Farmer's Inside Track

In this episode, we take you inside Molatek’s uncompromising world of quality assurance, where every bag, block, and bucket of feed carries the weight of responsibility to farmers and their animals. Erin Graham, Technical Manager at Molatek Malelane, reveals why quality control is the heartbeat of the company. From sourcing raw materials to the final product that reaches farmers’ hands.  She...

Discover why intra-Africa trade is extremely crucial for promoting economies, leveraging the continent's vast resources (population, arable land), and scaling up economic growth. We tackle the challenges faced by small producers in accessing export markets due to structural constraints, costly undertakings, and infrastructure gaps. The series calls for the removal of red tape, significant investme...

Before a single seed is planted, a silent but critical job is being done to ensure a bountiful harvest. In this episode, we're exploring the world of the seed analyst, the unsung hero of our food supply.  Brought to you by the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), we talk to logistics and quality assurance manager Sarah Schulze about this fascinating and essential career. You’ll...

For farmer and community leader Tienie Prinsloo (36), agriculture is more than a livelihood.  After 15 years of farming alongside his father, he has built a thriving operation that includes pecan orchards, a Beefmaster stud, and sugar beans. His passion for pecans shines through as he expands his orchards with thousands of new trees each year, aiming for an ambitious 40,000 trees in the futur...

Investigate the evolving landscape of fair trade in dynamic markets like Kenya and South Africa. While awareness and demand for fair trade products are growing due to international exposure, we examine significant barriers such as price sensitivity, limited product availability on shelves, and the need for greater consumer awareness. Learn why fair trade is more than just a certification—it’s a "b...

Women have always been the backbone of agriculture, yet their contributions are too often invisible. In this episode, we spotlight SoilSistas - programme by Corteva Agriscience that is breaking systemic barriers for rural women farmers in South Africa. Join us as Betty Kiplagat, government and industry affairs leader for Corteva Agriscience Africa Middle East, shares the vision, impact, and inspir...

Want to breed a better herd? In this episode, we're diving deep into the science of bull performance testing with expert Delight Kgari, an animal scientist specializing in genetics and breeding from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Discover why judging a bull by looks alone isn't enough and how a data-driven approach can transform your livestock operation. We'll unpack the crucial indicato...

Once the cornerstone of African diets, sorghum is making a powerful return to South Africa’s fields. With deep cultural roots, exceptional drought resilience, and impressive nutritional benefits, it’s proving to be more than just a heritage grain.  In this episode, Reggie Mchunu, key accounts manager at Pannar, unpacks why sorghum is a game-changer for farmers facing climate uncertainty, risi...

Unpack the crucial role of women across the value chain, who are driving change within African agriculture. We highlight Fairtrade’s comprehensive gender strategy, which includes standards for protection, enhancing leadership capabilities, economic development, and addressing gender-based violence. Hear how specific initiatives, like the Women's School of Leadership program, are designed to build...

Feeding people while protecting the planet and agricultural workers is no easy task. In this episode, we chat with Mary Willemse, campaign manager at BASF about how they’re helping rural communities use agricultural chemicals safely and wisely.  From hands-on training to life-saving safety tips, discover how farmworkers are being empowered to protect their health, the land, and their future.

For too long, historical barriers have limited who gets to succeed in South Africa's wine industry, but now, the  Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trade Association (WIETA)  are working together to change that. Their initiative, the  Black Producers Support Programme , is a powerful force for change, helping to reshape the industry into one that is more inclusive, diverse, and soc...

Vumile Mzinzi is no ordinary farmer. After building a successful career as a pharmacist, he returned to his family's farm in the Eastern Cape, combining his medical expertise with his passion for agriculture.  In this episode, we hear about his innovative approach to farming. He shares how his background in medicine gives him a unique edge in crop production, and how he's building a sustainab...

Discover how Fairtrade Africa empowers farmers to combat climate change threats by supporting them to not only grow food but also grow people. Learn about innovative interventions like clean energy adoption for cooking and lighting, dynamic agroforestry (intercropping food crops within cocoa farms), and beekeeping, which diversify income streams and ensure food security. We confront the harsh real...

In this episode, we focus on what South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control efforts mean for farmers on the ground.  Veterinary expert Prof Ishmael Jaja explains how the disease spreads, why multiple virus strains make control difficult, and what practical steps communal and small-scale farmers can take to protect their livestock.  Whether you farm cattle, sheep, goats or pigs,...

This episode is a deep and heartfelt conversation with Mmadipilo Letlape, a dynamic livestock farmer and founder of Nature Nation Camp. Through her personal story, Mmadipilo unpacks the realities of being a woman in agriculture, especially when navigating male-dominated spaces and family dynamics. Hear how she carved her way into farming. She opens up about her early mistakes, financial challenges...

Thinking of growing sorghum? Discover expert tips on top varieties, ideal planting times, and why this drought-resilient crop could be one of your most profitable moves yet. Agronomist and PhD researcher Hammond Motsi breaks down everything you need to know. From planting and regional suitability to pest control and market potential.  He also explores how sorghum stacks up against maize in in...

When planting season rolls around, your seed choice might seem like a small detail, but it could be your biggest decision. In this episode, we dig deep into maize hybrid selection with Reggie Mchunu, key accounts manager at Pannar. He breaks down why not all hybrids are created equal and how factors like yield potential, disease resistance, standability, and adaptability can determine your farm’s...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we’re joined by a true trailblazer — Lesedi Gaabue, the first Black woman to graduate in town planning from North West University. But her journey doesn’t stop at the drafting table. Lesedi is also a passionate poultry farmer, raising broilers in the rural parts of North West. She opens up about her unexpected entry into farming, the costly lessons of her...

In this episode, we sit down with Siziphiwe Jojo, agricultural economist and head of business at Agricast Advisory Services, to unpack the essential elements of a strong agribusiness plan. Jojo explains why a business plan is more than just a funding tool; it’s a strategic roadmap for long-term success.  From aligning your goals with funders to mastering financial projections, she walks us th...

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 pro...

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 fr...

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 de...

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 h...

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,...

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,...