gold winners is the 2022 Edelrood Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, a modern interpretation of a wine that Günter launched in the 1970s. Then as now, it has always been intended as an elegantly styled wine, accessibly priced for everyday enjoyment. Meanwhile, the 2022 Double Barrel Reserve, a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux-style blend, with each component vinified and wood-aged separately, followed by further oaking as a unified whole, is a tribute to deft detailing. Just the kind of idea that would appeal to Günter, given his own meticulous attention to detail.”

The three Nederburg wines to earn gold at Michelangelo are the 2023 vintage of The Winemasters Chardonnay, The Winemasters Grenache Carignan Rosé, and the 2021 Private Bin R163 (a number given originally by Günter) Cabernet Sauvignon.

Seven current release Nederburg wines also scored between 93 and 90 points in the Tim Atkin South Africa Report. The wine scoring 93, the 2023 The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest, is made in a style also pioneered in South Africa by Günter.

The full list:

Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards 2024

Double gold medals:

Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve 2022

Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Motorcycle Marvel Rhône-style red blend 2020

Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Nederburg The Winemasters Edelrood 2022

Gold medals:

Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Nederburg The Winemasters Chardonnay 2023

Nederburg The Winemasters Grenache Carignan Rosé 2023

Tim Atkin MW SA Report 2024

93 points: Nederburg The Winemasters Noble Late Harvest 2023

92 points: Nederburg Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

91 points: Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

91 points: Nederburg The Manor House Chardonnay 2023

90 points: Nederburg The Anchor Man Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023

90 points: Nederburg The Brew Master Bordeaux-style red blend 2020

90 points: Nederburg Heritage Heroes The Motorcycle Marvel Rhône-style red blend 2020

Bummel Shoes Crafts Comfortable and Durable Footwear for the Modern Farmer

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Bummel Shoes Crafts Comfortable and Durable Footwear for the Modern Farmer

Where the rugged landscape meets the sky, farmers rise before dawn to tend to their lands. Theirs is a life marked by dedication, resilience, and an unyielding connection to the earth. In this environment, every piece of gear is chosen not just for utility but for endurance, comfort, and value. Among the tools of the trade, footwear stands as a vital component, offering protection and support through long hours on unforgiving terrain. This is where Bummel Shoes steps in – a brand that deeply understands the demands of a farmer’s life, offering leather footwear as resilient as the people who rely on them.

The Breathable Advantage of Leather Footwear

Bummel ShoesSince its inception in November 2018, Bummel Shoes, founded by Michael Stumpfe in George, has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship. Stumpfe’s vision was to create shoes that aren’t just worn, but experienced – footwear that moulds to the individual, offering comfort and durability. For farmers, whose feet carry them through countless miles of fields, pastures, and orchards, the value of Bummel Shoes becomes immediately apparent.

The story of Bummel Shoes is a testament to the enduring value of leather, a material that has stood the test of time. Unlike synthetic alternatives that dominate the market, leather is a natural, breathable material that offers unique benefits essential for those who spend their days outdoors.
Whether under the scorching summer sun or during the damp, misty mornings, Bummel Shoes ensure that feet remain comfortable, thanks to the leather’s ability to manage moisture. This breathability also contributes to the shoe’s resistance to odour, a crucial feature when one is constantly on the move.

Personalized Comfort: Shoes That Mould to Your Feet

One of the standout features of Bummel leather shoes is their ability to conform to the shape of the wearer’s foot. Over time, the leather stretches and moulds, creating a personalized fit that enhances comfort with every step. This is especially important for farmers, who often spend hours on their feet. The difference between a standard shoe and one that fits like a glove can mean the difference between fatigue and comfort at the end of a long day.

Understanding the unique tastes and needs of its clients, Bummel offers an online custom service, allowing customers to personalize their shoes in terms of colours, materials, and sole options. This service, coupled with a comprehensive online shop, has significantly enhanced the Bummel experience, making it accessible to a global audience seeking quality, handcrafted leather shoes. Farmers, who often require specific features to accommodate their daily work, can now tailor their footwear to meet those exact needs, ensuring that their shoes are as unique as the tasks they perform.

Bummel Shoes Bummel Shoes

Sustainability Matters: Leather as a Biodegradable Choice

In a world where cost-cutting measures have led to the widespread use of plastic linings and synthetic materials, Bummel Shoes remains steadfast in its commitment to genuine leather. The entire shoe, from the outer surface to the inner lining, is crafted from leather, ensuring that what touches your foot is natural, breathable, and supportive. For farmers, this translates into a shoe that can be worn barefoot, offering a level of comfort that is hard to match. The absence of synthetic materials also means that Bummel Shoes are more sustainable – a by-product of tanned animal skin, these shoes are biodegradable and a far better environmental choice than plastic-based alternatives.

Bummel Shoes Bummel Shoes

Water-Resistant Durability for Rugged Terrains

The ruggedness of the South African landscape is reflected in the design of Bummel Shoes. Farmers often work in environments where wet grass and muddy fields are a daily reality. Bummel’s leather shoes, when properly waxed, offer excellent water resistance, allowing water to run off without soaking through. This feature, combined with the availability of different soles whether rugged for challenging terrains or flat for easier tasks – ensures that Bummel Shoes can meet the diverse needs of any farmer.

Comprehensive Aftercare: A Shoe That Lasts

Bummel’s commitment to quality doesn’t end when the shoes leave the shop. The brand offers an aftercare service, from restitching loose threads to resoling worn-out pairs. This dedication to customer service ensures that a pair of Bummel Shoes can accompany a farmer through many seasons, offering not just immediate value, but long-term reliability.

Bummel Shoes isn’t just a brand; it’s a partner in the daily life of a farmer. It’s a reminder that quality, comfort, and sustainability don’t have to be sacrificed for cost. Instead, they can be combined to create a product that not only meets the demands of the present, but also honours the traditions of the past. Bummel’s range of products has grown significantly, boasting an impressive array of collections.

The diversity in design caters to a broad spectrum of preferences, from the traditional to the more modern, ensuring that there’s a Bummel shoe for every occasion. Bummel Shoes is more than a choice – it’s an investment in quality, comfort, and sustainability. It’s a testament to the belief that the best tools are those that last, crafted with care and built to endure.

Shop online at www.bummel.co.za
or visit the stores in George (Western Cape) & Rosebank (Gauteng)
For more information contact Michael on 082 511 9647 or [email protected]

Explore the Exciting Programme of NAMPO Cape 2024: A Premier Agricultural Expo

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Explore the Exciting Programme of NAMPO Cape 2024: A Premier Agricultural Expo

NAMPO Cape 2024 celebrates its 5th edition and the 30th anniversary of the first Mechanisation Day, which took place in 1994. Since its inception, NAMPO Cape has led the way over the past five years in showcasing the best that agriculture in the Cape has to offer. It provides producers and the community with a platform where innovation, technology, and networking opportunities of the highest quality are presented. This annual expo, held from 11–14 September 2024 in Bredasdorp, is an important opportunity to gain knowledge, build relationships, and secure the future of agriculture.

Visitors to NAMPO Cape 2024 can look forward to an exciting range of new highlights and exhibitions that make the expo even more impressive, with more than 500 exhibitors. This year includes an expanded new exhibition space, which will accommodate more than 38 additional exhibitors and give visitors the opportunity to discover the latest agricultural equipment, technologies, and products. Practical demonstrations, expert presentations, and interactive sessions will offer valuable insights into the future direction of agriculture, while visitors can also participate in various competitions and enjoy exhibitions ranging from livestock and crops to flowers.

Let’s take a closer look at the programme and some of the key highlights you can expect at NAMPO Cape 2024:

Equestrian 

The equestrian programme promises to be a highlight for horse enthusiasts, with a variety of demonstrations and activities designed to engage young people and the broader community. From horsemanship and dressage to show jumping, visitors will have the opportunity to see talented horses and riders in action. The programme includes performances by the world-renowned South African Lipizzaners, equestrian sports exhibitions, and donkey-riding competitions.

Sheepdogs

Visitors will have the opportunity to see sheepdogs in action during various demonstrations and competitions, including Yard-trial competitions and a special Brace demonstration. This programme, debuting at NAMPO Cape, offers a unique insight into the incredible skills and cooperation between the dogs and their trainers.

Women’s Programme

The women’s programme offers something for everyone, with a variety of inspiring speakers and entertainment catering to all interests. Visitors can look forward to performances by well-known personalities such as Appel, and singer-songwriter Mathys Roets. Additionally, Marítezle Brink, a popular RSG radio host, will offer her humorous and insightful perspective, and Carmen Niehaus, food editor and author, will share valuable tips on food and lifestyle.

Agri in Conversation

The Agri in Conversation programme offers visitors the chance to gain valuable insights from leading experts in the agricultural industry. Topics range from managing input costs to research for growth, as well as the impact of political and economic changes on agriculture. Renowned speakers such as Louw Pienaar, Anlie Hatting, and Wandile Sihlobo will share their expertise. On Friday, 13 September, Theo Vorster from Galileo Capital will discuss how businesses can support agriculture, while Dr. Ivan Meyer, Minister of Agriculture, will focus on future priorities for agriculture and the impact of the RNE (Rural and Nature Economy).

Flowers

Marjolijn Malan’s exhibition, under the theme “Vonkel n die Overberg,” will be presented in the Voermol Hall and focuses on plants “with a story,” reflecting the unique combination of art and nature in the Overberg region. The Neptun Hall will host the fynbos beauty exhibition, showcasing a variety of indigenous fynbos plants from the Overberg.

Youth Show

Through participation in activities such as caring for animals and competing in competitions, children will learn valuable skills such as responsibility, self-confidence, and teamwork. This year’s youth show includes various activities and competitions aimed at nurturing young people’s love for agriculture while developing important life skills such as responsibility, teamwork, and leadership.

4×4 Demonstrations

The 4×4 demonstrations remain a popular attraction for all car enthusiasts and adventurers. This year, the demonstrations will feature a range of impressive displays where professional drivers test the capabilities of various 4×4 vehicles to the extreme. Visitors will have the opportunity to see firsthand how these vehicles handle challenging terrain, including steep inclines, descents, and technical obstacles. Several of the latest models will be showcased, highlighting both practical applications and safety.

Livestock Exhibition

The Livestock Exhibition gives producers the opportunity to view some of the best livestock breeds in South Africa. This exhibition, held in the Agriculture Hall, focuses on promoting high-quality livestock and offers valuable insights for farmers making important decisions about their herds. Various cattle, sheep, and goat breeds, including well-known breeds such as Limousin cattle, Merino sheep, and Boer goats, will be on display.

New Producers

The expo serves as a learning hub where beginners in the industry gain access to expert advice, practical demonstrations, and networking opportunities with established producers and suppliers. Here, new producers can explore the latest technologies and methods that will help them develop their farms successfully and sustainably. At NAMPO Cape 2024, visitors can look forward to various innovative offerings. Algar will introduce their new, versatile Biele-Kraal Cattle System, designed to transform livestock handling through advanced technology and automation, providing modern solutions for daily farming challenges. The hydroponics and aquaponics section offers visitors an opportunity to expand their knowledge of sustainable food system technologies, with a permanent exhibition space demonstrating how plants can be grown without soil. Additionally, the food facilities will offer a wide variety of flavours, ranging from traditional South African dishes to modern favourites.

NAMPO App

This handy app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, offers a range of features that help visitors navigate the large grounds, get updated information on exhibitions and events, and track specific offers and promotions. Through the app, visitors can also easily access the showground’s map, the full programme of activities and demonstrations, and even receive important announcements directly to their smartphones.

Tickets are available online at www.ticketpros.co.za.

Afrikaanse Weergawe: https://agrinews.co.za/nampo-kaap-2024-n-ekspo-vir-gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid/

Wandile Sihlobo Named AFMA Person of the Year: A Visionary Leader in Agriculture

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Wandile Sihlobo Named AFMA Person of the Year: A Visionary Leader in Agriculture

The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association of South Africa (AFMA) has named Wandile Sihlobo as its 2023/2024 Person of the Year. This award, presented at AFMA’s 77th Annual General Meeting at the picturesque Cathedral Peak Hotel, celebrates Sihlobo’s remarkable contributions to the agricultural sector and his tireless efforts to advance the animal feed industry.

A Champion for Agricultural Progress

Wandile Sihlobo, the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), has long been a key figure in driving discussions around agriculture’s role in the national economy. His work goes beyond economic analysis, focusing on how the agricultural sector can play a crucial role in solving some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges—poverty, unemployment, and rural inequality.

AFMA, the official representative body of the South African feed industry within the livestock feed sector, recognized Sihlobo’s influence as part of the broader agricultural environment. This prestigious award highlights his role in strengthening the sector, which is vital to the country’s food, fibre, and beverages industries.

Expanding the Scope of Agriculture

Sihlobo’s vision for agriculture extends beyond just primary farming. He has consistently highlighted the broader agricultural value chain, which includes input and seed providers, financiers, machinery suppliers, researchers, and manufacturers. Each of these players, he believes, is essential to South Africa’s robust food, fibre, and beverages industry.

“It ranges from input and seed providers, financiers, machinery suppliers, researchers, and manufacturers, amongst others, positively impacting South Africa’s robust food, fibre and beverages industry,” Sihlobo shared, driving home the point that agriculture is a complex and interconnected ecosystem with the potential to drive national prosperity.

A Decade of “Knowledge Work”

For over a decade, Sihlobo has been a “knowledge worker,” using his insights and research to shape the future of agriculture in South Africa. His work has been widely read, and his articles and books have inspired many in and outside the agricultural sector. Sihlobo remains deeply committed to his mission of empowering the agricultural industry through knowledge.

“This great honour speaks to the work and opportunities many people have given me over the years,” Sihlobo said, humbly recognizing the support he has received throughout his career. “I remain hopeful that I will rely on their support for years to come.”

Inspiring the Future of Agriculture

The AFMA award is a fitting tribute to Sihlobo’s exceptional leadership in the agricultural sector. His vision for a thriving agricultural industry that addresses socio-economic issues continues to inspire many. As Sihlobo looks ahead, he remains committed to driving progress and ensuring that agriculture remains a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy.

Wandile Sihlobo’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, knowledge, and a belief in the potential of agriculture to transform lives. His recognition by AFMA is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the agricultural community in South Africa.

Nampo Kaap 2024: ‘n Ekspo vir Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid

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Nampo Kaap 2024: ‘n Ekspo vir Gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid

Nampo Kaap 2024 vier sy 5de aanbieding en die 30ste herdenking van die eerste Meganisasiedag wat in 1994 plaasgevind het. Sedert sy ontstaan het Nampo Kaap oor die afgelope 5 jaar die voortou geneem om die beste wat landbou in die Kaap bied, ten toon te stel. Dit bied produsente en die gemeenskap ‘n platform waar innovasie, tegnologie en netwerkgeleenthede van die hoogste gehalte aangebied word. Hierdie jaarlikse ekspo, wat van 11- 14 September in Bredasdorp gehou word, is ‘n belangrike geleentheid om kennis op te doen, verhoudings te bou en die toekoms van landbou te verseker.

Besoekers aan Nampo Kaap 2024 kan uitsien na ’n opwindende reeks nuwe hoogtepunte en uitstallings wat die ekspo nog indrukwekkender maak, met meer as 500 uitstallers.
Hierdie jaar sluit ’n uitgebreide nuwe uitstalruimte in, wat meer as 38 bykomende uitstallers sal huisves en besoekers die geleentheid bied om die nuutste landboutoerusting, tegnologieë, en produkte te ontdek. Praktiese demonstrasies, deskundige voorleggings en interaktiewe sessies sal waardevolle insigte bied oor die toekomstige rigting van landbou, terwyl besoekers ook kan deelneem aan verskeie kompetisies en geniet van uitstallings wat wissel van vee en gewasse tot blomme.

Program

Kom ons kyk van naderby na die program en van die belangrikste hoogtepunte wat jy by NAMPO Kaap 2024 kan verwag:

Perde 

Die perdeprogram beloof om ‘n hoogtepunt vir perde-entoesiaste te wees, met ‘n verskeidenheid demonstrasies en aktiwiteite wat ontwerp is om jongmense en die breër gemeenskap te betrek. Van ruiterkuns en dresseer tot skouspring, besoekers sal die geleentheid hê om talentvolle perde en ruiters in aksie te sien. Die program sluit vertonings deur die wêreldbekende Suid-Afrikaanse Lipizzaners, perdesportuitstallings, en donkie-rykompetisies in.

Skaaphonde

Besoekers sal die geleentheid hê om skaaphonde in aksie te sien tydens verskeie demonstrasies en kompetisies, insluitend Yard-trial kompetisies en ‘n spesiale Brace demonstrasie. Hierdie program, wat sy debuut maak by Nampo Kaap, bied ‘n unieke insig in die ongelooflike vaardighede en samewerking tussen die honde en hul afrigters.

Vroueprogram

Die vroueprogram bied iets vir elke smaak, met ‘n verskeidenheid van inspirerende sprekers en vermaak wat vir alle belangstellings voorsiening maak. Besoekers kan uitsien na optredes deur bekende persoonlikhede soos Appel, en sanger en liedjieskrywer Mathys Roets. Daarbenewens sal Marítezle Brink, gewilde RSG-omroeper, haar humoristiese en insiggewende perspektief bied, en Carmen Niehaus, kosredakteur en skrywer, sal waardevolle wenke oor kos en leefstyl deel.

Agri in Gesprek

Die Agri in Gesprek-program bied besoekers die kans om waardevolle insigte van vooraanstaande kundiges in die landboubedryf te verkry. Onderwerpe wissel van die hantering van insetkostes tot navorsing vir groei, asook die impak van politieke en ekonomiese veranderinge op die landbou. Bekende sprekers soos Louw Pienaar, Anlie Hatting en Wandile Sihlobo sal hul kundigheid deel. Op Vrydag, 13 September, sal Theo Vorster van Galileo Capital bespreek hoe besighede landbou kan bevorder, terwyl Dr. Ivan Meyer, Minister van Landbou, fokus op die toekomsprioriteite vir landbou en die impak van die RNE (Rural and Nature Economy).

Blomme

Marjolijn Malan se uitstalling, onder die tema “Vonkel n die Overberg,” sal in die Voermol-saal aangebied word en fokus op plante “met ‘n storie,” wat die unieke kombinasie van kuns en natuur in die Overberg-streek uitbeeld. Die Neptun-saal sal die fynbospraguitstalling huisves, wat ‘n verskeidenheid van inheemse fynbosplante van die Overberg ten toon stel.

Jeugskou

Deur deel te neem aan aktiwiteite soos die versorging van diere en deelname aan kompetisies, leer kinders waardevolle vaardighede soos verantwoordelikheid, selfvertroue en spanwerk. Hierdie jaar sluit die Jeugskou verskeie aktiwiteite en kompetisies in, wat daarop gemik is om jongmense se liefde vir landbou te kweek terwyl hulle belangrike lewensvaardighede soos verantwoordelikheid, spanwerk en leierskap ontwikkel.

4 x 4 Demonstrasies

Die 4×4-demonstrasies bly ‘n gewilde trekpleister vir alle motorliefhebbers en avonturiers. Hierdie jaar bied die demonstrasies ‘n reeks indrukwekkende vertonings waar professionele bestuurders die vermoëns van verskeie 4×4-voertuie tot die uiterste toets. Besoekers sal die geleentheid hê om eerstehands te sien hoe hierdie voertuie moeilike terrein hanteer, insluitend opdraandes, steil afdraandes, en tegniese hindernisse. Verskeie nuutste modelle sal ten toon gestel word, wat beide praktiese toepassing en veiligheid insluit.

Rasuitstalling

Die Rasuitstalling gee produsente die geleentheid om van die beste veerasse in Suid-Afrika te besigtig. Hierdie uitstalling, wat in die Landbousaal plaasvind, fokus op die bevordering van hoë gehalte vee en bied waardevolle insigte vir boere wat belangrike besluite moet neem oor hul kuddes. Verskeie bees-, skaap- en bokrasse, insluitend bekende rasse soos Limousin-beeste, Merino-skaap en Boerbokke, sal te sien wees.

Nuwe Produsente

Die ekspo dien as ‘n leerskool waar beginners in die bedryf toegang kry tot kundige advies, praktiese demonstrasies, en netwerkgeleenthede met gevestigde produsente en verskaffers.
Hier kan nuwe produsente die nuutste tegnologieë en metodes verken, wat hulle sal help om hul boerderye suksesvol en volhoubaar te ontwikkel.
By Nampo Kaap 2024 kan besoekers uitsien na verskeie innoverende aanbiedings. Algar stel hul nuwe, veelsydige Biele-Kraal-beesstelsel bekend, wat ontwerp is om veehantering te transformeer deur gevorderde tegnologie en outomatisasie, en wat moderne oplossings bied vir daaglikse boerdery-uitdagings.
Die hidroponika- en akwaponika-afdeling bied besoekers ‘n geleentheid om hul kennis oor volhoubare voedselsisteemtegnologieë uit te brei, met ‘n permanente uitstalruimte wat demonstreer hoe plante sonder grond verbou kan word. Daarbenewens sal die kosfasiliteite ‘n wye verskeidenheid smake bied, van tradisionele Suid-Afrikaanse disse tot moderne gunstelinge.

Nampo App

Hierdie handige app, beskikbaar op Google Play en die Apple App Store, bied ‘n reeks funksies wat besoekers help om hul weg deur die groot terrein te vind, bygewerkte inligting oor uitstallings en geleenthede te kry, en spesifieke aanbiedinge en promosies op te spoor.
Deur die app kan besoekers ook maklik toegang kry tot die skouterrein se kaart, die volledige program van aktiwiteite en demonstrasies, en selfs belangrike aankondigings ontvang regstreeks op hul slimfone.

Toegangskaartjies is aanlyn beskikbaar by www.ticketpros.co.za

Engelse Weergawe: https://agrinews.co.za/explore-the-exciting-programme-of-nampo-cape-2024/

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