Farmer's Inside Track

In this episode, agritech entrepreneur Ziphezinhle Gabuza explores the critical topic of digital safety in agriculture. Learn about the most common digital threats facing modern farms, how to protect your agricultural data from cyber attacks, and best practices for integrating IoT devices securely. Whether you’re a farmer or involved in agribusiness, this podcast offers essential insights to safeg...

Agro-processing is a viable avenue to diversify a farming enterprise, increase profitability and build business resilience. In this episode, Selinah Ntjana , the founder of Selinah the Goat , shares how she successfully diversified her enterprise. 

In this episode, Jerid-Lee Warries , a seasoned farmer with over 12 years of experience cultivating table grapes in the picturesque Piketberg region shares stories about his early to becoming a successful farmer at Broodkraal Landgoed Middelpos .   We dive deep into his motivations for venturing into table grape farming, how his methods have evolved over the years, and the innovative practice...

It is important to ensure your farm’s water is safe, compliant and sustainable. In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Dirk Moolman , a leading hydrogeologist, explores what farmers need to know about water testing and borehole management. From understanding when you need a water use license to the tools required for testing pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen, Moolman shares advi...

Born and raised in the heart of the Swartland, Edmund Terblanche is a passionate winemaker now crafting exceptional wines at La Motte Wine Estate.   After completing his agricultural studies at Stellenbosch University and a diploma in cellar technology at Elsenburg Agricultural College, Edmund honed his skills through international experience in France. As chairman of South Africa’s Shiraz As...

In this episode, we delve into the value of drip irrigation for small-scale crop farmers and explore how this innovative solution can transform their farming practices.  Martin Bahnemann, Netafim’s business developer for small-scale farming in South Africa and the SADC region, guides us through the benefits of drip irrigation. He also shares essential agronomic and maintenance principles and...

Tune in to learn how an innovative collaboration between AECI Plant Health and Khula is providing new-era farmers with cutting-edge solutions, expanding their market reach, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Jannie Willemse , business development manager for AECI Plant Health, joins us to discuss their strategic alliance with the agri-tech company Khula.

The medicinal cannabis industry in South Africa has been evolving rapidly over the past few years, driven by legislative changes, increasing local and international demand, and investment interest. In this episode, Alec Yardley speaks about cannabis cultivation.

In this insightful video, we sit down with Ilse Ruthford , Managing Director at Compagniesdrift in Stellenbosch. Ruthford’s remarkable professional journey began in 1996 after completing a marketing course and other wine-related studies. She continues to nurture her passion for mentoring and advancing the next generation of wine professionals.   Her expertise in the logistics sector of the wi...

Making sure that farmers get their hands on a wide variety of high-quality seeds is no overnight success. Did you know creating a new seed variety can take up to 15 years? Yes, it is a lengthy and detailed process that involves trials, regulatory approvals, and several quality checks. In this episode, Dr Magdeleen Cilliers , projects and research officer at the South African National Seed Organisa...

In today's agricultural landscape, precision, efficiency, and sustainability are more crucial than ever. With rising input costs, narrowing profit margins, and increasing food demand, farmers must utilise the right tools and technologies to succeed. However, when it comes to irrigation equipment, how do you know you've chosen the best tools for the job? In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we...

Dean Barnard , a crop farmer from George in the Western Cape, has been working alongside his father on Waboomskraal farm for 19 years, taking over operations eight years ago. The family farm, Oppie Plaas Boerdery, is one of only seven hops farms in Africa, exclusively supplying Castle and Castle Lite. Under Barnard’s leadership, the farm also produces plums, achieving remarkable yields, including...

Aquaculture is a promising sector of South Africa with various expansion opportunities. In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, David Fincham shares his years of expertise and insights on how to have a thriving tilapia enterprise. This includes general considerations for farmers looking to venture into the aquaculture industry. The sector's potential for sustainable resource use and its capacity...

In this insightful episode, we speak with Annelize Morkel , Managing Director at Achieve Through Action. Annelize holds a Master’s in Commerce with a specialisation in Leadership and Strategy and has over 12 years of experience in the wine industry. She is actively involved in international academic discussions. As a scholar-practitioner, Morkel is dedicated to enhancing the wine industry through...

If you ask Olerile Lekgetho about his secret to success, he'll tell you it's Voermol Feeds . In a special podcast series over the coming months, we'll explore how some of Mzansi's brightest young farmers are building their livestock herds with the help of a trusted ally — Voermol Feeds . Farmers like Olerile, who manages a flourishing 660-hectare farm in North West and specialises in breeding Whit...

In this episode, we chat with Tam Johnson , an animal scientist and sales and technical manager at a leading tissue culture laboratory. Tam joins us to explore the dynamic banana industry in South Africa. We'll focus on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping banana farming today.

In this special episode, we delve into the transformative power of youth in food systems with two remarkable guests from Nestlé . Comfort Tshisikule, youth, learning and development lead at Nestlé, and Thobeka Mzila, agriculturalist at Nestlé East and Southern African Region , are alumni of Nestlé’s graduate programme. They share insights into the All4YOUth Sub-Saharan Africa initiative and how it...

In this episode, we sit down with Brenton Maarman , a passionate wine enthusiast and dedicated educator. After completing his BSc, Maarman pursued an MSc and has since devoted himself to teaching as a lecturer at the Elsenburg Institution. Maarman is a member of the Primary Production Council at SAWIPB , with a remarkable journey in the wine industry that began at a barrel-making company. This exp...

Agroecology combines ecological and social principles to create sustainable agricultural practices. In this episode, renowned agroecologist Professor Kingsley Ayisi from the University of Limpopo explores the significance of indigenous knowledge in modern farming. He delves into key agroecological practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, cover cropping, and vermicomposting. Tune in to hear A...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Sydney Claassen , a dedicated farmer from Stellenbosch and the visionary behind Pinehaven . Claassen shares the story of how he got started in farming and the challenges he faced in setting up his seven-hectare farm. We explore the initial costs involved in establishing Pinehaven and how he financed these expenses. Claassen also highlights the...

Pap is a staple, known for its versatility in flavours and textures. Willfried Korn , the founder of Pap2Go , has revolutionised this beloved dish by introducing a deep-fried version. His innovative pap-based meals are gaining popularity at farmers' markets and private events. In this episode, we learn about how the idea for Pap2Go started, his early experiments with pap and various tasty fillings...

In this episode, we explore the intricate science of pollen analysis in honey with Dr. Janis Delport , a melissopalynologist from the University of Cape Town. Dr. Delport has investigated the botanical and geographical origins of Cape honey, and her objective is to develop methods for authenticating the distinct Fynbos and Succulent Karoo honeys in South Africa.

In this episode, we feature Petri de Beer, a passionate advocate for the future of agriculture and sustainable farming. He is a senior agricultural economist at Vinpro and the founder of Houwater Agricultural Services. De Beer brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. When he is not focused on economics or running his own business, he is an academic working towards his PhD in Agricu...

Indigenous vegetables are key to sustainable farming. By integrating cowpea and amaranth, farmers can enhance soil health, preserve biodiversity, and improve nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Buhlebelive Mndzebele from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) discusses his study on intercropping cowpea and amaranth and how it tackles significant issues such as population growth, limited land, and cli...

Good quality irrigation water is crucial for the health of your crops and the longevity of irrigation equipment. In this episode, Dexter Neethling , product manager at Netafim South Africa , talks about declining water quality and the vital role of filtration and standards in agricultural irrigation. He also shares information on how water quality is classified and its impact on filter selection,...