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The Farmer's Inside Track podcast is proudly presented by www.FoodForMzansi.co.za. It is aimed at South Africa’s up-and-coming farmers and new entrants into farming and agri-businesses who need information and inspiration to help them start up and get up to sprinting speed as commercial producers and/or agri-processors.
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741 Episodes
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South Africa’s deciduous fruit industry thrives on the dynamic partnership between Culdevco and Cultipowered, blending cutting-edge research with meaningful upliftment for growers across the board. In this episode, Culdevco’s general manager, Mishkaat Anderson, reveals how they commercialise ARC-bred cultivars like Ruby Sun stone fruit and Cheeky pears, emphasising profitability, climate adaptability, disease resistance, and low-input sustainability for superior export performance. Dr Konanani Liphadzi, Cultipowered chair, highlights how they are reinvesting royalties, via their 51% stake, into equitable access, rural infrastructure, bursaries, and capacity-building to transform the fruit industry inclusively.
In this episode, we speak with Steven Francis, CEO and founder of Franchising Made Easy, about how farmers can move beyond production to become successful agripreneurs. Francis shares practical strategies for adding value to farm produce, diversifying crops, and accessing both local and export markets. He explains how farmers can see themselves as CEOs of their own farms, adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, and identify opportunities for fast-moving crops to strengthen cash flow. Listeners will gain insight into using market information and pricing tools, building farm management and technical skills, and preparing produce for premium markets through effective branding.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Francois Fourie, a farmer and irrigation designer, shares his expertise in precision irrigation. He explains how he turned a small demonstration unit near Polokwane into a fully operational farm, using Netafim’s advanced drip irrigation systems and fertiliser dosing technologies. Francois discusses how these irrigation innovations optimise water use, improve crop yields, and provide practical insights for farmers looking to implement precision irrigation on their own farms.
In this episode, Pholisa Bidla, a livestock farmer managing a successful meat operation in the Eastern Cape, operates entirely from her home in Gauteng. From helping her family care for a small herd of cattle as a child to taking full responsibility for the farm after the loss of her parents and brother, she shares her journey, challenges, and hard-earned lessons.Bidla discusses everything from breeding programmes, veterinary care, and biosecurity to the importance of strong relationships with neighbours, employees, and the department of agriculture.She also offers practical advice for new farmers entering the livestock industry.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, crop scientist and agronomist Dikgang Molebatsi shares practical insights on building and maintaining soil organic matter for healthier, more resilient farms. He explains what soil organic matter is, why carbon is critical for fertility, and how factors such as tillage, residue management, cover crops, and livestock impact soil health.Dikhang also discusses the role of climate change, composting, crop rotations, and emerging innovations in boosting organic matter, improving water retention, and enhancing nutrient cycling. Tune in to learn how to sustain soil life, increase crop productivity, and create a long-term, self-sustaining farming system.
In this Farmer Mentor episode, we follow the inspiring journey of Lesego Mohube from Gauteng, who discovered her calling in agriculture. What began as curiosity soon became a passion for vegetable production. Lesego quickly advanced into the commercial sector, a rare achievement so early in a farming career.Today, she supplies one of South Africa’s largest fresh produce markets. Join us as Lesego shares her story of discovery, resilience, and building a thriving career in agriculture.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Limpopo poultry farmer and agripreneur Kamogelo Thobejane shares practical, experience-driven tips to help South African producers maximise every kilogram of poultry feed. From understanding protein, vitamins, minerals and age-specific formulations to spotting poor-quality feed, preventing spillage, adjusting feeders, and avoiding costly mistakes like constant brand switching, Kamogelo breaks down the essentials of efficient, profitable broiler and layer production. Whether you’re a new or seasoned poultry farmer, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to improve bird performance.
Technology and innovation are rapidly transforming the red meat supply chain, addressing questions about authenticity, safety, and environmental stewardship. As consumers seek clearer assurances about what they eat, the industry is rolling out new tools and practices that restore trust and promote responsible farming. In this episode, Michaela Pretorius, a technical manager at Cavalier, shares how forward-thinking approaches, from traceability to data-driven quality improvements, are reimagining meat production from farm to table. Technology and innovation, led by red meat industry role players, aim to build trust, ensure sustainability, and deliver consistently high-quality meat.
In this episode, chartered accountant Desry Lesele, driven by his Limpopo farm roots and role as Nedbank's senior agriculture manager, shows farmers how to conquer rising costs, weather volatility, and tight margins with tailored financial tools for growth and resilience.From witnessing his grandmother's struggles growing sorghum and maize, Lesele crafts solutions against input price surges, grain oversupply, and climate threats risking 40% yield losses, urging early banker ties, tech investments, and diversification.He insists that farmers should treat farming as a business by tracking records, planning strategically, and using finance as a survival edge for food security and rural jobs.
Join Farmer’s Inside Track as Craig Carter, a seasoned livestock farmer with 25 years’ experience, shares his journey from electrical technician to successful beef producer. He discusses weaner calf production, choosing the right cattle for the land, managing droughts, and building a sustainable farm. Packed with practical advice, stewardship lessons, and insights for young farmers, Craig’s story highlights the passion, hard work, and faith that drive success in livestock farming.
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 Africa Wine NPC, Wieta, Vinimark, and Spier unpack how a new ESG framework supports producers from vineyard to glass, helping especially smaller wineries meet global demands for transparency and accountability. Gerard Martin, Siglinda Lösch, Heidi Newton-King, and Linda Lipparoni share practical steps to cut emissions, safeguard water, protect workers’ rights, and strengthen traceability so consumers can enjoy South African wine with confidence and pride.
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, market access, and sustainable agribusiness is helping shape a new era of South African farmers.
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 across the industry. They also reveal how these efforts help create transparency, uphold human rights, and boost sustainability, positioning South African wine for a more equitable and globally respected future.
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. Learn how to manage grazing under saturated conditions, strengthen animal health programmes, improve shelter and drainage, maintain safe water sources, and plan for sudden weather changes. Whether you're a smallholder or managing a large herd, this conversation equips you with the tools to safeguard your livestock through the rainy season.
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 facilities. With Nedbank’s support, farmers in regions like Vhembe and Mopani are scaling from small plots to profitable commercial operations, proving that meaningful, sustainable agricultural transformation is not only possible but already underway.
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 maximising sunflower performance for sustainable farming under changing climate conditions.
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 prevent over- or under-watering, save fertiliser, and boost yields. Whether you grow orchards, vegetables, or row crops, this episode offers actionable advice to help every drop of water count.
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 training, enabling them to build profitable, community-focused farms. SoilSistas is transforming lives and landscapes, nurturing women as both farmers and leaders ready to grow South Africa’s agricultural future.
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 herds. From improvements in growth and body condition to better milk production, Dr. Josef highlights the key changes to watch for and how quickly they may appear.
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 innovation, as well as creating meaningful opportunities for young agricultural graduates. Packed with practical advice on funding, record-keeping, and building a purpose-driven agribusiness, this is a must-listen for both aspiring and seasoned farmers.
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