Get ready! The biggest event on the southern hemisphere’s farming calendar is back and bigger than ever, and Food For Mzansi readers are as excited as we are. From Tuesday, 13 to Friday, 16 May, the dusty roads of Bothaville in the Free State will come alive as Nampo Harvest Day 2025 rolls into town with the theme “Global agriculture, locally”.
For four jam-packed days, Nampo Park becomes a buzzing epicentre where cutting-edge agri-tech from around the globe meets good old-fashioned South African farming grit.
With over 900 exhibitors, thrilling demos, live discussions hosted by Food For Mzansi, and livestock galore, it’s no wonder farmers across the country have it circled in bold on their calendars.
“I think what we’re most excited to see at Nampo this year is the new innovation, you know, with the introduction of AI and so on,” says Keith Middleton, a commercial farmer and regular on the Nampo scene.
“There are so many new things that have changed. And then also it’s a great opportunity to network with suppliers and engage with them. Also looking for specials as well. Generally, just to mingle with farmers and be part of the agricultural sector at that level.”
Middleton isn’t the only one hyped. For Free State farmer Clifford Mthimkulu, it’s the next-level machinery and tech that’s got him amped. “I’m looking forward to the latest farming equipment and technology on display,” he says.
Jack Armour, policy head at Free State Agriculture (FSA), says Nampo is the perfect blend of business and bonding. “I’m always very excited to be going there. I like seeing the new inventions or the farmers’ inventions, but also the new technology,” he says.
Instead of being stuck at a stall, FSA and his crew roam the grounds, making appointments, checking in on sponsors, and catching up with old mates. Amongst other programme highlights, he’s also a big fan of the cattle and sheep shows, which he’s recently taken a shine to.
Food For Mzansi and Land Bank lunchtime conversations
Throughout Nampo 2025, Food For Mzansi and Land Bank are hosting a series of power-packed conversations at stand H9e, diving deep into the future of farming in South Africa. Whether it’s agri-insurance, inclusive financing, or innovation that’s caught your eye, this is where you need to be.
Tuesday, 13 May 2025, 13:00 – 14:00
Land Bank’s Blended Finance and Agro Energy Solutions
Explore Land Bank’s groundbreaking strategy for supporting new-era farmers. This discussion will delve into Land Bank’s innovative Blended Finance and Agro-Energy Fund product tailored to small- and medium-scale producers aligned with the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan. The conversation will also focus on the Agro-Energy Fund product.
Wednesday, 14 May 2025, 13:00 – 14:00
Unlocking the Future of Agriculture: Strategic Pathways to Inclusion, Innovation & Risk Protection
Discover how Land Bank is repositioning itself to deliver on its development finance mandate through a bold, strategy-led approach. This conversation unpacks the Bank’s FY26 strategic priorities, with a focus on creating an inclusive, competitive, and resilient agricultural sector.
The panel will explore how Land Bank is leveraging strategic partnerships, risk management instruments, and its client-centric value proposition to support farmers across the spectrum from new entrants to established commercial producers. With insights from key leaders, the discussion will highlight how the Bank is aligning operations, insurance offerings, and stakeholder engagement to unlock meaningful and sustainable sector growth
Thursday, 15 May 2025, 13:00 – 14:00
Boost your farm’s potential with growth support and protection with Land Bank and Land Bank Insurance
Explore how Land Bank Insurance Company (LBIC) is supporting farmers to build resilience and protect their livelihoods through innovative, sector-specific risk solutions. As agriculture faces increasing climate and market-related shocks, insurance becomes a critical pillar of sustainability and long-term viability.
This conversation unpacks how LBIC’s tailored insurance products — spanning from crop damage to index insurance are designed to meet the evolving needs of South African farmers. Panellists will discuss how Land Bank Insurance integrates with broader strategic interventions, such as the Blended Finance Scheme and disaster relief support, to offer a comprehensive safety net for producers operating in uncertain environments.
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