Farmer's Inside Track

With climate patterns shifting across South Africa, relying purely on total seasonal rainfall figures is no longer enough to guarantee a harvest. De Bruyn Myburgh, agronomy manager at Pannar Seed, joins the podcast to unpack why managing field variability and prioritising moisture retention have become non-negotiable for modern crop survival.

In this episode, Myburgh explains how erratic weather patterns – where intense rainfall events are followed by extended dry spells – are forcing producers to shift their focus from maximising yields to capturing, storing, and effectively using every drop that falls. He highlights how treating whole fields uniformly increases risk...

In this episode, Nedbank senior manager Desry Lesele breaks down how grain farmers can navigate a severe cost squeeze, falling commodity prices, and high input expenses. He explains how to prioritise cash flow and proactive margin management over sheer harvest tonnage.

From avoiding common credit pitfalls to leveraging digital procurement tools like PrysWys for price transparency, Lesele provides actionable strategies for stress-testing farm budgets and structuring bulletproof funding applications.

He urges producers to move beyond chasing single-season yields, warning that paper profitability means nothing without liquid working capital, and highlights how smart financial planning keeps...

Taking a trip down memory lane! Today, we’re revisiting some of your all-time favourite podcast episodes.

In this episode, we sit down with seasoned farmer Richard Ball, who shares tips on how to start pecan nut farming.

With close to two decades of hands-on farming experience, Ball highlights the importance of planting not just for profit but for posterity.

He delves into natural pest control, the power of indigenous livestock in regenerative systems, and why true sustainability lies in partnering with nature rather than fighting it.

From building a small lucerne operation on communal land to leading a thriving agro-processing business with regional reach, Tshepiso Jantjies shares the remarkable journey behind Jantjies Boerdery on this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.

As a producer, processor and exporter of lucerne, Tshepiso reflects on how financial discipline, strategic reinvestment and strong market relationships helped him grow his business from five employees to 25. He also discusses securing contracts with major industry players, the importance of professionalism, compliance and market readiness, and why young farmers should focus on building credible businesses that attract investment.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Charl van Reenen, agronomy manager at Netafim Southern and East Africa, discusses why successful irrigation starts with understanding your soil. He explains soil texture, structure and infiltration influence water movement, why lower flow rates can improve irrigation efficiency, and how deeper root systems contribute to long-term vineyard resilience.

Van Reenen also explores the value of industry collaboration in developing practical irrigation solutions and why growers should base irrigation decisions on observation and understanding rather than assumptions.

Whether you're establishing a new vineyard or lo...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, livestock specialist and stud breeder Mampuru Madiga of Taurricon Industries shares practical, experience-based advice on raising healthy, productive calves under extensive farming conditions. Get all the information, from developing a farm-specific vaccination programme and maximising the benefits of colostrum to making informed weaning decisions and reducing post-weaning stress.

Madiga explains how good cow management, careful observation and understanding your farm’s unique disease challenges can improve calf survival, growth and profitability. Whether you’re a commercial or smallholder farmer, this episode offers practical tips to help you build...

The dropping temperatures of winter bring a hidden crisis for livestock farmers: dormant pastures stripped of their essential nutritional value. Dr Josef De Villiers Van Wyngaard, manager at Voermol Feeds, joins the podcast to unpack the critical role of protein supplementation in preventing livestock condition loss during tough winter grazing periods.

In this episode, he explains why protein becomes the first "limiting factor" for herds once the first frost hits, forcing plants to pull vital nutrients back into their roots for survival. He highlights the direct, damaging impact a protein deficiency can have on a...

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, farmer mentor Liane Erasmus shares her journey into regenerative agriculture and the lessons she has learned from growing up on a farm outside Rustenburg to working in agricultural research. With a background in animal science and grassland science, Erasmus explains how regenerative farming can help livestock producers work with nature through improved grazing management, veld recovery and practical infrastructure planning. She also reflects on the challenges of adapting cattle, managing water and fencing on difficult terrain, gaining family support and balancing environmental sustainability with farm profitability.

As climate change, declining soil health and rising production costs continue to challenge agricultural production, seaweed biotechnology is emerging as a valuable tool for improving crop resilience and productivity.

In this episode, Dr Bongo Majeke, plant manager at AlKelp, explains how seaweed-based biostimulants support healthier soils, stronger root systems and improved crop performance. They also discuss the science behind seaweed biotechnology, its role in climate-smart farming, and what South African farmers should consider when incorporating these products into their production systems.

Behind every glass of locally produced milk lies a dedicated network of South African farmers, factory workers, and rural communities whose care shapes the nation’s health. Conny Sethaelo, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Director at Nestlé Nespray, joins us to discuss how the brand connects local sourcing with cutting-edge environmental practices to create a sustainable value chain from pasture to packaging.

In this episode, she invites consumers to “look beyond the glass” to understand the incredible journey of South African dairy. Sethaelo highlights how Nestlé Nespray draws 100% of its milk from over 96 farms across the Eastern...

What does regenerative agriculture look like in practice, and why are more farmers paying attention? In this first episode of our special Nedbank series, Daneel Rossouw unpacks how regenerative farming can help farmers navigate rising costs, climate uncertainty and growing pressure to do more with less.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Gauteng farmer Simphiwe Hlubi shares how a childhood passion for agriculture grew into a diversified farming business focused on livestock, poultry and feedlotting. He discusses the challenges of market access, rising input costs and funding, while highlighting the importance of diversification, planning and mentorship. Hlubi also shares his vision of building a lasting agricultural legacy for future generations.

What role does growing media play in crop success? In this episode, we unpack the science behind specialised substrates such as coir, peat moss, perlite, and Hygromix, and their growing role in greenhouse, nursery, and intensive horticultural production.

Featuring insights from Dean Oellerman of Greenhouse Technologies, the conversation explores root development, water management, germination, nutrient monitoring, and the realities of adopting soilless growing systems in Southern Africa.

In this episode, we speak to Matjee Mokgoadi, founder of Phuti Ya Mashilape Group and a youth agricultural leader, about empowering emerging farmers through mentorship, agribusiness support and cooperative development.

He shares insights on overcoming funding and market access challenges, building sustainable farming systems and why young people should view agriculture as a viable business and career opportunity. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration and practical experience in driving rural economic development.

In this episode, we speak to Absalom “AB” Mfumadi of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) about how farmers can use weather technology to strengthen climate resilience and improve on-farm decision-making.

From real-time storm tracking and 10-day forecasts to livestock heat-stress monitoring and digital weather tools, Mfumadi unpacks how weather data can help producers plan operations, protect workers and livestock, and adapt to increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.

We also explore accessible tools for smallholder farmers, advanced solutions for commercial operations, and the important role of blending modern forecasting with indigenous weather know...

True sustainability in modern farming is about more than just food production; it is about building energy independence and financial resilience. Paul Stuart, Gordon Ayres, and Lusani Khubana join us to discuss bioenergy, innovation, and sustainability, exploring what the upcoming Bio360 Africa event means for the future of African agriculture.

Stuart is the CEO and director of Bioenergy Events and Services (BEES); Ayres serves as the secretary general of SABIA; and Khubana is a projects officer at Madam Waste. Together, their work centres on driving collaborative, localised green energy solutions and helping agricultural producers valorise...

True sustainability in livestock farming begins with selecting animals that can thrive in their specific environment. Ndumiso Gule joins us to discuss the vital role of climate-smart genetics and breed selection as a primary defense against extreme weather conditions.

Gule is the director of Gule Agri Consulting and works closely with the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) to deliver essential farmer training sessions and information days across the country.

In this episode, he highlights why matching cattle genetics to geographic realities is crucial for low-input farming. Gule explains why indigenous breeds...

In this episode of Farmer’s Insight Track, young Limpopo farmer and agribusiness entrepreneur Thabo Phasha shares his journey as a third-generation farmer building a grain and agro-processing business. He discusses treating farming as a business, the role of mentorship, collaboration and discipline, navigating growth challenges, and his passion for youth advocacy and agricultural policy. A practical conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience and the future of farming.

In this episode, plant pathologist Neo Hlongwane unpacks the growing concern around Goss’s wilt and what it means for South African grain producers. With no official cure or remedy available globally, farmers are being urged to focus on prevention and integrated disease management strategies.

We discuss the importance of strict sanitation, disinfecting equipment and tools, managing infected crop residues, controlling weeds that may host the disease, and rotating with non-host crops such as soybeans, sunflowers, and lucerne. Tune in as we explore practical steps farmers can take to reduce the spread and protect crop he...

In this Farmer Mentor episode, Zen Teitge, CEO of Manger Care Centre in XXX, shares how agriculture is helping transform lives.

From supporting vulnerable communities through accredited training and commercial farming to empowering emerging farmers to build sustainable livelihoods, Teitge discusses the power of farming as a tool for rehabilitation, opportunity, and community development in South Africa.

True biosecurity is about more than just fences; it is about farmer-led resilience. Dr Stefan Steyn joins us to discuss the vital role of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) in connecting rural communities with the state, ensuring that producers’ interests remain a priority in national policy.

Steyn has spent the last 16 years refining his expertise in the veterinary field. As a technical manager for Afrivet Training Services, his work centres on the intricate relationship between viruses and the immune systems of poultry and livestock.

In this episode, he highlights why th...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, livestock specialist Junior Mkansi shares practical calf-rearing tips to help farmers build healthier, more productive herds. From the importance of colostrum and early nutrition to biosecurity, weaning, and disease prevention, he unpacks the key management practices that shape calf growth and long-term performance.

It’s a practical introduction for cattle farmers looking to strengthen their calf-rearing systems and improve herd productivity.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we speak with Jared Gouws from Netafim about how irrigation automation is helping farmers improve precision and efficiency. He explains how sensors, data and centralised control systems enable real-time irrigation decisions, reduce labour and optimise water and nutrient use.

The discussion also explores how automation is becoming increasingly accessible to both large and small-scale farmers.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we speak to Lebo Mashigo, founder of Eggsellent, a commercial layer farm that started as a small backyard egg-selling business and has since grown into a 15 000-bird operation, with plans to expand to 30 000.

Lebo shares how she turned personal necessity into a thriving agribusiness, the impact of Covid-19 on demand, and how funding, mentorship, and continuous learning supported her growth. She also reflects on key challenges, including land access, compliance, and scaling a rural-based operation.

Fairtrade Africa’s new 2026–2028 strategy is a practical roadmap to help farmers and workers succeed in an increasingly complex global trade environment. This episode explores how the organisation plans to improve market access, strengthen producer voices, and build resilience against climate shocks, inflation, and price volatility.

Senior leaders Chris Oluoch, Madeline Muga, and Paul Colditz explain why partnerships, compliance support, and stronger producer organisations are now essential. With stricter international regulations and growing sustainability demands, producers need more than certification – they need tools to compete and thrive.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we explore the importance of post-harvest tomato handling and how it directly influences quality, shelf life, and profitability. Commercial vegetable farmer Lesego Mohube shares practical advice on reducing losses through improved harvesting, handling, packaging, and transport practices.

Learn key on-farm strategies such as harvesting during cool hours, minimising bruising, maintaining hygiene, managing humidity, and removing produce from the field quickly. Mohube also highlights the role of food safety standards, including SA-GAP, in improving market access and maintaining product integrity.

Certification provides a standard, but it doesn’t solve every challenge on the farm. Fairtrade Africa’s DONUTS programme, led by Thomas Mukhebi, is diving into the “uncomfortable spaces” that audits can’t reach, such as financial inclusion and social equity.

Discover how it goes beyond compliance to tackle child labour, weak farmer participation, degraded land, and limited market access. The DONUTS programme helps farmers shape decisions, strengthen livelihoods, and prepare for future trade opportunities.

Eastern Cape commercial vegetable farmer and Bayi Holdings founder Inga Qeja shares how a spinach harvest during the Covid-19 lockdown sparked his journey into commercial farming. He reflects on building his business from the ground up, expanding into multiple crops, and overcoming major setbacks, including crop losses and infrastructure failures.

Drawing inspiration from the book “Think and Grow Rich”, Inga speaks on resilience and the reality that agriculture demands persistence over profit. He also highlights his commitment to mentoring rural farmers through knowledge-sharing and local initiatives.

We explore how farmers can assess and manage pasture health with expert guidance from the ARC. Learn why annual field condition assessments are crucial, how to calculate field condition scores, and practical tips to optimise grazing, improve livestock nutrition, and maintain sustainable rangelands year-round.

Join us as we speak with Lesedi Serapelwane, a third-generation farmer leading her family’s commercial farm in the Kalahari. She shares her journey from media to agriculture, the challenges of farming in harsh conditions, and the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and community. Lesedi also discusses empowering young farmers, especially women, through her Morakeng Farm Camp, and offers insights on leadership, resilience, and building a lasting legacy in agriculture.

Fairtrade Africa has created a space where farmworkers speak directly to management. In this episode, we learn how the Dignified Opportunities Nurtured through Trade and Sustainability (DONUTS) programme brings workers, unions, and employers into the same room, bridging the gap between labour law and the reality on the ground.

The initiative transforms workers from passive recipients into active stakeholders, empowering them to speak their truth and lead from within.

In this episode, we explore how agro-processing can help South African farmers diversify income, add value to their produce, and build resilient businesses.

Agro-processing expert Martin Boima shares practical advice on food safety, product testing, labelling compliance, and establishing shelf life, while highlighting common pitfalls and tips for starting small and scaling gradually. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer considering value-added products or simply curious about the food value chain, this episode offers essential guidance for turning raw produce into profitable, market-ready goods.

Lesedi Moseki, an agricultural economist and founder of iGroVest Group, discusses building a niche agribusiness from the ground up. From leaving formal employment just before lockdown to starting castor bean production with virtually no capital, Lesedi shares the realities of agripreneurship.

He unpacks why farming is not a quick path to wealth, why emerging farmers should explore untapped and scalable niche markets, and how collaboration can help build sustainable, black-owned agricultural industries.

This conversation offers practical insight for farmers looking to diversify, innovate and grow beyond traditional commodities.

South African wine's vine-to-bottle journey thrives on fair labour, yet gaps in training and awareness leave seasonal harvesters and staff vulnerable to grey areas in rights and responsibilities. The Wieta Labour Desk closes this divide with hands-on sessions, a support hotline, and practical capacitation, turning legal theory into daily empowerment across the value chain.

In this episode, Wieta programmes manager Chirstone Hornsby and labour coordinator Abraham Daniels share how the desk unites unions, producers, and brands to deliver payslip breakdowns, health safety know-how, and responsible rights usage, especially during harvest influxes.

By...

For decades, farmworkers in the wine industry laboured in silence, unsure of their rights and excluded from decisions that shaped their lives. Through the DONUTS programme, Fairtrade Africa has invested R12 million to bridge the gap between management and labour. By prioritising skills development and human rights, the initiative has turned vulnerable workers into confident leaders, proving that sustainable wine starts with empowered people. Discover how respect and education can transform a harvest.

Water scarcity in South Africa is one of agriculture’s biggest challenges. In this episode, Marco Appel, agricultural economist at Netafim Southern and East Africa, explains how precision irrigation and smart water management can reduce costs, boost farm profitability, and treat water as a strategic asset. Learn practical tips to improve water use efficiency and maximise every drop on your farm.

Ethical wine production often stumbles on vague promises and unchecked supply chains. The Wieta Fair Labour Seal raises the standard by serving as a trusted enforcer, linking rigorous audits, producers, and global consumers around verifiable fairness.

In this episode, Wieta sustainability officer Mila Pretorius, senior advisor Adrian Bezuidenhout, and Kleine Zalze cellarmaster RJ Botha reveal how the seal, launched in 2012, delivers measurable accountability from vineyard to bottle, guaranteeing safe conditions, fair treatment, and full traceability for workers across the supply chain.

By embedding human dignity into every stage, Wieta transforms ethical concerns...

In this episode, we explore why farm insurance has become a critical business tool for South African farmers facing unpredictable weather, rising costs and limited state support. Agricultural economist and Land Bank Insurance strategic partnerships manager, Lunga Njara, unpacks the different types of cover.

He also shares practical guidance on selecting the right policy, preparing accurate farm data, and making informed decisions. Tune in to learn how insurance can safeguard your farm against risk and secure its future.

In this episode, we meet Free State farmer Vincent Masiu, who is transforming a land reform farm into a thriving mixed farming operation. From maize and sunflower to livestock, layers, and future potato production, Vincent shares his journey of resilience, problem-solving, and collaboration with his family.

He discusses the challenges of starting from scratch, navigating droughts and finance, and building strong relationships with suppliers and lenders. Vincent also offers practical advice on record-keeping, diversification, and persistence, and reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave by inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.

In this episode, we explore how precision drip irrigation is transforming sugarcane production across Africa. Gary Francis from Netafim shares insights from his extensive experience in greenhouse farming and large-scale sugar estates, unpacking why land, water and energy efficiency are now critical to profitability.

He explains subsurface drip systems, fertigation, yield optimisation, and the growing role of automation through tools like GrowSphere, which allow farm managers to monitor and control irrigation remotely. We also discuss operational efficiencies, ongoing technical support, and what the future holds for sustainable sugarcane production.