Keeping ahead

Grape and olive farmers will be interested to hear that French company PELLENC is setting up shop here from the 1st of May. The company designs and sells machines to work in vineyards and orchards (grape harvesters, trimmers, pruning shears and so on). Interested parties can view what is on offer here.

Grapes, olives and wine are amongst the nearly 180 chapters of The Agri Handbook.

In the space of being squeezed between input and labour costs and what they get for their produce, farmers are interested in new technology, machinery ... anything which gets the job done, which saves costs and makes farming more profitable. Farmers keep their eyes on the market floor, agricultural magazines and events like Nampo. The latter will be taking place from 13 - 16 May this year. See you there!

Nampo time again

"What's Nampo?!"

Someone not familiar with the agricultural world may ask themselves this question, but for those of us who have been before it is a time of expectation, of seeing old faces and meeting new ones.

Nampo is covered in the Agricultural shows and events chapter in the Agri Handbook for South Africa 2013/14, and there are a few notes on Grain SA, the organisers, in the general Grain & oilseeds one.

Like this publication, Nampo is a gateway to agriculture in South Africa and draws mainly a farming audience from this country and beyond.

On several occasions, on having come across our publication at the show, visitors have said: "Now we can go home!" The comment is caused by the book's thorough coverage of the agricultural value chain in the country, and if you have the book or CD you can relax a bit more and enjoy the day.

Wear comfortable shoes because there is much to see and you will do a lot of walking! The event's website is www.nampo.co.za. Should you wish to look me up, you will probably find me near the ARC stalls at the PNS hall.