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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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736 Episodes
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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.
In episode 2 of this Farmer’s Inside Track series with Nedbank, we explore how African Greeneurs is turning young South Africans into thriving agripreneurs. With practical training, market access, and Nedbank’s backing, these future farmers are growing businesses, creating jobs, and transforming communities.
For its seventh birthday, Food For Mzansi isn’t celebrating with cake. It’s listening. The “Stand up and be counted” campaign invites farmers, farmworkers, and agripreneurs nationwide to share their stories, creating South Africa’s most inclusive agricultural survey yet. By combining storytelling with data, the platform aims to give a voice to the often-overlooked, reveal the sector’s real diversity, and turn participation into visibility, dignity, and influence.
In this episode, Dr Siphe Zantsi, agricultural economist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), breaks down the importance of formalising your farming business. From registering your farm and keeping accurate records to choosing the right business structure and opening a dedicated bank account, Zantsi explains how formalisation builds credibility, attracts investment, opens new market opportunities, and ensures long-term sustainability. Learn practical steps, discover common challenges, and find out about government and private support available to help you grow your farm into a thriving, professional enterprise.
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. In this episode, Dr Nirmala Reddy explains how two major programmes are helping young and established farmers build sustainable, future-ready agricultural businesses.We explore Nedbank’s African Greeneurs programme, supporting young farmers with land, training, and market access, and the Subtrop Farmers initiative, helping established farmers scale and enter global markets.Dr Reddy highlights why true transformation requires more than funding: it demands resilience, mentorship, market access and a strong ecosystem of partners. Tune in to hear how Nedbank is helping farmers move from job seekers to job creators and reshaping South Africa’s agricultural future.
In this episode of Farmer's Inside Track, we dive into Pannar Seed’s Panagri™ research programme. De Bruyn Myburgh, agronomy manager at Pannar Seed and a key driver of the programme, shares how they use precision agriculture and multi-regional trials to help farmers optimise yields and maximise profits. These trials, supported by the Pannar Sprout mobile app, ensure farmers get accurate, profitable recommendations unique to their farm.Learn how Panagri™ can boost your farm's performance with science-backed decisions.
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