At this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day, Limagrain Field Seeds (LFS) highlighted its focus on modern seed genetics and yield potential. We spoke to the team about how they use technology and research to help farmers be more sustainable and profitable.
LFS is internationally recognised as one of the world’s largest seed companies and focuses on developing high-performance genetics for different environments. At NAMPO 2026, their objective was clear: to educate farmers on why the right cultivar choices have a direct impact on yield and quality, as well as profitability.
One of the major themes this year was adaptability. According to the LFS team, climate conditions, soil types, and management practices vary significantly between regions, making it essential to develop cultivars specifically adapted to South African conditions.
Several of their maize and sunflower cultivars were showcased at NAMPO, with special emphasis on stability and consistent yields under varying conditions. The focus is not only on achieving maximum yields in ideal seasons but also on delivering reliable performance when conditions become more challenging.
Two new white maize cultivars that attracted significant attention were LG31.755BR and LG31.777BR. According to the team, these cultivars were developed with a focus on strong yield potential and excellent adaptability. The introduction of new genetics demonstrates how rapidly seed technology is advancing to provide better solutions for farmers.
One of the new white maize cultivars shows excellent kernel fill and uniformity, traits that are important for stable yields under different growing conditions.
The team also discussed two new yellow maize cultivars, LG31.664BR and LG31.668BR, which form part of LFS’s expansion of its genetic offering. These cultivars focus on high performance and stability, particularly in challenging environments where farmers depend on reliable yields.
One of Limagrain’s new yellow maize cultivars focuses on strong yield potential and excellent grain quality.
The new sunflower cultivar, Gandalf CLP, was also launched at NAMPO. Sunflower production remains an important component of many farming operations in South Africa, and LFS specialises in developing genetics that can deliver good oil content, strong plant health, and improved yields.
The team further emphasised the importance of research and local trials in the development process. Through extensive research across different production regions, LFS gains a better understanding of which genetics are best suited to specific environments. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions when planning their seed selections.
Another important topic discussed was disease tolerance and stress resistance. With challenges such as changing climate conditions, genetic improvements are becoming increasingly important in reducing production risks.
According to the team, modern seed development is about far more than simply achieving higher yields. There is also a strong focus on plant health, root development, standability, and overall crop performance throughout the growing season.
NAMPO provides farmers with an annual opportunity to engage directly with experts and manufacturers, and for LFS, these personal interactions are extremely valuable. They give farmers the chance to ask questions, compare results, and learn firsthand about new genetics and technologies.
Last year, LFS celebrated 60 years of genetic innovation and service to farmers worldwide through its “Farmer Owned, Farmer Led” approach.
The company also emphasises the value of long-term relationships with farmers. According to the team, it is not only about selling seed but also about collaboration and support throughout the production season.
The strong focus on innovation and future growth within the South African agricultural industry also attracted attention at NAMPO. LFS believes that genetic advancement will play a major role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of food production in the future.
LFS’s product catalogue provides information on the company’s latest developments in genetics and cultivars for South African producers.
Through its extensive international research and expertise in developing local cultivars that benefit South African farmers, LFS continues to demonstrate why it remains an important player in modern agriculture.
For more information about products and genetic solutions, contact them on (+27) 11 541 0600 or visit Limagrain South Africa.
