The Balfour Hay Day has a new address in 2026, but visitors can expect the same top-class demonstrations and information that make this farmers’ day famous in Mpumalanga.
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The Balfour Hay Day marks the beginning of the annual agricultural calendar in northern South Africa, and the 2026 demonstration day on 21 January promises to be another great one. “This is our first farmers’ day of the year. Everyone is back from holiday and it’s a great time to tell stories about the season so far, to chat with customers in the area and to wish them well for the rest of the grain season,” says Etienne Meyer, marketing manager of AFGRI Equipment.
AFGRI has been walking the path with the Balfour Farmers’ Association as the main sponsor since the inception of the Hay Day. “Without AFGRI, we would not be able to host our Hay Day. We are very grateful for the company’s contribution to our community and we feel honoured to be associated with AFGRI,” says Dawie Brits, chairman of the Balfour Farmers’ Association.
The Balfour Farmers’ Association has decided to move the Hay Day to a new site 7km outside town along the R23 (the Heidelberg Road). According to Dawie, the new site offers several advantages. “It is a bit more accessible to people, given that most of our suppliers are from Grootvlei, Standerton or Balfour. It is therefore easier for people to get to us. The road is busier and we believe more people will notice the activities.” The organisers are expecting around 1 500 visitors and have adjusted the layout of the day to make optimal use of the new site. “The demonstrations are still on one side, but the stalls, tents and social areas are all together so that visitors can get to the exhibitors more easily,” says Dawie.
Companies that will be demonstrating their haymaking equipment include New Holland from Agriquip in Heidelberg, Case IH from Balfour, Claas and Landini from Balfour Trekland, Massi and Fendt from JWL on Standerton, Jupidex and Orbach Agri. AFGRI Equipment wiil be there this year with a large portfolio of John Deere haymaking equipment. “We would like to showcase new technology and demonstrate how it contributes to fuel savings and how it improves performance,” says Etienne. “We will also show John Deere’s new R441R round balers, which are now available on the South African market. This company has invested significant time and effort in offering solutions for South African conditions with its haymaking equipment. AFGRI Equipment is excited to show this to farmers.” A number of Rovic Leers Kuhn products and Krone balers will also be on display.
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According to Etienne, the season so far looks good for haymaking. “In light of how much rain we have had, especially on the Highveld, and how early it started to fall, people in some areas will be able to collect a double cut. It is therefore important to store the quality hay you collect well. Farmers then have to look at silage packaging material and the twine or net they use for bales.”
Various speakers will inform farmers about hay equipment, hay and soil health. “Farmers always think soil health is only important for grain crops, but it is also important for hay. That is why Lourens van Rensburg from Elim Fertilizer will present a talk about it. Albert Myburg from AFGRI grain marketing and Jacob de Villiers, COO of AFGRI, will also talk to farmers,” says Dawie.
The programme starts at 9:00 with the speakers, and the demonstrations will follow at 10:00. The demonstrations will last approximately two hours and finish at the John Deere tent. This year, 26 sheep will be roasted on the spit, and this meal is included in the ticket price. There will also be other food stalls operated by churches and schools from the area. Visitors have until 17:00 to walk through the numerous agricultural exhibitions. Entrance tickets cost R150 per person and are available at the gate.
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