Farmer's Inside Track

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.

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.

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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.

Pneumonia is one of the most costly and dangerous diseases in livestock, especially for young, stressed, or newly managed animals. In this episode, animal health technician Kenneth Malatji explains how early detection, daily observation, and swift, informed action can mean the difference between recovery and loss.

He shares practical tips on recognising early warning signs, administering antibiotics correctly, providing supportive care, and implementing farm management practices to prevent pneumonia. This episode equips farmers with the knowledge to protect their herds, save time and money, and improve animal welfare.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of award-winning commercial farmer Meshack Ndongeni. From his early days on a small family plot in the Eastern Cape to running a diversified commercial farm, Ndongeni shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset that shaped his success.

Learn how he transitioned from contracting to owning his own farm, the importance of treating farming as a business, and practical strategies for managing risk, climate variability, and profitability. Ndongeni also offers invaluable advice on how mentorship and hands-on experience can build a lasting legacy in agriculture.

Carbon credits are gaining traction across various industries, but they are also emerging as a new opportunity within agriculture. In this episode, we explore what carbon credits are, how they work, and why they are becoming increasingly relevant for South African farmers. Matthew Kensett, manager of the Carbon Smart programme at UPL Africa, joins the conversation to answer frequently asked questions from farmers and unpack what carbon credit farming could mean for the future of sustainable agriculture.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, award-winning pomegranate producer Debbie Theunissen, owner and managing director of Bovenvlei Farm in the Western Cape, unpacks her journey from food technologist to commercial fruit farmer. Theunissen explores the realities of entering agriculture without a farming background, building an export-focused pomegranate business, navigating water licensing, drought and long production cycles, and using technology to drive quality, sustainability and long-term farm viability.

Community development often fails due to fragmented efforts and short-lived gains. Seriti Institute changes the narrative by acting as a vital facilitator, uniting government, the private sector, and local communities.

In this episode, Juanita Pardesi, CEO of Seriti Institute, explains how they realign partners around shared outcomes through initiatives like Agri-nodes, GreenWorks, and Hluma Roots, empowering over 13 000 people nationwide with jobs, skills, and resilient enterprises.

By interconnecting food security, climate resilience, and enterprise growth, Seriti turns one-off projects into sustainable systems that foster long-term independence.

In this episode, plant pathologist Dr Godfrey Kgatle explains how seed genetics influence farm profitability, resilience, and food security in South Africa. He unpacks the role of hybrids, GMOs and emerging new breeding techniques (NBTs) in improving yields, managing pests and diseases, and adapting to climate variability. Kagtle also highlights South Africa’s strong regulatory framework and why farmer choice and innovation are key to sustainable, profitable farming.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we speak to Dale Hutton, the 2025 Toyota SA Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year, about his journey from environmental science to pasture-based dairy farming in KwaZulu-Natal. Dale gives practical insights into pasture management, KiwiCross genetics, dairy efficiency, solar power, and managing the volatility of farming. He also shares honest reflections on leadership, resilience and stewardship of the land.

South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry thrives on the dynamic partnership between Culdevco and Cultipowered, blending cutting-edge research with meaningful upliftment for growers across the board.

In this episode, Culdevco’s general manager, Mishkaat Anderson, reveals how they commercialise ARC-bred cultivars like Ruby Sun stone fruit and Cheeky pears, emphasising profitability, climate adaptability, disease resistance, and low-input sustainability for superior export performance. Dr Konanani Liphadzi, Cultipowered chair, highlights how they are reinvesting royalties, via their 51% stake, into equitable access, rural infrastructure, bursaries, and capacity-building to transform the fruit industry inclusively.

In this episode, we speak with Steven Francis, CEO and founder of Franchising Made Easy, about how farmers can move beyond production to become successful agripreneurs. Francis shares practical strategies for adding value to farm produce, diversifying crops, and accessing both local and export markets.

He explains how farmers can see themselves as CEOs of their own farms, adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, and identify opportunities for fast-moving crops to strengthen cash flow. Listeners will gain insight into using market information and pricing tools, building farm management and technical skills, and preparing produce for premium markets through effective...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Francois Fourie, a farmer and irrigation designer, shares his expertise in precision irrigation. He explains how he turned a small demonstration unit near Polokwane into a fully operational farm, using Netafim’s advanced drip irrigation systems and fertiliser dosing technologies. Francois discusses how these irrigation innovations optimise water use, improve crop yields, and provide practical insights for farmers looking to implement precision irrigation on their own farms.

In this episode, Pholisa Bidla, a livestock farmer managing a successful meat operation in the Eastern Cape, operates entirely from her home in Gauteng. From helping her family care for a small herd of cattle as a child to taking full responsibility for the farm after the loss of her parents and brother, she shares her journey, challenges, and hard-earned lessons.

Bidla discusses everything from breeding programmes, veterinary care, and biosecurity to the importance of strong relationships with neighbours, employees, and the department of agriculture.

She also offers practical advice for new farmers entering the...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, crop scientist and agronomist Dikgang Molebatsi shares practical insights on building and maintaining soil organic matter for healthier, more resilient farms. He explains what soil organic matter is, why carbon is critical for fertility, and how factors such as tillage, residue management, cover crops, and livestock impact soil health.

Dikhang also discusses the role of climate change, composting, crop rotations, and emerging innovations in boosting organic matter, improving water retention, and enhancing nutrient cycling. Tune in to learn how to sustain soil life, increase crop productivity, and create a lo...

In this Farmer Mentor episode, we follow the inspiring journey of Lesego Mohube from Gauteng, who discovered her calling in agriculture. What began as curiosity soon became a passion for vegetable production. Lesego quickly advanced into the commercial sector, a rare achievement so early in a farming career.

Today, she supplies one of South Africa’s largest fresh produce markets. Join us as Lesego shares her story of discovery, resilience, and building a thriving career in agriculture.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Limpopo poultry farmer and agripreneur Kamogelo Thobejane shares practical, experience-driven tips to help South African producers maximise every kilogram of poultry feed. From understanding protein, vitamins, minerals and age-specific formulations to spotting poor-quality feed, preventing spillage, adjusting feeders, and avoiding costly mistakes like constant brand switching, Kamogelo breaks down the essentials of efficient, profitable broiler and layer production.

Whether you’re a new or seasoned poultry farmer, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to improve bird performance.

Technology and innovation are rapidly transforming the red meat supply chain, addressing questions about authenticity, safety, and environmental stewardship. As consumers seek clearer assurances about what they eat, the industry is rolling out new tools and practices that restore trust and promote responsible farming. 

In this episode, Michaela Pretorius, a technical manager at Cavalier, shares how forward-thinking approaches, from traceability to data-driven quality improvements, are reimagining meat production from farm to table. Technology and innovation, led by red meat industry role players, aim to build trust, ensure sustainability, and deliver consistently high-quality meat.

In this episode, chartered accountant Desry Lesele, driven by his Limpopo farm roots and role as Nedbank's senior agriculture manager, shows farmers how to conquer rising costs, weather volatility, and tight margins with tailored financial tools for growth and resilience.

From witnessing his grandmother's struggles growing sorghum and maize, Lesele crafts solutions against input price surges, grain oversupply, and climate threats risking 40% yield losses, urging early banker ties, tech investments, and diversification.

He insists that farmers should treat farming as a business by tracking records, planning strategically, and using finance as a...

Join Farmer’s Inside Track as Craig Carter, a seasoned livestock farmer with 25 years’ experience, shares his journey from electrical technician to successful beef producer. He discusses weaner calf production, choosing the right cattle for the land, managing droughts, and building a sustainable farm.

Packed with practical advice, stewardship lessons, and insights for young farmers, Craig’s story highlights the passion, hard work, and faith that drive success in livestock farming.

South Africa’s wine industry is uniting behind a powerful ESG vision that puts people, planet, and profit on equal footing. In this episode, South Africa Wine NPC, Wieta, Vinimark, and Spier unpack how a new ESG framework supports producers from vineyard to glass, helping especially smaller wineries meet global demands for transparency and accountability. 

Gerard Martin, Siglinda Lösch, Heidi Newton-King, and Linda Lipparoni share practical steps to cut emissions, safeguard water, protect workers’ rights, and strengthen traceability so consumers can enjoy South African wine with confidence and pride.​

In episode 4 of our special Nedbank series, we spotlight Bathabile Masemola, the dynamic co-founder of Green Leafy Growers. From discovering an entrepreneurship programme on Facebook to building a thriving agribusiness that supplies major retailers, Masemola’s journey embodies resilience, innovation, and the power of the right support. Join us as we explore how Nedbank’s commitment to mentorship, market access, and sustainable agribusiness is helping shape a new era of South African farmers.

In this episode, leaders from Wieta, Fairtrade Africa, and Stronger Together discuss how they are transforming South Africa’s wine industry amid market pressures and labour challenges. Christone Hornsby, Emerentia Patientia, and Evan Cupido explain how strong ethical standards, fair wages, responsible recruitment, and collaborative training initiatives are promoting dignity and respect for workers across the industry. 

They also reveal how these efforts help create transparency, uphold human rights, and boost sustainability, positioning South African wine for a more equitable and globally respected future.

In this episode, we unpack how farmers can keep their cattle, goats, and sheep healthy and productive during periods of heavy rainfall and intense storms. Livestock technical advisor at RMIS, Ernest Makua, breaks down the real risks wet seasons bring, from waterlogged pastures and hoof diseases to lightning hazards. He offers practical, affordable strategies to protect ruminants on the ground.

Learn how to manage grazing under saturated conditions, strengthen animal health programmes, improve shelter and drainage, maintain safe water sources, and plan for sudden weather changes. Whether you're a smallholder or managing a large herd, this conversation...

In part 3 of our special Farmer’s Inside Track series with Nedbank, we explore how Subtrop is transforming the lives and businesses of emerging farmers in Limpopo. Subtrop’s transformation manager, Stephen Mantsho, breaks down the organisation’s practical approach — from technical training and Global GAP accreditation to improved market access and the rise of black-owned packhouses and processing facilities. With Nedbank’s support, farmers in regions like Vhembe and Mopani are scaling from small plots to profitable commercial operations, proving that meaningful, sustainable agricultural transformation is not only possible but already underway.

Sunflower crops in South Africa face increasing challenges from heat stress and drought, impacting yield and oil quality. Pannar agronomists, including Corné van der Westhuizen, emphasise the importance of managing these stresses through smart hybrid selection and optimal planting dates. 

This episode offers science-based advice on avoiding critical stress periods, improving resilience, and maximising sunflower performance for sustainable farming under changing climate conditions.