The group of CPHB Interns in Phytosanitation and Biosecurity were given the opportunity to visit the NAMPO Harvest Day 2025 in Bothaville in the Free State through the generous sponsorship of Grain SA. This is the biggest agricultural show in the southern hemisphere and this year drew over 87,000 visitors and more than 900 exhibitors.

What an exciting moment for us! It was a vibrant day filled with fun and a lot of learning, considering that it was the first time for us. Walking through the massive displays of machinery, robotics, crop technologies, and maize trials, we were struck by how far the industry has come. The large fleets of equipment on display reminded us just how advanced the agricultural industry is becoming. It made us proud to be part of a sector that is not only evolving rapidly but doing so with purpose and responsibility. What stood out most was how committed farmers are to adopting technologies that are not only effective but also environmentally safe, something that we place a lot of focus on in our work. It was amazing to see how the research and diagnosis of diseases in grain crops, in which we are directly involved, translate into practical solutions on farms. The experience was overall wholesome and educational.

We would like to thank Prof. Martin Coetzee, Dr Nicky Creux, Mrs Heidi Fysh, and Grain SA’s Dr Godfrey Kgatle and Pfano Musetsho for organizing and sponsorship. Lastly, we would like to thank Mr Jerry Mthombothi from Grain SA for a VIP experience.