Origins and Early Years

NAMPO Oesdag (Harvest Day) began in 1967 as a humble gathering of maize farmers in South Africa’s Free State. The very first event – then called the SAMPI Harvest Day – was held on 7–8 June 1967 on a farm near Bloemfontein, drawing about 200 farmers . It was a two-day “mealie farmers’ symposium” featuring live tractor and implement demonstrations in muddy fields. Farmers found these hands-on demos far more valuable than static displays at traditional shows, as they could see and compare equipment under real field conditions.

The early success of the Harvest Day prompted rapid growth. By the early 1970s, multiple regional harvest days were being held, and organizers saw the need for a permanent, central venue to accommodate the expanding event. In 1974, the show moved to its new home on a farm outside Bothaville – a site dubbed NAMPO Park – chosen for its central location in the maize belt and good road access. This gave NAMPO a dedicated Bothaville base, where it has been held every year since 1974 (every May, except during disruptions like COVID-19).

Notably, South Africa’s maize producers had also united to form the National Maize Producers’ Organisation (NAMPO) by 1980, cementing the Harvest Day’s identity under the “NAMPO” name. What started as a small maize-focused field day was on its way to becoming an agricultural institution.

Growth into a Global-Caliber Expo

Over the ensuing decades, Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day evolved into one of the world’s premier agricultural trade shows. The event, organized by Grain South Africa, has long since outgrown its maize-only roots – today it showcases the full spectrum of farming, from row crops and livestock to advanced machinery and agri-services. NAMPO Oesdag is now the largest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere and a highlight of the farming calendar.

Attendance has skyrocketed from a few hundred in the 1960s to tens of thousands in recent years. In 2019, for example – the last show before the pandemic – around 800 exhibitors and 81,000 visitors converged on Bothaville over four days. (By comparison, the 1967 launch had just 17 exhibitors and those 200 attendees.

The show’s growth was briefly interrupted when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 editions, a notable hiatus for an event that hadn’t missed a year in decades. But NAMPO roared back in 2022 with 73,000 visitors, reaffirming its status as South Africa’s agricultural “megashow.” What makes NAMPO special is its all-in-one format. “Nampo aims to bring together agricultural suppliers and producers,” explains Toit Wessels, a Grain SA marketing manager.

Farmers can see the latest tractors, harvesters, drones and ag-tech gadgets in action, shop for inputs, attend workshops, and even watch live animal exhibits – all in one place. The show has always been trade-oriented and educational at heart, rather than a mere festival: its focus is on innovation, networking and knowledge-sharing to boost the agri sector . Yet it’s also a social cornerstone; NAMPO offers a chance for the close-knit farming community to connect, and gives urban visitors a taste of farm life camaraderie.

Over time, the NAMPO brand has even expanded beyond the Free State, spawning a sister “NAMPO Cape” show in the Western Cape (Bredasdorp) to serve farmers in other regions. After more than 50 years, NAMPO Oesdag has grown from a local harvest day to a world-class expo that still stays true to its original mission of linking farmers with the tools, technology and partners they need. NAMPO has evolved into a farming mecca – a one-stop venue where producers can walk from a combine harvester demo to a livestock show ring, and from a crop science exhibit to a bustling food court, all in a day’s visit.

2024: Record Crowds and High-Tech Highlights

The 2024 NAMPO Harvest Day marked a new high-water mark for the event. Hosted from 14–17 May 2024, it drew a record attendance of 86,474 visitors over the four days, the biggest crowd in NAMPO’s history. “South Africa’s biggest agricultural show” ended on a high note, with organizers proudly calling it a particularly smooth, “well-oiled” event. Despite farmers grappling with a season of drought (which tightened many budgets), there was an upbeat mood across NAMPO Park. Most exhibitors still reported strong sales, and those who came to buy had done their homework, “there is definitely a price sensitivity… those that came to buy had a very specific shopping list,” one agribusiness manager observed.

Many companies offered special expo discounts or low-interest financing to close deals. Organizers noted that networking was as valuable as on-site sales: relationships built at NAMPO often translate into business long after the show. Crucially, conversations at the 2024 event were constructive despite challenges in the sector – “we are seeing problems being called out in constructive ways, with an attitude of problem-solving rather than finger-pointing,” said exhibitor Andries Wiese, noting a collaborative spirit among farmers.

Another striking aspect of NAMPO 2024 was the presence of the next generation. Hundreds of young farmers and students poured in, shattering the old notion that youth aren’t interested in agriculture . “They bring a completely different approach to farming… and will bring solutions the older generations haven’t even thought of yet,” observed Dr. Theo de Jager, an industry leader, about the energetic influx of youth at the show.

Technology took center stage at NAMPO 2024. The official theme, “Agriculture in a Digital Age,” reflected how connectivity and innovation are transforming farming (). From precision planting drones to smart irrigation systems, the latest ag-tech was on full display. Grain SA debuted upgrades like a revamped NAMPO mobile app, which let visitors navigate the grounds via smartphone and even take 3D virtual tours of exhibits ().

To counter South Africa’s notorious power outages, NAMPO Park installed additional heavy-duty generators to keep the show powered without a hitch (). Organizers also unveiled a new indoor exhibition hall in 2024, adding space for 60 more indoor exhibitors () – a response to the ever-growing demand from companies to participate. Of course, NAMPO kept its beloved traditions too: live equipment demonstrations (including roaring 4x4 truck test drives on a dedicated track), livestock and crop trials, and plenty of hearty farm-style food. In 2024 a new “Boerekos Plaaskombuis” food experience treated attendees to everything from giant steak sandwiches to butter chicken sosaties ().

The mix of cutting-edge tech and down-home country fare captured what NAMPO is all about – celebrating agriculture’s future while honoring its roots. Little wonder that by the end of the week, Grain SA declared the 2024 Harvest Day a great success and a testament to the resilience and innovation of South Africa’s farmers.

Looking Ahead: NAMPO 2025 and Beyond

On the heels of 2024’s record-breaker, excitement is already building for the 2025 NAMPO Oesdag. The 57th edition of Grain SA’s flagship show is scheduled for 13–16 May 2025 at NAMPO Park (). This year’s theme, “Global Agriculture, Locally!”, underscores how the event is positioning South African farming in a worldwide context. “Global Agriculture, Locally” highlights the idea that local producers can harness global knowledge, networks and innovations right here on home soil.

True to that vision, NAMPO 2025 is set to be bigger than ever. More than 920 exhibitors have already signed up – an all-time high, up from about 870 stands the previous year. The showgrounds themselves still cover roughly 40 hectares, but every inch is being put to use to accommodate the expanded offerings. Exhibitors will range from multinational equipment giants to agri-tech start-ups and even artisanal farm product makers, reflecting the breadth of modern agriculture. Organizers expect well over 80,000 visitors again, and are preparing new amenities to enhance the experience – including a newly built caravan park for guests who camp on-site, and an expanded food court and family areas.

The Grain SA team has also just opened a Grain SA Museum at NAMPO Park, where attendees can walk through the history of the Harvest Day and see how far it’s come.

As NAMPO embraces a more global outlook, it remains a uniquely South African spectacle at heart. Dr. Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo (Pty) Ltd, notes that local farmers increasingly recognise they “do not farm in isolation.” “What happens globally – including innovation, trade flow and climate change – affects the local landscape. Nampo provides access to global agriculture in one location, offering immediately applicable solutions. It remains the ultimate one-stop opportunity for any serious participant in the agricultural sector,” Strydom says. This ethos will be on full display in 2025, with exhibits focusing on everything from climate-smart farming practices to the latest precision agriculture tools.

International delegations are also expected, underscoring NAMPO’s growing reputation beyond South Africa’s borders. Yet for all its global connectivity, NAMPO Oesdag never forgets its local “roots.” Attendees in 2025 can still count on that warm Free State hospitality – from morning coffee and rusks at the farm stall, to lively “Nation in Conversation” panel discussions under the acacia trees, to the sight of combine harvesters carving patterns in the demonstration fields. After nearly six decades, NAMPO has managed to stay dynamic and relevant by evolving with the times, all while preserving the down-to-earth spirit that defined its 1967 debut.

With another blockbuster show on the horizon for 2025, NAMPO Oesdag continues to make history as a harvest celebration turned global agri extravaganza – one that educates, inspires, and entertains the agricultural community like no other.

Sources: 

Official Grain SA NAMPO releases and fact sheets (General Information) (Gallery); Farmer’s Weekly and African Farming reports (Nampo ends on high note with highest number of visitors on record) (More than 920 exhibitors await at Nampo 2025 - African Farming); comments from NAMPO organizers and attendees (Nampo Harvest Day: The rise of a global agricultural megastar) (More than 920 exhibitors await at Nampo 2025 - African Farming); historical accounts of NAMPO’s founding (Nampo Harvest Day: The rise of a global agricultural megastar) (Nampo Harvest Day: The rise of a global agricultural megastar).