For over 60 years, the Nampo Harvest Day (Nampo) has been an important date on the agricultural calendar. With over 75 000 visitors last year, as well as 680 exhibitors, it was expected that 2020 would be much the same, only with more visitors and more exhibitors. Then, in March this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. In line with the lockdown regulations that banned gatherings of more than 50 people, Grain SA initially announced that Nampo 2020, which was due to take place mid-May, would be postponed until August. When it became clear that COVID-19 was not going anywhere in a hurry, and with the extension of the lockdown and the associated regulations, Nampo was cancelled until 2021.
This is not where the story ends, however. Grain SA recently announced the launch of Nampo Virtual, an online platform that ensures Nampo can still continue, even if not as a live event with a physical home. While the virtual event may not have the clout of the traditional Nampo Harvest Day, Grain SA and exhibitors from across the agricultural value chain have promised to make it a memorable experience by not only meeting the ‘old’ expectations of Nampo Harvest Day, but by introducing new and innovative means for farmers and exhibitors to interact. Nampo Harvest Day has become renowned not only for its agricultural equipment exhibitions, but also for its exhibits of various livestock animals, its boerekos, such as vetkoek and pancakes, and its beer tents. It is also known for its boerepatente competition, in which farmers and farmers’ children invent innovative means by which to complete everyday farm activities.
HOW WILL NAMPO VIRTUAL COMPARE?
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 11, 2020-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom
IPM requires a completely different mindset
You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.
