Farmer's Inside Track

In this episode, we sit down with Henrey Gibbs, a first-generation, self-taught livestock farmer from Klerksdorp, North West. Henrey shares how a trip to a Mafikeng auction sparked a lifelong passion for farming, and how goats became a strategic cashflow supplement to his beloved cattle. 

We dive into the challenges of navigating agriculture without formal training, the filtering of advice from mentors, and the financial balancing act of a mixed livestock operation. 

Henrey also opens up about co-founding Nature Nation Camp, a thriving agritourism venture, and how he juggles farming with offering un...

No rain, no gain? Not quite. In this episode of Food For Mzansi, we dive into the water challenges facing Western Cape farmers, and the cost-effective solutions they are adopting to survive and thrive. 

We also spotlight GreenCape’s upcoming Water and Energy Resilience Roadshow, a free initiative bringing expert advice and practical tools directly to farmers and agri-businesses across the province.

GreenCape’s Senior Water Analyst, Nkululeko Mabila, and Communications Officer, Tyrese Rooi, share what farmers can expect from this hands-on support tour, including one-on-one consultations, decision-making tools, and networking opportunities with...

In this inspiring episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we meet Musa Nhlapo, a passionate wine entrepreneur from the township of Kagiso.

With grit, vision, and guidance from the South Africa Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB), Nhlapo is building Adisa Wine, a brand rooted in growth and possibility.

Kachné Ross, executive manager of SAWIPB, shares how the organisation is revolutionising talent development in the wine sector.

In this episode, we explore why Kalahari Red goats are becoming the breed of choice for many South African farmers. 

Join us as we speak to Leroy van de Merwe of Redstag Ranch in Limpopo. From the breed’s remarkable adaptability and meat quality to practical advice on breeding, culling, and managing performance.

We also bust the myth of the "low-maintenance" goat, as van de Merwe highlights how small-scale and communal farmers can benefit from introducing Kalahari Red genetics to improve productivity and profitability.

Ready to take your farm to the next level? Join us for a lively panel discussion where we’ll explore how South African farmers, both seasoned pros and newcomers, can use smart financing and precision agriculture to build more profitable, sustainable businesses.​

Our panel of experts will break down how to access the right funding at every stage of your farming journey, manage cash flow like a pro, and navigate common challenges around lending and getting the equipment you need.​

We’ll also dive into the exciting ways technology is reshaping agriculture, from boosting efficiency to unloc...

Beyond the Field, aangebied deur John Deere Financial en gefasiliteer deur Anrich Herbst, bring Antois van der Westhuizen (besturende direkteur, John Deere Financial) en Pieter Pienaar (kredietverkope en bemarking, John Deere Financial) saam om met kundiges te gesels oor finansiële vennootskappe en boerdery as besigheid.​

Corné Louw (landbou-ekonoom, Graan SA) en Marlene Louw (senior-ekonoom, Absa) deel ekonomiese insigte, terwyl Luan du Toit (Senwes Equipment) en William Nichols (Afgri Equipment) die praktiese kant van tegnologie en ondersteuning bespreek.​

Die episode bied strategiese idees, oplossings en waardevolle insigte vir elke boer wat volhoubaar wil groei, met John Dee...

In this episode, we sit down with Mosa Balesamang,  an animal scientist, livestock consultant, and passionate sheep farmer making waves both in the field and on TikTok.

Mosa shares her journey from earning her degree in Animal Science in 2017 to serving in Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture, and how her work in cattle insemination and livestock consulting is helping reshape the future of farming in the region.

We also dive into her growing influence on social media, where she educates and empowers aspiring farmers through her popular sheep farming content.

If you think farming has nothing to do with your dinner plate, think again.

In this episode, we’re crossing over to our sister publication, Food For Mzansi’s Farmer’s Inside Track podcast for a special feature that dives into sustainability and the red meat on your plate.

Frik van Rooyen from the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) joins the conversation with a powerful message about sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, but the future of farming.

From smarter water use and healthier grazing to cutting back on ch...

After 44 years in agriculture and over two decades in the wine industry, Rydal Jeftha, managing director of Koopmanskloof Wines, knows that the future of South African wine lies in its people.

In this episode, Jeftha shares his journey from navigating the industry without a mentor to becoming one of its most passionate champions of skills development and knowledge transfer.

We dive deep into his philosophy on mentorship, the critical role of organisations like the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB), and why careers in wine go far beyond the cellar. 

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked threats to crop production, free water or gravitational water, and how it affects South African farmers across different provinces. 

Soil scientist Peter Mudau breaks down what free water is, how to identify it, and why proper management is crucial for healthy soils and productive yields. 

From recognising signs of waterlogging to choosing the right crops and improving drainage, this episode offers practical advice for farmers working with varied soil types and unpredictable rainfall.

In this episode, we sit down with legal expert Pearl Gibbs, an attorney, conveyancer, and notary public, who unpacks the most pressing legal challenges facing South Africa’s new-generation farmers.

From contract negotiations with powerful agricultural companies to navigating the complexities of long-term land lease agreements, our guest shares crucial legal strategies to level the playing field. 

Learn how to mitigate risks of price volatility, weather impacts, and non-compliance from buyers through smart contract clauses and legal protections.

We also explore key steps farmers can take to bui...

In this episode, we chat to Kevin Pieterse, an experienced farm manager and Kyron Agri representative, who unpacks practical strategies for controlling and managing endoparasites in livestock. 

From understanding different types of internal parasites to choosing the right dewormers and implementing effective treatment timelines, Pieterse offers valuable insights every farmer should know. 

Whether you're dealing with wireworm, liver fluke, or tapeworms, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help protect your herd and improve overall animal health.  

From laying bricks to paving his own path to success, Anton Saunderson’s story is one of vision and transformation.

In this episode, we meet a man who began with a modest construction crew and followed his heart all the way to the cattle kraal.

Today he passion has evolved into a high-functioning feedlot where 180 cattle are managed with sharp precision. Behind it all is a businessman who runs on grit, grace, and what he calls “love of the game.”

One bad seed can ruin everything. In this episode, part of a special SANSOR campaign, we unpack why seed certification matters more than you might think. 

Across Africa, many farmers unknowingly plant uncertified or poor-quality seed—jeopardising their harvests, their incomes, and their futures.

Thabiso Ntsele, certification technician at the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), joins us to explain how farmers can spot the difference between certified and uncertified seed. 

He breaks down the certification process, why it’s a legal safeguard for seed quality, and how choosing the right seed could be the...

In this episode, we dive into sustainable farming with MJ Nunes, founder of Sable Creek Farms. From system design and crop selection to fish stocking, water management, and market strategies, Nunes shares practical insights for anyone looking to thrive in aquaponics. Whether you're an aspiring aquaponics farmer or a curious eco-enthusiast, this is your essential guide to farming smarter, not harder.

In this episode, we spotlight Awdalia – a 100% youth- and black women-owned agribusiness rooted in resilience and driven by purpose. 

Founded in 2016 by the passionate Njabulo Mbokane, this enterprise began in abandoned school gardens and has grown into a diversified operation managing two farms in Mpumalanga. 

Awdalia now produces maize, soya beans, and high-quality merino sheep wool and carcass. Through strategic partnerships with industry giants like SAB, SACTA, AFGRI, BKB, and Randagri, Njabulo and her team are proving that dedication, mentorship, and long-term vision can transform humble beginnings into award-winning success.

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.

In this inspiring episode of Farmers Inside Track, we travel to Vondo village in Limpopo’s Vhembe district, where we meet Matika Khathutshelo, the passionate force behind Matika Subcrop Farming. 

From humble beginnings to managing 10 hectares of macadamia, avocado, and litchi orchards, Matika shares how he turned his childhood love for farming into a thriving business.

In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of selecting the right maize varieties for South Africa's diverse farming environments. Maize is not only a dietary staple but also a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy — and choosing the right variety can make or break a farming season.

Siya Jabuza, marketing officer at Lake Agriculture, joins us to unpack why it’s essential for farmers to match maize varieties to their specific agro-ecological zones. From improving yield and disease resistance to enhancing climate resilience and profitability, Jabuza offers practical advice.

Many outgrower schemes across Africa still rely on outdated, paper-based systems that create inefficiencies and missed opportunities. But sproot, a groundbreaking digital platform, is changing the game.

In this episode, we speak to Michael Bruderli, co-founder of sproot, about how the platform is reshaping the future of contract farming. Designed specifically for African agribusinesses and smallholder farmers, sproot enables everything from digital contracts and task management to yield forecasting—all delivered via WhatsApp.

Bruderli unpacks how sproot is solving critical challenges in outgrower networks by offering real-time field visibility, structured workflows, and accessible tech for fa...

In an era of environmental awareness, Absa’s latest AgriTrends report explores the growing importance of carbon footprints in agriculture and what it means for farmers and the planet’s future.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

Ivor Price sits down with Absa’s agricultural economists to discuss major shifts in South Africa’s vegetable market, including the impact of Botswana’s import ban lift and the future of onion pricing.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

Absa’s agricultural economists reveal the winners of 2024 and what’s ahead for South Africa’s high-value exports, including citrus, macadamias, and table grapes.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

From beef and pork to mutton and eggs, Absa’s powerhouse team of agricultural economists dive into the factors influencing South Africa’s livestock industry, from disease threats to price swings.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

With global prices falling, what lies ahead for local farmers? Absa’s experts join Ivor Price to reveal key strategies for staying competitive in a tougher market.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

A powerhouse team of Absa agricultural economists unpacks the latest AgriTrends report, analyzing President Donald Trump’s tariffs, shifting US policies, changing EU dynamics, and China’s evolving influence on global trade.

Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE

In this special on-the-road edition of Farmer’s Inside Track, we catch up with Khuliso Madima, a passionate fruit farmer in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. 

Once a corporate project manager in the IT industry, Khuliso transitioned into farming, continuing her family’s legacy of growing litchis and mangoes.

She shares her journey of integrating technology into agriculture, navigating market challenges, and expanding her business to multiple fresh produce markets across South Africa.

From overcoming financial hurdles to strategically managing seasonal crops, Khuliso’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in farming...

In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of soil health with Dr Buhlebelive Mndzebele, a crop science researcher at the Agricultural Research Council. We explore how soil aggregates—tiny clusters of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter—play a crucial role in water retention, nutrient availability, and root growth. Mndzebele also breaks down the role of microbial communities, or "microbial villages," in keeping soil productive and resilient. Tune in to discover practical strategies for improving soil structure, maintaining microbial diversity, and ensuring long-term farm sustainability.

In this episode, we tackle a disease every maize farmer needs to know about: Goss’s wilt. 

Our guest, Dr Rikus Kloppers, private consultant at Robigalia Cropcare, breaks down what Goss’s wilt is, why it’s important, and the serious impact it can have on your crops.

Dr Kloppers shares insight into how the disease spreads and what signs farmers should look out for if they suspect it’s made its way onto their farms. 

More importantly, he offers practical advice on what steps to take to manage and control this disease.

Farmers Inside Track has officially hit 500 episodes and we couldn’t have done it without you, our amazing listeners. 

In this special milestone episode, hosts of the podcast, Duncan Masiwa and Patricia Tembo take a trip down memory lane, reliving some of the most unforgettable moments, listener favourites, and expert insights that have shaped the show.

From South Africa to North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, our podcast family keeps growing – and so does our impact.

In this episode, poultry farmer and agriculturalist Kamogelo Thobejane shares expert insights on marketing, pricing, branding, and financial management for poultry businesses.

Learn how to identify the right markets, set profitable prices, build a strong brand, and avoid common financial mistakes. Plus, discover how social media can boost your poultry sales. Tune in for practical strategies to grow your poultry business.

In this episode, we take you on a journey behind the scenes of South Africa’s red meat supply chain. We explore the vital role our farmers play in bringing high-quality, locally produced meat to your table.

We’re honoured to be joined by Rustin Shawe, a KwaZulu-Natal-based cattle and maize farmer whose love for the land and respect for his animals shines through in every aspect of his work.

He shares his insights on responsible animal husbandry and the sustainable farming practices that ensure both the welfare of his livestock and the...

In this episode, we sit down with Rennie Brink, a commercial grain, wine, and livestock farmer from the Western Cape, who runs Groot Phesantekraal with his father and brother. 

Known for its diverse operations, Groot Phesantekraal combines grain farming, livestock, and game farming with a growing agritourism strategy. 

Rennie shares his journey of managing such a wide-ranging farm, offering insight into balancing operations, financial management, and diversifying income streams. 

He also discusses the importance of agritourism in building community engagement and brand awareness, and offers advice for new farmers looking to secure financing and...

In this episode, we sit down with Veenash Parbhoo, co-founder of PayCentral and Marketing Manager at Leandri Matthews, to explore how fintech solutions are transforming agricultural payment systems. 

We dive into the challenges farms face with cash handling, the risks it poses, and how PayCentral’s platform provides a secure, cashless alternative. 

Veenash shares insights into the evolution of PayCentral since its founding in 2016, and how its reloadable Mastercard cards are empowering seasonal workers and improving financial security for farms.

In this episode, Food For Mzansi speaks with Neale White, a technical sales advisor at Molatek, about the often-overlooked role of phosphate in the health and productivity of cattle and sheep. 

As the summer rains bring life to South Africa’s pastures, phosphate becomes a crucial supplement that can make a world of difference to your herd.

Neale explains why phosphate is vital for optimal production and reproduction, sharing key insights on the impacts of phosphate deficiency, including stunted growth, poor reproduction, and metabolic disorders.

In this episode, Mark Anderson, portfolio director for Propak Africa, gives us an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated exhibition set to take place from 11-14 March 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. 

As one of the biggest events in the packaging, food processing, and printing industries, Propak Africa 2025 promises to bring together over 500 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions.

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, we speak with attorney Lucinda Rhoodie about the legal and trade implications of bud rot (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa’s papaya industry.

With restrictions on the movement of host materials and potential penalties for non-compliance, farmers must understand their legal responsibilities to safeguard their crops and trade opportunities. Tune in as we unpack the key risks, regulatory requirements, and best practices to navigate this challenge.

n this episode, we explore the heart of sustainability in agriculture through the eyes of an influential advocate for change.

In this moving conversation, Food For Mzansi’s co-founder, Ivor Price, sits down with Andile Ngcobo, a passionate agricultural consultant and farmer from KwaZulu-Natal.

Andile was invited by Woolworths to witness their Farming for the Future initiative firsthand — an experience that has reshaped his perspective on sustainable farming and the future of agriculture.

Through this initiative, Andile gained invaluable insights into the importance of healthy soils, natural reso...

In this episode of the Farmers Insight Track podcast, Duncan Masiwa sits down with Lufuno Nethsikhudini, a passionate Limpopo-based farmer. Lufuno is making waves in the agricultural space, farming with Bonsmara cattle and a variety of cash crops, and he's now venturing into poultry with plans for a chicken hatchery. 

From his early exposure to agriculture through school visits to commercial farms, to overcoming significant challenges in funding and weather disruptions, Lufuno shares his journey, lessons learned, and the importance of patience and commitment in farming. 

He also discusses the crucial role of financial discipline an...

In this episode, we explore how livestock farmers can boost productivity and resilience by integrating conservation agriculture into their operations.

Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) conservation researcher Patrick Rakau shares practical insights on rotational grazing, cover crops, and soil health, highlighting how these practices enhance forage quality, conserve water, and improve long-term sustainability.

Tune in to learn how adopting conservation principles can help farmers overcome challenges like drought and rising input costs while ensuring a thriving livestock business.