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 p...

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...

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, t...

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 h...

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 R...

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 redu...

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, technical 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 pr...

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 graz...

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...

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 f...

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 buil...

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, nut...

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 car...

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...

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 an...

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...

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 practi...

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 r...

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 A...

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 m...

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...

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...

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 contin...

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 expl...