Farmer's Inside Track

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...

Since its inception in 2022, Tri Toad Nursery has been a game changer in the commercial seedling and plant industry. Under the inspiring leadership of Sheena Paulus, this women-owned business based in Philippi, Cape Town, has rapidly grown into a powerhouse. Specialising in vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings, Tri Toad Nursery supplies major retail garden centres like Stodels, Cape Gardens, and...

In this episode, we are joined by Tumelo Makgaka , CEO and founder of Leruo. Makgaka discusses how technology has become instrumental and accessible in aiding livestock farmers with herd management and market access. He highlights the benefits of using the facial recognition technology on Leruo for record keeping, marketing, health management and traceability .

As energy costs soar, farmers are feeling the pressure to find sustainable solutions that keep their operations profitable. In this episode, we break down the Land Bank’s Agro-Energy Fund —a powerful blended finance option designed to help farmers access alternative energy sources. Craig Harrison , the Provincial Head of Land Bank in the Western Cape , joins us to guide listeners through each step...

In this special episode, we sit down with Chester Fisch , the newly crowned winner of Agri’s Got Talent 2024 , as he takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey to the top. From performing Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” to a heartfelt rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” Chester opens up about his song choices and the messages he hopes to inspire within South A...

In this insightful episode, we speak with Khomotso Mashiloane , Livestock Technical Advisor for the Red Meat Industry Services. Mashiloane offers valuable advice and information tailored for farmers aiming to optimise their approach to marketing cattle. His expertise serves as a practical guide for producers navigating the complexities of the red meat industry.

In this special episode, we catch up with five incredible contestants from the 2024 Agri’s Got Talent competition: Arno du Toit, Chanthel Boonzaaier, Sandile Mathebula, Franklin Hermanus and Bonginkosi Nkosi. Agri’s Got Talent, an annual event celebrating the hidden musical talents of South Africa’s agricultural workers, is not just a platform for vocal competition—it’s a development programme tha...

North West farmer, Ben Otukile’s solution for issues like poor condition and unexpected illnesses is Voermol Feeds. In this episode, he shares his customised feeding plan, a how it helps him ensure year-round health and optimal growth for his cattle and goats, even in tough conditions.   We'll also hear from Dr Josef van Wyngaard from Voermol Feeds, who provides a breakdown of the products us...

In this episode, we explore the booming global demand for ginger and its impact on agricultural economies worldwide. Join us as we sit down with Nozipho Puwana , an agricultural economist and founder of Agricultural Market Research Insights and Analyst . She shares her expert insights on the key drivers behind ginger’s growing popularity, the challenges faced by African producers, and the potentia...

In this special episode, we catch up with five incredible contestants from the 2024 Agri’s Got Talent competition: Chester Fisch, Lungelo Sithole, Davon Johnson, Arnaud Lamoër, and Ferencia Scheepers. Agri’s Got Talent , an annual event celebrating the hidden musical talents of South Africa’s agricultural workers, is not just a platform for vocal competition—it’s a development programme that empow...

Drawing on his extensive experience in farm management and his work as an agronomist and horticulturist, Tapiwa Masimba delves into the subject of crop protection. He examines the effectiveness and challenges of physical, chemical, and biological pest control methods, emphasising the significance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for sustainable farming. Additionally, he addresses practical stra...

In this episode, we delve into the new regulations for agricultural remedies introduced in 2023, marking a significant shift for South Africa’s agricultural sector. CropLife South Africa’s regulatory manager, Roleen la Grange , and regulatory specialist, Anushka Gokul , unpack these changes. From stricter requirements for trials to global harmonisation standards, this episode explores the complexi...

In this episode, we delve into an essential topic for livestock farmers and animal health professionals: controlling tick-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis in cattle, through pasture rotation. We are joined by Kenneth Malatji , an experienced animal health technician, and Dr Caryn Shacklock , a specialist in livestock epidemiology and Laboratory Manager, to discuss how pasture rotation can help...

In this episode, we delve into a game-changing opportunity for South African farmers – the Agro-Energy Fund. Craig Harrison , provincial head of Land Bank in the Western Cape, discusses how this government-backed initiative offers both grants and loans to help farmers transition to alternative energy sources like solar power. Designed to tackle the ongoing energy crisis, the fund empowers farmers...

Karen Swanepoel, the Executive Director of the Southern African Essential Oil Producer Association (SAEOPA ), explores the vibrant landscape of essential oils in South Africa. She delves into the key essential oils produced in the country and highlights how the industry has evolved over time. In this episode, Swanepoel offers valuable insights into the opportunities available for South African far...

South African farmers must comply with the Hazardous Substances Act of 1973 when using pesticides, especially Group 1 Category B products.   In this article, we explore the details of Group 1 Category A and Group 1 Category B hazardous substances, focusing specifically on agricultural remedies and how they are regulated under Act No. 15 of 1973.   Hiresh Ramanand , a stewardship speciali...

In this episode, we highlight the "Opportunities for Youth" initiative by ALL4YOUTH and Nestlé , exploring how it helps guide the youth in agriculture to make informed career decisions. We also introduce the launch of their Eguide, designed to support young professionals in the industry. Joining us are Comfort Tshisikule , youth and learning & development lead at Nestlé , and Masego More , CEO...

In this episode, Jurie Giliomee , a fourth-generation farmer from the Bredasdorp area in the Western Cape, shares the story of his family farm and how it has evolved over the decades.   We delve into the key decisions that have shaped their success in cash cropping—specifically canola, wheat, barley, and oats—and discuss their innovative crop rotation strategies that leverage farming data to...

Pig farming can be a profitable venture when approached with careful planning and knowledge, particularly in the areas of breeding and genetics. In this episode, seasoned pig farmer and fynbos producer Roland Trout discusses the importance of investing in quality genetics, ensuring proper nutrition, and implementing health management strategies to enhance growth rates and meat quality. Roland also...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of farmer health and the challenges facing farming communities in South Africa. Joining us is grain farmer Jurie Giliomee from Bredasdorp who shares the realities on the ground, discussing mental health, community support, and the challenges facing local farmers. André Weavers , a licensed clinical social worker, brings his expertise to the table, ad...

In this episode, recorded live at Nampo Cape 2024, we’re joined by leaders from Land Bank . We hear from Themba Rikhotso , CEO of Land Bank, as he reflects on the bank’s journey out of a four-year default, discussing key strategies for recovery, priorities for restoring stakeholder confidence, and the impact on agricultural financing, especially for small-scale and emerging farmers. Craig Harrison...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sandra Ndlovu , regional communication officer for Southern Africa at Fairtrade Africa. Sandra recently sat down with Food For Mzansi co-founder, Ivor Price, at the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference, hosted by Drakenstein Municipality. She’ll explore how Fairtrade certification unlocks new market opportunities, boosts financial growth, and p...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rico Basson , chief executive officer of South Africa Wine whose mission it is to enable the wine industry to become more robust, transformed, agile and competitive. Part of that is to emphasise inclusivity and sustainability in its operations. Rico has been leading SA Wine since June 2023, following an impressive tenure as the executive director of Vinpro, the rep...

Production planning is essential to optimise resource use, minimise waste, and ensure consistent yields. It helps farmers align their farming practices with market demands and seasonal variations, leading to improved profitability. Additionally, proper planning aids in managing risks like climate change and fluctuating input costs, ensuring sustainability in operations. In this episode, Nqaba Mfax...

In this episode, we highlight Mogamat Abrahams , a chilli farmer from the Western Cape, as we explore the world of chilli production and the benefits of agro-processing. Discover how farmers like Mogamat are maximising their yields by creating a diverse range of chilli-based products, from fresh and dried chillies to sauces, relishes, and even medicinal goods.