Farmer's Inside Track
Episodes
Beyond certification: Fairtrade Africa’s DONUTS agenda
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Certification provides a standard, but it doesn’t solve every challenge on the farm. Fairtrade Africa’s DONUTS programme, led by Thomas Mukhebi, i...
Inga Qeja: From lockdown spinach to farming success
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eastern Cape commercial vegetable farmer and Bayi Holdings founder Inga Qeja shares how a spinach harvest during the Covid-19 lockdown sparked his jou...
How to set up grazing camps for healthier pastures
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We explore how farmers can assess and manage pasture health with expert guidance from the ARC. Learn why annual field condition assessments are crucia...
Lessons from a third-generation farmer
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How the DONUTS wine project empowers SA farmworkers
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fairtrade Africa has created a space where farmworkers speak directly to management. In this episode, we learn how the Dignified Opportunities Nurture...
A practical guide to agro-processing for farmers
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how agro-processing can help South African farmers diversify&n...
Castor beans: Establishing a niche crop enterprise
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lesedi Moseki, an agricultural economist and founder of iGroVest Group, discusses building a niche agribusiness from the ground up. From leaving forma...
How Wieta Labour Desk empowers wine workers
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
South African wine's vine-to-bottle journey thrives on fair labour, yet gaps in training and awareness leave seasonal harvesters and staff vulnerable ...
How Fairtrade and DONUTS empower workers in the wine industry
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, farmworkers in the wine industry laboured in silence, unsure of their rights and excluded from decisions that shaped their lives. Through...
Making every drop count: Water efficiency in agriculture
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Water scarcity in South Africa is one of agriculture’s biggest challenges. In this episode, Marco Appel, agricultural economist at Netafim Southern ...
Wieta Fair Labour Seal: Dignity in every South African wine bottle
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ethical wine production often stumbles on vague promises and unchecked supply chains. The Wieta Fair Labour Seal raises the standard by serving as a t...
Why farm insurance is vital for your future
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore why farm insurance has become a critical business tool for South African farmers facing unpredictable weather, rising cost...
Vincent Masiu: Building a thriving mixed farming operation
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we meet Free State farmer Vincent Masiu, who is transforming a land reform farm into a thriving mixed farming operation. From maize a...
How precision irrigation is changing sugarcane production
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how precision drip irrigation is transforming sugarcane production across Africa. Gary Francis from Netafim shares insight...
Practical steps to protect livestock from pneumonia
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pneumonia is one of the most costly and dangerous diseases in livestock, especially for young, stressed, or newly managed animals. In this episode, an...
The business of farming with Meshack Ndongeni
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of award-winning commercial farmer Meshack Ndongeni. From his early days on a small family plot in ...
How carbon credits are shaping sustainable agriculture
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Carbon credits are gaining traction across various industries, but they are also emerging as a new opportunity within agriculture. In this episode, we...
Establishing a commercial pomegranate orchard
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, award-winning pomegranate producer Debbie Theunissen, owner and managing director of Bovenvlei Farm in the...
Seriti Institute builds resilient communities through integrated development
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Community development often fails due to fragmented efforts and short-lived gains. Seriti Institute changes the narrative by acting as a vital facilit...
What every producer should know about seed genetics
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, plant pathologist Dr Godfrey Kgatle explains how seed genetics influence farm profitability, resilience, and food security in South A...
Dale Hutton: Mastering resilience and efficiency in dairy farming
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we speak to Dale Hutton, the 2025 Toyota SA Kwanalu Young Farmer of the Year, about his journey from envir...
Culdevco and Cultipowered drive inclusive growth in SA’s fruit industry
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry thrives on the dynamic partnership between Culdevco and Cultipowered, blending cutting-edge research with me...
From farmer to CEO: Building an agripreneur mindset
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak with Steven Francis, CEO and founder of Franchising Made Easy, about how farmers can move beyond production to become succes...
Drip irrigation: Optimising water and crop production
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Francois Fourie, a farmer and irrigation designer, shares his expertise in precision irrigation. He explai...
Cattle, Care & Commitment: Pholisa Bidla’s journey in livestock farming
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Pholisa Bidla, a livestock farmer managing a successful meat operation in the Eastern Cape, operates entirely from her home in Gauten...
Building organic matter for healthier soils
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, crop scientist and agronomist Dikgang Molebatsi shares practical insights on building and maintaining soil...
Curiosity fuels Lesego Mohube’s commercial success
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this Farmer Mentor episode, we follow the inspiring journey of Lesego Mohube from Gauteng, who discovered her calling in agriculture. What began as...
Maximising poultry feed
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Limpopo poultry farmer and agripreneur Kamogelo Thobejane shares practical, experience-driven tips to help...
How technology is shaping SA’s red meat industry
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Technology and innovation are rapidly transforming the red meat supply chain, addressing questions about authenticity, safety, and environmental stewa...
Desry Lesele: Finance guru empowering SA farmers
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, chartered accountant Desry Lesele, driven by his Limpopo farm roots and role as Nedbank's senior agriculture manager, shows farmers h...
Craig Carter’s beef farming blueprint for sustainability
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Farmer’s Inside Track as Craig Carter, a seasoned livestock farmer with 25 years’ experience, shares his journey from electrical technician t...
SA wine industry sets the bar for sustainable trade
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa’s wine industry is uniting behind a powerful ESG vision that puts people, planet, and profit on equal footing. In this episode, South A...
Nedbank champions the next generation of SA farmers
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 4 of our special Nedbank series, we spotlight Bathabile Masemola, the dynamic co-founder of Green Leafy Growers. From discovering an entrep...
Building a fair and sustainable future for SA’s wine industry
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, leaders from Wieta, Fairtrade Africa, and Stronger Together discuss how they are transforming South Africa’s wine industry amid mar...
Managing livestock during high rainfall seasons
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack how farmers can keep their cattle, goats, and sheep healthy and productive during periods of heavy rainfall and intense sto...
Inside Limpopo’s farming transformation: Subtrop & Nedbank’s impact
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 farm...
How to protect sunflower yields from heat stress and drought
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sunflower crops in South Africa face increasing challenges from heat stress and drought, impacting yield and oil quality. Pannar agronomists, includin...
Drip irrigation: Make every drop count with Netafim
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join Richardt Scholtz, agronomist for Netafim Southern and East Africa, as he shares practical insights on maximising water efficiency and crop perfor...
How SoilSistas empowers women farmers in South Africa
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SoilSistas, a partnership between Corteva Agriscience and GIBS, proudly celebrates 50 empowered women farmers graduating this year. The 12-month progr...
Voermol protein block: Supporting cattle growth and fertility
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Lerato Aliu builds broiler farming legacy
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Lerato Aliu, CEO of Roadgrass Investments, shares her powerful journey of stepping into her family’s bro...
African Greeneurs & Nedbank: Cultivating Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 2 of this Farmer’s Inside Track series with Nedbank, we explore how African Greeneurs is turning young South Africans into thriving agrip...
Stand up and be counted: Food For Mzansi’s bold birthday call
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For its seventh birthday, Food For Mzansi isn’t celebrating with cake. It’s listening. The “Stand up and be counted” campaign invites farmers,...
Taking your agribusiness from informal to formal
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr Siphe Zantsi, agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), breaks down the importance of formalising your fa...
Nedbank backs SA’s next-gen farmers with R7.1m
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Boost yields with Pannar's precision Panagri™ programme
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we dive into Pannar Seed’s Panagri™ research programme. De Bruyn Myburgh, agronomy manager at Pannar See...
How Andries Masoga built a thriving agribusiness
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Voermol SS200: A practical feed solution for productive small stock
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on Voermol SS200, a specially formulated concentrate designed to support small stock performance.Joining us is Dr. Josef van...
How agroecology opens new markets for indigenous crops
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join agricultural economist Joseph Kau from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) as he explores how indigenous crops can thrive profitably through ...
How Netafim is powering Africa’s water-smart farming revolution
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we spotlight Netafim Southern & East Africa and its mission to drive water-smart farming across the continent. Managing director ...
The teacher who grew a farming empire
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After 24 years of teaching agricultural sciences, Phaladi Motsole swapped the classroom for the fields – building a thriving maize enterprise in the...
Boosting cattle performance with Voermol Premix 450
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on Voermol Premix 450, a specially formulated feed supplement designed to enhance cattle growth, condition, and reproductive...
How to establish and manage productive grazing systems
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we dive into the essentials of establishing productive pastures for livestock with agricultural researcher P...
From America to Hertzogville: How JW is farming smarter
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pa...
Voermol SB100: The secret to thriving cattle in tough times
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every cattle farmer wants the same thing - faster-growing calves, high-performing cows, and resilient herds that thrive through every season.In this e...
Getting germination right: Practical tips for strong yields
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The success of a maize crop begins long before green shoots break through the soil – it starts with germination. In this episode, Kerry Rowlands, se...
How to grow your poultry business with abattoirs
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, abattoir manager and meat inspector Jeremiah Jothams unpacks why supplying poultry to abattoirs can be more profitable and sustainabl...
Why workplace accident compliance matters in agriculture
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we unpack an often-overlooked but crucial part of farming: workplace accidents and labour law compliance. Our guest, Stephan Pie...
Meat safety: What every consumer needs to know
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Agri’s Got Talent 2025: Singing agriworker shines bright
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Biotech crops: Securing the future of South African farming
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa has become a global leader in agricultural biotechnology – ranking eighth worldwide in biotech crop production. With adoption rate...
Greenhouse crop protection
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Voermol Game Block: Keeping goats strong, year-round
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Strong, fertile goats. Fewer parasite problems. Herds that bounce back quickly after kidding. Sounds too good to be true? Not for farmers like Sizwe T...
Agri’s Got Talent: Getting to know the contestants behind the mic
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special pre-competition episode, we bring you intimate interviews with all the contestants of Agri’s Got Talent 2025. You’ll hear abo...
Free State agriculture: Challenges and opportunities
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Making mixed farming work
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Absa’s view on water
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As South Africa’s water landscape evolves, sustainable management and ESG insights are key to navigating risk, boosting resilience and creating long...
The dynamics behind rising vegetable prices
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As consumer pressures ease in 2025, South Africa’s vegetable prices stay up, shaped by climate, supply and seasonal cycles.Tune in for vegetable mar...
Global fruit face-off
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
South Africa’s 2025’s high-value export season entails fierce competition with countries facing lower tariffs such as Chile, Peru, Morocco and Ken...
Beefing up this season
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beef prices are rebounding, driven by stronger incomes, festive demand and tighter supply from foot-and-mouth outbreaks.What’s next for livestock se...
Maize momentum and soybean surprises
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Shifting trade patterns and China’s shifting demand are reshaping global grain flows, while locally maize and soybeans stay strong and wheat remains...
Navigating uncertainty amid global policy shifts
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US tariff measures are shaking up global agriculture, and South Africa is not immune. Despite worries over inflation and market stability, the world e...
DJ Meades says smart farming starts with training workers
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are revolutionising farming across South Africa
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are revolutionising farming across South Africa. Dr Tara Southey, post-doctoral r...
Molatek’s animal feed quality goes beyond the bag
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we take you inside Molatek’s uncompromising world of quality assurance, where every bag, block, and bucket of feed carries the weig...
Unlocking Intra-Africa Trade | Beyond The Label
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover why intra-Africa trade is extremely crucial for promoting economies, leveraging the continent's vast resources (population, arable land), and...
Seed analyst: The unsung hero of food supplies
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Tienie grows pecan trees on a serious scale
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For farmer and community leader Tienie Prinsloo (36), agriculture is more than a livelihood. After 15 years of farming alongside his father, he h...
Building Ethical African Markets | Beyond The Label
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Investigate the evolving landscape of fair trade in dynamic markets like Kenya and South Africa. While awareness and demand for fair trade products ar...
How Corteva Agriscience empowers women farmers
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Women have always been the backbone of agriculture, yet their contributions are too often invisible. In this episode, we spotlight SoilSistas - progra...
Breeding better: Bull performance testing
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 scie...
Sorghum’s comeback: Why It Matters Now
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Once the cornerstone of African diets, sorghum is making a powerful return to South Africa’s fields. With deep cultural roots, exceptional drought r...
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities | Beyond The Label
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unpack the crucial role of women across the value chain, who are driving change within African agriculture. We highlight Fairtrade’s comprehensive g...
Farming safely: BASF’s mission for safe farming
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeding people while protecting the planet and agricultural workers is no easy task. In this episode, we chat with Mary Willemse, campaign manager at ...
From pharmacy to farming: Vumile Mzinzi's farming revolution
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Vumile Mzinzi is no ordinary farmer. After building a successful career as a pharmacist, he returned to his family's farm in the Eastern Cape, combini...
Wieta's tool to support black wine producers
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For too long, historical barriers have limited who gets to succeed in South Africa's wine industry, but now, the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Tr...
Sustainability and Climate Resilience | Beyond The Label
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Discover how Fairtrade Africa empowers farmers to combat climate change threats by supporting them to not only grow food but also grow people. Learn a...
Animal Health: Tackling FMD in livestock
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on what South Africa’s Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) control efforts mean for farmers on the ground. Veterinary expert...
How Mmadipilo built a farming brand and agritourism venture
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a deep and heartfelt conversation with Mmadipilo Letlape, a dynamic livestock farmer and founder of Nature Nation Camp. Through her pe...
How to grow sorghum like a pro
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thinking of growing sorghum? Discover expert tips on top varieties, ideal planting times, and why this drought-resilient crop could be one of your mos...
Maize hybrids: Making the right choice before putting seed in the ground
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When planting season rolls around, your seed choice might seem like a small detail, but it could be your biggest decision.In this episode, we dig deep...
Lesedi goes from town planning to poultry power
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we’re joined by a true trailblazer — Lesedi Gaabue, the first Black woman to graduate in town planning...
Farming with a plan: Agribusiness essentials
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Siziphiwe Jojo, agricultural economist and head of business at Agricast Advisory Services, to unpack the essential e...
From auction to agri-tourism: Henrey Gibbs' journey of self-taught farming
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Henrey Gibbs, a first-generation, self-taught livestock farmer from Klerksdorp, North West. Henrey shares how a trip...
GreenCape: Water-wise farming in the Western Cape
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No rain, no gain? Not quite. In this episode of Food For Mzansi, we dive into the water challenges facing Western Cape farmers, and the cost-effective...
Musa Nhlapo’s wine journey with SAWIPB
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this inspiring episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we meet Musa Nhlapo, a passionate wine entrepreneur from the township of Kagiso. With grit, vision...
The Kalahari Red goat: A breed built for South Africa
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore why Kalahari Red goats are becoming the breed of choice for many South African farmers. Join us as we speak to Leroy ...
Beyond the Field: Suksesvolle Finansiële Vennootskappe in die Boerderybedryf
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Beyond the Field, aangebied deur John Deere Financial en gefasiliteer deur Anrich Herbst, bring Antois van der Westhuizen (besturende direkteur, ...
Beyond the Field: How finance and technology drive sustainable farming success
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ready to take your farm to the next level? Join us for a lively panel discussion where we’ll explore how South African farmers, both seasoned pros a...
Mosa Balesamang's journey in animal science and sheep farming
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Mosa Balesamang, an animal scientist, livestock consultant, and passionate sheep farmer making waves both in t...