Grain SA and the management of NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 have confirmed that no cloven-hoofed animals will be permitted at the 2026 edition of the agricultural expo, scheduled to take place from 12–15 May 2026 at NAMPO Park.
The decision comes in response to recent outbreaks of Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in South Africa, including cases that have spread closer to the country’s major agricultural production regions.
Cloven-hoofed animals — including cattle, sheep, goats and pigs — are known carriers of the highly contagious virus and will therefore be excluded from this year’s event as part of intensified biosecurity measures.
According to organisers, the decision was unanimously adopted during consultations between NAMPO management, Grain SA and various breeders’ societies following a comprehensive risk assessment and discussions with industry stakeholders.
“Foot-and-mouth disease has now, quite literally, come close to home. As protectors of biosecurity, we cannot risk creating a platform where threats cannot be effectively controlled,” said Danie Minnaar, chairperson of the NAMPO Harvest Day Committee.
The move follows the recent cancellation of the Bloem Show and recommendations from the Free State Department of Agriculture warning that the risk associated with large animal gatherings remains too high.
Dirk Strydom, managing director of NAMPO, said the early announcement would allow breeders’ societies sufficient time to adjust their exhibition plans while reducing the possibility of wider disease transmission.
“NAMPO takes biosecurity extremely seriously. This early decision allows breeders’ societies to adjust their planning in good time and helps prevent far greater risks later,” Strydom said.
Under the revised measures, horses, dogs and poultry will still be allowed at the event, subject to strict biosecurity controls. Organisers confirmed that all animals and vehicles involved in animal-related activities will undergo spraying and disinfection procedures.
Additional visitor-focused biosecurity measures are also being reviewed, while awareness campaigns on disease prevention and farm protection will form part of the exhibition programme.
Despite the absence of livestock displays, organisers said breeders’ societies would continue participating through exhibition stands designed to showcase genetic performance, production value and breed advantages using digital technology, data presentations and alternative marketing approaches.
NAMPO management said the 2026 expo would also serve as an educational platform to improve awareness around biosecurity, livestock disease transmission and preventative measures farmers can implement on their own operations.
Grain SA and NAMPO indicated that consultations with stakeholders would continue in the lead-up to the event and that any further developments would be communicated as necessary.
“Responsible decision-making sometimes means making difficult choices early. This decision was taken in the best interests of the industry, producers, and South Africa’s animal health,” Minnaar concluded.
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