Farmer's Inside Track

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,...

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, we delve into the critical role of thermometers in livestock management. Accurate monitoring of animal body temperature is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your herd.   Ernest Makua , livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) , provides essential information on how a thermometer delivers precise and consis...

In this episode, we meet Oursula Lenee , a dedicated Viticulturist at Laborie . Oursula joined KWV in December 2016 as an Assistant Viticulturist, but her ambition to work at KWV began during her student days at Stellenbosch University.   While pursuing her BSc in Viticulture and Oenology, Lenee gained experience at KWV’s Wine Emporium as a tasting assistant and tour leader. It was during thi...

Many farmers believe that quality crops start with quality seeds. But what exactly makes a seed "quality"? In this episode, powered by the South African National Seed Organisation (Sansor), we delve into the essential characteristics of high-quality seeds and their significance in modern agriculture. We chat with Kobus van Huyssteen , technical manager at Sansor , who sheds light on the key attrib...

In this episode, we speak with Dr Didi Claassen , the general manager of Afrivet Training and Technical Services . She provides crucial updates on the impact of rabies on production animals and shares valuable insights on how farmers can protect their livestock. Claassen discusses everything from the early symptoms of rabies in livestock and how farmers can identify them, to specific farm factors...

Sizo Tshabalala, a man of grand ambitions, is also a prominent farmer. As a first-generation poultry farmer on communal land in Elukwatini, Mpumalanga, he manages a flourishing enterprise known as Tshabalala Farming.   In this episode, we hear from Tshabalala who operates on a 10-hectare farm, with his pride and joy being a layer house that can accommodate 15 000 birds. Starting with little m...

In this episode, wildfire consultant manager from the Winelands Fire Protection Association , Dale Nortje , joins us to discuss practical measures farmers can implement to mitigate the risk of damage and loss due to veld fires. He covers topics such as the use of firebreaks, land legislation, protocols, infrastructure, and safe zones. Tune in as Nortje provides valuable insights for farmers follow...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with winemaker and viticulturist Sandile Mkhwanazi . Sandile emphasises the importance of teamwork for the betterment of South Africa's wine industry. He is part of the primary production council in the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) , focusing on the raw material and viticultural side of the industry. His role in SAWIPB is to upskill...

Ostrich farming is a significant industry in South Africa, offering extensive opportunities both locally and internationally. In this episode, Kabelo Lekalakala of Pitso Ostrich Farm in the North West provides essential insights on selecting an ideal location for ostrich farming, necessary infrastructure requirements, effective feed practices, and more.