Farmer's Inside Track

In this episode, we unpack an often-overlooked but crucial part of farming: workplace accidents and labour law compliance.  Our guest, Stephan Pietersen, founder of Work Accident Support, explains how he helps farmers and farm workers navigate the complex world of South Africa’s labour legislation, specifically the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Stephan break...

Behind every cut of meat is a story of farmers, veterinarians, and inspectors working to protect your health.  In this episode, powered by the Red Meat Producers' Organisation, Dr Shayna Louw , Veterinary Public Health Veterinarian at the Red Meat Abattoir Association , takes us through the hidden systems that keep meat free from harmful bacteria and residues.  From farm to fridge, disco...

The 2025 edition of Agri’s Got Talent (AGT) ended on a high note when Patensie-born Jenedine Jantjies took the crown, bringing immense pride to her small Eastern Cape community. In this inspiring episode, Jantjies reflects on the whirlwind of emotions she felt when her name was announced, the overwhelming support from her hometown, and her journey from babysitting the children of farmworkers to di...

South Africa has become a global leader in agricultural biotechnology – ranking eighth worldwide in biotech crop production.  With adoption rates of 87% for maize, 95% for soybean, and 100% for cotton, farmers are proving the value of genetically engineered crops in the face of climate stress, pests, and rising costs. In this episode, Kerry Rowlands, field agronomist at Pannar Seed, explains...

In this episode, we dive into the essentials of greenhouse crop protection and why it’s a game-changer for farmers. From scouting and biosecurity to the role of beneficial insects and organic solutions, we explore practical strategies to keep pests and diseases under control. With insights from MJ Nunes of Sable Creek Farms, you’ll learn common mistakes to avoid, sustainable methods to protect you...

Strong, fertile goats. Fewer parasite problems. Herds that bounce back quickly after kidding. Sounds too good to be true? Not for farmers like Sizwe Thusi in KwaZulu-Natal, who rely on Voermol Game Block to keep their goats in peak condition all year round. In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Voermol Game Block with Dr. Josef van Wyngaard, Voermol Feeds’ technical manager.  We break do...

In this special pre-competition episode, we bring you intimate interviews with all the contestants of Agri’s Got Talent 2025.  You’ll hear about the highs, the nerves, and the moments that surprised them during the intense training week. They share how training week was filled with unforgettable moments and breakthroughs that pushed them beyond their comfort zones.

The Free State is often called South Africa’s breadbasket — a province rich in farming heritage and central to the nation’s food security. But in the face of climate shifts, economic pressures, and mounting systemic risks, what does the future hold for its farmers? In this episode of Farmers Inside Track , we sit down with the leadership team of Free State Agriculture (FSA) — CEO Gernie Botha, Pre...

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, we explore the ins and outs of running a successful mixed farming enterprise. Drawing on years of experience, Loyiso Mbete offers practical strategies for balancing crops and livestock, planning around market demand, and making the most of every resource on the farm.  From the importance of gravel roads and fencing to the role of record-keeping, biosec...

US tariff measures are shaking up global agriculture, and South Africa is not immune. Despite worries over inflation and market stability, the world economy shows early resilience. Find out what’s at stake and how to stay ahead. Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

Shifting trade patterns and China’s shifting demand are reshaping global grain flows, while locally maize and soybeans stay strong and wheat remains at the mercy of global prices. Explore the why and how with the vodcast. Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

Beef prices are rebounding, driven by stronger incomes, festive demand and tighter supply from foot-and-mouth outbreaks. What’s next for livestock sector recovery? Find out now! Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

South Africa’s 2025’s high-value export season entails fierce competition with countries facing lower tariffs such as Chile, Peru, Morocco and Kenya. Discover which crops could benefit from shifting shipping routes, and which will fight harder for EU shelf space. Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

As consumer pressures ease in 2025, South Africa’s vegetable prices stay up, shaped by climate, supply and seasonal cycles. Tune in for vegetable market insights. Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

As South Africa’s water landscape evolves, sustainable management and ESG insights are key to navigating risk, boosting resilience and creating long-term value. Tune in for insights on sustainable water management in agriculture. Download the Absa AgriTrends Spring 2025 here: https://bit.ly/agritrends25

In this episode, we meet DJ Meades (33) from Petrusburg, a farmer who believes that training his employees also makes him stronger.  With 12 years of farming experience, he manages two enterprises, grows vegetables, and proudly runs a pecan tree nursery he established himself. DJ shares how he has adapted management practices to increase profitability, expanded irrigation, and modified equipm...

In this episode, we explore how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are revolutionising farming across South Africa. Dr Tara Southey, post-doctoral researcher at Stellenbosch University and founder of TerraClim, shares how farmers can use heat maps, temperature profiles, and drone data to make smarter, more profitable decisions.  From visualising soil nutrient concentrations to tracking hour...

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...