Farmer's Inside Track

In episode 4 of our special Nedbank series, we spotlight Bathabile Masemola, the dynamic co-founder of Green Leafy Growers. From discovering an entrepreneurship programme on Facebook to building a thriving agribusiness that supplies major retailers, Masemola’s journey embodies resilience, innovation, and the power of the right support. Join us as we explore how Nedbank’s commitment to mentorship,...

In this episode, leaders from Wieta, Fairtrade Africa, and Stronger Together discuss how they are transforming South Africa’s wine industry amid market pressures and labour challenges. Christone Hornsby, Emerentia Patientia, and Evan Cupido explain how strong ethical standards, fair wages, responsible recruitment, and collaborative training initiatives are promoting dignity and respect for workers...

In this episode, we unpack how farmers can keep their cattle, goats, and sheep healthy and productive during periods of heavy rainfall and intense storms. Livestock technical advisor at RMIS, Ernest Makua, breaks down the real risks wet seasons bring, from waterlogged pastures and hoof diseases to lightning hazards. He offers practical, affordable strategies to protect ruminants on the ground. Lea...

In part 3 of our special Farmer’s Inside Track series with Nedbank, we explore how Subtrop is transforming the lives and businesses of emerging farmers in Limpopo. Subtrop’s transformation manager, Stephen Mantsho, breaks down the organisation’s practical approach — from technical training and Global GAP accreditation to improved market access and the rise of black-owned packhouses and processing...

Sunflower crops in South Africa face increasing challenges from heat stress and drought, impacting yield and oil quality. Pannar agronomists, including Corné van der Westhuizen, emphasise the importance of managing these stresses through smart hybrid selection and optimal planting dates.  This episode offers science-based advice on avoiding critical stress periods, improving resilience, and m...

Join Richardt Scholtz, agronomist for Netafim Southern and East Africa, as he shares practical insights on maximising water efficiency and crop performance. Learn why understanding your soil is key, how precision drip irrigation targets feeder roots, and why oxygen in the soil is crucial for nutrient uptake. Scholtz also explains how monitoring, adjusting irrigation, and using technology can preve...

SoilSistas, a partnership between Corteva Agriscience and GIBS, proudly celebrates 50 empowered women farmers graduating this year. The 12-month programme equips rural women with sustainable farming, financial literacy, and business skills to overcome barriers and boost food security.  Graduates like Dora Masehela from Limpopo testify to the powerful mix of classroom learning and hands-on tra...

In this episode, we focus on Voermol Protein Block, a practical and highly flexible feed solution designed to help your cattle grow, stay healthy, and perform at their best. Joining us is Dr. Josef van Wyngaard, Technical Manager at Voermol Feeds, who explains what Protein Block is, how it differs from other protein supplements or licks, and what farmers can expect when introducing it to their her...

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Lerato Aliu, CEO of Roadgrass Investments, shares her powerful journey of stepping into her family’s broiler farming legacy and scaling it into a 600 000-bird-per-cycle operation across Mpumalanga and Gauteng.  She opens up about honouring her father’s vision, being a woman in the industry, navigating financial challenges, embracing AI-driven innovati...

In episode 2 of this Farmer’s Inside Track series with Nedbank, we explore how African Greeneurs is turning young South Africans into thriving agripreneurs. With practical training, market access, and Nedbank’s backing, these future farmers are growing businesses, creating jobs, and transforming communities.

For its seventh birthday, Food For Mzansi isn’t celebrating with cake. It’s listening. The “Stand up and be counted” campaign invites farmers, farmworkers, and agripreneurs nationwide to share their stories, creating South Africa’s most inclusive agricultural survey yet. By combining storytelling with data, the platform aims to give a voice to the often-overlooked, reveal the sector’s real diversi...

In this episode, Dr Siphe Zantsi, agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), breaks down the importance of formalising your farming business. From registering your farm and keeping accurate records to choosing the right business structure and opening a dedicated bank account, Zantsi explains how formalisation builds credibility, attracts investment, opens new market opportu...

This is part 1 of a special series with Nedbank, unpacking the bank’s R7,1 million investment to support South Africa’s next generation of farmers. In this episode, Dr Nirmala Reddy explains how two major programmes are helping young and established farmers build sustainable, future-ready agricultural businesses. We explore Nedbank’s African Greeneurs programme, supporting young farmers with land,...

In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we dive into Pannar Seed’s Panagri™ research programme. De Bruyn Myburgh, agronomy manager at Pannar Seed and a key driver of the programme, shares how they use precision agriculture and multi-regional trials to help farmers optimise yields and maximise profits. These trials, supported by the Pannar Sprout mobile app, ensure farmers get accurate, profitabl...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Andries Masoga of Mazeli Farming and Projects, a family-run agribusiness in Limpopo that grew from a small backyard garden into a thriving 140-hectare enterprise. Andries shares how his wife, Tsakani Masoga’s passion for home gardening sparked a journey that now spans tomatoes, potatoes, butternut, and peppadew under formal offtake agreements w...

In this episode, we focus on Voermol SS200, a specially formulated concentrate designed to support small stock performance. Joining us is Dr. Josef van Wyngaard, Technical Manager at Voermol Feeds, who explains what SS200 is for, which animals benefit most, and the early signs farmers should watch for when introducing it into their feeding programme. We’ll explore how SS200 can support fertility a...

Join agricultural economist Joseph Kau from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) as he explores how indigenous crops can thrive profitably through agroecology.  Kau explains how agroecology balances ecological sustainability, social justice, and economic viability. He shares insights on how crops like rooibos tea and Karoo lamb demonstrate the power of respecting local knowledge, securing...

In this episode, we spotlight Netafim Southern & East Africa and its mission to drive water-smart farming across the continent. Managing director Michael Esmeraldo unpacks how precision irrigation is transforming African agriculture, from boosting yields and conserving water to helping farmers meet future sustainability standards. He shares insights on Netafim’s efforts to make drip irrigation...

After 24 years of teaching agricultural sciences, Phaladi Motsole swapped the classroom for the fields – building a thriving maize enterprise in the Free State.  In this episode, he shares how his academic background influenced his farming journey, the challenges of securing funding and scaling up, and the importance of discipline, commitment, and passion in the agricultural sector.

In this episode, we focus on Voermol Premix 450, a specially formulated feed supplement designed to enhance cattle growth, condition, and reproductive performance.  Dr. Josef van Wyngaard, Technical Manager at Voermol Feeds, explores what sets Premix 450 apart from other protein licks and fattening mixes. Whether you’re a seasoned cattle farmer or just starting out, this episode offers action...

In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track , we dive into the essentials of establishing productive pastures for livestock with agricultural researcher Patrick Rakau from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC). From understanding soil types and rainfall patterns in South Africa to choosing the right cultivars and preparing land effectively, Rakau shares practical, science-based guidance for every l...

In this episode, we head to the Free State to meet Johannes Willem (JW) Dercksen, who has been farming alongside his father in Hertzogville for the past four years.  After gaining international experience working in the United States, JW returned home with a clear vision: to achieve maximum yields on minimum hectares while staying true to his philosophy of “back to basics.” JW shares insights...

Every cattle farmer wants the same thing - faster-growing calves, high-performing cows, and resilient herds that thrive through every season. In this episode, we’re diving into Voermol SB100 — a feed supplement that’s transforming herds across South Africa. Farmers like Maungo Mokgoje in the Northern Cape swear by it for boosting weight gain and herd resilience, even in the toughest, driest condit...

The success of a maize crop begins long before green shoots break through the soil – it starts with germination. In this episode, Kerry Rowlands, seasoned field agronomist at Pannar Seed, unpacks why planting depth, soil moisture, and nutrient support are the “terms and conditions” for a strong start. From the science behind seed activation to the risks of cold injury and the role of starter ferti...

In this episode, abattoir manager and meat inspector Jeremiah Jothams unpacks why supplying poultry to abattoirs can be more profitable and sustainable than selling live birds. He explains the compliance requirements under the Meat Safety Act, including environmental impact assessments, water rights, and health declarations. Jothams also shares practical insights on biosecurity risks, vaccination,...