Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has claimed yet another victim. This time it is what should have been the much-anticipated second KwaZulu-Natal Dairy Festival scheduled for later in August. However, the organisers promise to make amends.
By Lloyd Phillips, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
After arranging and hosting a hugely successful inaugural KwaZulu-Natal Dairy Fest last year, the enthusiastic organisers were looking forward to treating showgoers to an even bigger and better second festival in late August this year.
Unfortunately, the ongoing spread of South Africa’s devastating FMD has now also claimed this year’s dairy fest as one of its already numerous victims.
According to the committee of the KwaZulu-Natal Milk Producers’ Organisation (KZN MPO), this dairy festival was developed to celebrate, highlight and promote all aspects of the province’s dairy farming sector from farm to table, and to bring together the farming and non-farming communities for strengthened relationships in a educational and fun setting.
Sandra Berning, the KZN MPO’s chairperson, tells African Farming due to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in her province, her organisation opted to make the “responsible decision to postpone the festival to May 2026”.
She explains that with animal health and biosecurity remaining top priorities, this decision was supported by all major sponsors and other stakeholders.
‘The right thing takes precedence’
“This is about doing what’s right for our farmers, our livestock and for the wider livestock sector,” Berning says.
“When we gather in 2026, it will be with renewed energy and under safer conditions.”
To soothe the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to the 2025 KZN Dairy Fest, Berning and her team are committed to using the time extension to further fine-tune the festival planned for 9 and 10 May 2026 at Fordoun Farm Village near Nottingham Road.
She says: “It will have an even stronger farming focus. New additions include a dedicated farmers’ vendor area featuring the latest innovations and technologies in agriculture, and a farmers’ VIP area to support networking and knowledge exchange.”
Other highlights planned for next year’s festival include fun farmer-focussed competitions, such as tractor reversing, feed bag loading and farm-themed obstacle courses, all intended to showcase the expertise, strength and dedication that drive dairy farming every day.
The mountain bike ride, trail run and live music schedule will return, and the KZN Midlands’ renowned annual Highland Games will join forces with the second KZN Dairy Fest.
The KZN MPO explains all existing tickets, vendor bookings and sponsorships will carry over to the new date. For the latest festival updates, visit www.dairyfest.co.za/newsletter.
