Farmer's Inside Track

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...

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, mi...

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 DONUT...

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...

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 insigh...

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 s...

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’r...

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 sca...