20 years ago, Kobus and Andre du Preez from Grootpan decided to finally find out who had the best harvester Andre had a Case harvester, and Kobus a John Deere harvester. Friends and family were invited to attend the “wen-akker-braai” and watch the two brothers compete. Thus, the harvester race grew to where it is today, with farmers in the area considering it a “small Nampo”. While the day still has the race as a focus point, the day has grown into an informative day where farmers can come and see new technology available in implements and machinery through demonstrations. The day also offers the opportunity for suppliers to get in touch with the farmer.

 

There is entertainment for the whole family with delicious food and a nice place to socialize. This year, the harvester race boasted harvesters from New Holland, Case, Massey Ferguson, John Deere, Claas and Fendt, while the grain cart race boasted names such as JWL Agriculture, Feeler, BPI, Van Zyl Steelworks, JBH Agri and Cerealis. The goal of the Grootpan Study Group is to bring farmers in the area together amidst the hustle and bustle of life, with a focus on farming, and has used it to bring farmers and the community closer together. The Grootpan Study Group consists of 22 farming units and gives companies the platform to introduce their product, test and/or demonstrate. It offers the perfect opportunity for various companies to not only get in touch with farmers in the community but also as the perfect platform for marketing. The Grootpan study group has been involved in the harvester race for almost a decade in collaboration with Du Preez Estate.

 

The race takes place in Grootpan, between Lichtenburg and Koster, North West, on Du Preez Estate. The day is unique in South Africa. The farmers in the community each produce something different, from chickens to cattle, seed and vegetables. The red soil and good underground water reservoirs make the area unique for farming, but the farmers share that it is so much more that makes the area unique. Community and unity are the pillars of support for Grootpan.

Although the day is already a success, it gives hope for farmers, the community and industry.