Farmer's Inside Track

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, discover how meat is kept safe, common myths about handling it at home, and practical tips to ensure the meat on your plate is always wholesome.

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 discovering her place in agriculture.AGT project manager Thea van Zyl also joins the conversation, sharing why the competition is about so much more than music. From confidence-building to community upliftment, AGT has been transforming lives for over a decade - proving that agriculture’s greatest stories are not only found in the fields, but also on the stage.Tune in to hear Jenedine’s story of resilience, passion, and pride, and learn why her kindness, smile, and love for music set her apart as this year’s shining star.

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 how biotech crops are boosting productivity, profitability, and sustainability. From insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to stacked traits and new advances like drought tolerance, Kerry breaks down the science, the safety checks, and the stewardship practices that make this technology so powerfu

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 your crops, and how to make your greenhouse system more resilient and market-ready.

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 down its benefits, explain how to use it effectively, and share why so many farmers consider it essential for sustainable goat and livestock farming.

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, President Francois Wilken, and Vice President Friedl von Maltitz. Together, they reflect on the realities, challenges, and opportunities shaping farming in the province today.

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, biosecurity, and risk management, this conversation is packed with valuable insights for small-scale and new era farmers looking to build profitable, sustainable businesses. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 equipment to improve efficiency and time management.Beyond the farm, he plays an active role in his community as a member of the Perdeberg Farmers’ Association and by supporting local safety patrols and road maintenance.

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 hours of heat or coolness that affect plant growth, Southey explains why aligning with terrain variables can directly boost returns. Whether it’s integrating satellite imagery, aerial photography, or precision drone mapping, this conversation reveals how farmers can use GIS to adapt to climate change, improve yields, and secure a sustainable future.

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 explains how Molatek’s team, systems, and traceability practices go far beyond compliance, building a foundation of trust with farmers across South Africa and beyond.

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 investment in physical and digital infrastructure, stable regulatory frameworks, and addressing corruption to attract investors and foster seamless trade within the continent. This episode underscores the powerful truth that "trade is better than aid" for empowering communities and building a thriving, ethical, and sustainable future for Africa. We also highlight the importance of succession planning and supporting the youth in agriculture, alongside the rapid implementation of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

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 discover how seed analysts use science to ensure seeds are healthy and ready to grow, why their work forms the very foundation of quality for the entire agricultural industry, and how a passion for science can open the door to a meaningful career in a field you might not even know exists.

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 future.But Tienie’s story goes beyond the farm. As chairman of the Hoopstad Agricultural Society, a member of Grain SA, and director of the Hoopstad Sport Academy, he is deeply committed to uplifting his community and walking the extra mile to make a difference.In this episode, Tienie shares his journey, his vision for growth, and the heart behind his desire to leave a lasting impact on both agriculture and his community.