On May 13, 2025, NAMPO Harvest Day 2025, the 57th edition of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural exhibitions, launched with fervour at NAMPO Park in Bothaville, Free State. With agriculture under pressure from rising input costs, extreme weather, and trade challenges, NAMPO 2025 emerged as a pivotal platform for farmer-led solutions, uniting 17,500 visitors under the theme “Global Agriculture, Local!”
Solemn Start at the Wall of Remembrance
The day commenced with a poignant ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance, honouring farmers, farm residents, and workers lost to farm murders over the past year. Reverend Laurie Naudé from Bothaville delivered an uplifting message, setting a reflective tone for the bustling event. This tribute underscored the agricultural community’s resilience amid adversity.
Vibrant Exhibits and Innovations
More than 850 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions to boost productivity and sustainability, as reported by SA Grain. FNB Commercial drew attention with its Sustainable Agriculture Loan, launched at NAMPO 2024, noting substantial uptake for climate-smart practices. Mahindra South Africa displayed its award-winning XUV 3XO SUV, while GWM South Africa and Ford South Africa highlighted vehicles and mobile services tailored for farmers. The Agricultural Research Council engaged visitors with research on sustainable productivity, reinforcing NAMPO’s focus on innovation.
High Attendance and Logistical Feats
The event attracted 17,500 attendees, surpassing NAMPO 2024’s first-day figure of 16,122, leading to significant traffic congestion. Logistical efforts shone, with a shuttle service between Bothaville and NAMPO Park and tractor trailers aiding navigation across the 40-hectare site. Notably, 85 aeroplanes and 16 helicopters landed, highlighting the event’s accessibility via NAMPO Park’s airstrip.
Thought Leadership in Trade and Resilience
The Nation in Conversation program, sponsored by Nedbank, featured a session titled “Global Trade Relations: Where to From Here,” facilitated by Anlie Hattingh. Experts, including Shane Naidoo and JP Landman, discussed trade policies and geopolitical shifts, urging adaptability to bolster South Africa’s agricultural exports. In a separate session, Johan Kotze from AgriSA emphasised farmers’ socio-economic contributions, declaring, “We will keep farming,” despite economic hurdles, galvanising the audience with a message of passion and stability.
Presidential Engagement
President Cyril Ramaphosa attended as a farmer, accompanied by his farm manager, to explore advanced technologies. His meeting with Grain SA leadership addressed grain producers’ challenges and opportunities, underscoring his commitment to agriculture’s economic role.
A Platform for the Future
NAMPO 2025’s first day, vibrant and celebratory, bridged global innovations with local solutions. Standard Bank’s emphasis on resilience, through practical tools and finance, complemented the event’s ethos. With interactive demonstrations, livestock parades, and the new Grain SA Museum, NAMPO 2025 set a robust foundation for addressing agriculture’s pressing challenges, fostering a sustainable future.
NAMPO 2025’s first day on May 13, 2025, solidified its role as a cornerstone of South African agriculture, uniting 17,500 visitors to confront global and local challenges with innovative, farmer-led solutions.