NAMPO Park, Bothaville – At a time when agriculture is operating under increasing pressure – from climate variability and rising input costs to market and policy uncertainty – the focus in 2026 shifts to one core principle: resilience.
This year’s NAMPO Harvest Day, taking place from 12 to 15 May 2026 at NAMPO Park outside Bothaville, brings this focus to life under the theme: “Resilience through Innovation.” As the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, NAMPO remains the most important meeting point for producers, agribusinesses and the broader value chain – a platform where technology, knowledge and practical solutions come together.
“NAMPO Harvest Day remains the most important meeting point for agriculture in South Africa – especially at a time when producers are operating under increasing pressure. Resilience is no longer only about survival, but about the ability to adapt, make better decisions and remain sustainably profitable. NAMPO brings together the solutions, technologies and conversations producers need to face these challenges with confidence,” says Dr Dirk Strydom, Managing Director of NAMPO (Pty) Ltd.
Resilience through Innovation perfectly captures where agriculture stands in 2026. Producers are farming in an environment of mounting pressure – from climate risks and input costs to pests, diseases, and market and policy uncertainty – and resilience today means more than simply surviving these challenges. It means adapting, improving efficiency, managing risk more effectively, and protecting profitability through practical innovation. This is what makes the theme so relevant for NAMPO. As a platform, NAMPO brings together the agricultural value chain in one place to showcase technology, share knowledge, and connect producers with ideas and solutions that can strengthen agriculture for the future.
NAMPO 2026 reflects the realities of modern farming – tighter margins, greater risks, and an increasing need to farm smarter and more precisely. Resilience increasingly depends on the ability to adapt and move forward, with innovation as the driver – from precision technology and advanced mechanisation to improved genetics, research, and data-driven decision-making. NAMPO creates the space where these solutions become tangible and where producers can experience firsthand what makes the future of agriculture possible.
WHAT’S NEW AT NAMPO 2026
NAMPO 2026 builds on its established reputation while bringing fresh energy and development to the grounds. Visitors can look forward to new product launches, including vehicles alongside an attempt to break a world record, as well as several new tractors. Technology remains a strong focus, with planned demonstrations of spray drones and other practical solutions.
The grounds continue to expand with new buildings, additional exhibition space on the northern side, and a greater variety of exhibitors, including international participation through Chinese and Italian pavilions. A new leisure area with refreshments, together with the Six Gun Grill Country Hall, creates further opportunities for visitors to relax and fully enjoy the NAMPO experience.
The Santam Agriculture Women’s Programme, in collaboration with Rooi Rose, remains one of NAMPO’s highlights and will once again take place in the popular Rooi Rose tent. The programme promises a dynamic mix of inspiration and entertainment, featuring artists and personalities such as Hannon, Willem Botha, Amanda Strydom, Carmién Tea, Reandi Grey, Lizz Meiring, Susan Coetzer, John Rock Prophet and Hannes van Wyk.
Practical improvements also include the availability of aviation fuel at NAMPO Park, as well as an expanded shuttle service with additional trailers to further ease movement across the grounds.
FAMILIAR FAVOURITES AND EXPERIENCES
Alongside new developments, the core of NAMPO’s success remains the familiar elements that visitors return to year after year. The popular Standard Bank 4×4 track and Adventure 4×4 track will once again offer action-packed demonstrations, while the seed plots on the eastern side provide valuable insight into the latest genetics and crop options.
The Nation in Conversation series once again brings high-level discussions on local and international agricultural topics. In light of recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and the decision that no cloven-hoofed animals will be permitted at NAMPO 2026, the TAU Animal Feeds Livestock Arena will offer an adapted and innovative experience. Non-risk animals, such as horses, dogs and poultry, will still be present under strict biosecurity measures.
Breed societies are making a strong effort to showcase the value of their breeds through creative displays, and visitors can expect a new experience that goes beyond the physical animal alone. Learn more about the science and performance of livestock – not just their appearance. In addition to these creative displays, visitors can look forward to a strongman competition, along with several other surprises planned to keep the arena a dynamic attraction.
The Grain SA Museum, proudly sponsored by Santam, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rich history of Grain SA and NAMPO. Located next to the Chairman’s Reception Area on the western side of the grounds, the museum tells the story of the organisation’s development and the growth of NAMPO over the years – a meaningful reminder of the roots of South African grain production.
A SMARTER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCE
The NAMPO 2026 app plays a key role in enhancing the visitor experience. With access to more than 900 exhibitors, improved navigation and interactive features, visitors can plan their routes in advance, easily locate exhibits and explore the grounds in detail. The app brings all essential information – from programmes to video content – together on one platform.
Movement on the grounds remains simple and efficient. OFM will once again broadcast live from NAMPO Park, sharing important traffic and route updates. The popular Mieliehop shuttle service connects Bothaville and NAMPO Park daily, while additional routes from OR Tambo and surrounding towns further improve accessibility.
Traffic flow has also been reassessed, and adjustments have been made to improve access to NAMPO. Unlike previous years, there is a strong likelihood that gravel access routes will once again be in operation during NAMPO, easing traffic flow.
For air travellers, Century Avionics will once again offer an airport lounge with shuttle service to the grounds. Within NAMPO Park, tractor-drawn trailers transport visitors between exhibitions, and additional bus stops have been added to improve access to all areas of the grounds.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
To meet the growing demand for accommodation, the caravan park south of Gate 2 remains a popular option, offering 100 powered stands and two ablution blocks. This provides a convenient solution for visitors who want to stay close to the action.
The food experience at NAMPO is further enhanced by the return of the Syngenta Boerekos Plaaskombuis, once again offering top-quality dishes in a relaxed farm-style setting. Together with NAMPO’s traditional food stalls, presented by rural non-profit organisations, this creates a diverse and authentically South African culinary experience.
TICKETS AND VISITOR INFORMATION
Tickets for NAMPO 2026 will be available from early April via OpenTickets (www.opentickets.co.za), with discounts for online purchases. Gates open daily at 07:00 and close at 17:00. Full directions, parking information and details about the private landing strip are available on the NAMPO website and via the NAMPO app.
Visitors are reminded that pets, bicycles, self-propelled carts and motorcycles are not allowed on the grounds, and that the available shuttle and transport options are the easiest way to explore the venue.
NAMPO Harvest Day remains the most important meeting point for agriculture in South Africa – a place where ideas, innovation and people come together. At a time when producers are operating under increasing pressure, NAMPO 2026 offers not only inspiration, but practical solutions that help make agriculture more resilient, more efficient and more profitable.
The 2026 NAMPO branding, themes and icons will be available for download on the website. For more information, visit www.nampo.co.za or download the NAMPO App from your preferred app store.
