Farmer's Inside Track

Lice infestations are a common issue in cattle farming that can lead to discomfort, decreased productivity, and economic losses if left untreated. However, early detection and proper treatment can help keep your herd healthy and happy. In this episode, Dr. Stefan Steyn, a technical veterinarian at Afrivet, joins us to shed light on lice infestations and effective treatment plans for your cattle.

In this episode, join host Dawn Noemdoe and Motshabi Mokolobate-Chadyiwa, junior researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, explore climate-smart beef production systems. Discover the importance of sustainable grazing, agroforestry integration, and key policy interventions driving global adoption of climate-smart practices in beef production. 

Are you curious about how farmers keep their animals healthy during winter? In this episode, we discuss the importance of supplementary feeding for livestock, especially during the winter months.Supplementary feeding is crucial because it helps bridge the nutritional gaps in the animals' diets, especially during times when natural forage may be limited, such as winter.Espee Olivier, a sales and marketing specialist at Moletek, discusses the nuances of supplementary feeding and its critical function in providing livestock with the nourishment they require throughout the winter months.

Agriculture is not immune to technological advancements, and we're here for it! Farmers Friend is a cutting-edge app that is transforming and improving farming methods for the better. We explore their latest features with Wade Breytenbach, product manager at Farmers Friend. He provides insight into how their technology is being used to benefit farmers and improve agricultural practices.

In South Africa, are you considering entering the pig farming industry? This episode will serve as your oink-tastic success handbook, so fasten your seatbelt! We'll be delving into Mzansi's pig sales industry, revealing everything from top breeds to market trends.  This episode features Thandi Chiappero, the SAPPO project manager, sharing her hard-wearned knowledge on everything from pig preparation to getting your money’s worth.

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Keneilwe Raphesu, the CEO of Mogalemone Pty Ltd and KR Farming Enterprise. She took over her father’s farm in 2020 and expanded their farming business in Vereeniging, Gauteng, in a way that would make father proud. Despite recent setbacks, this award-winning farmer remains resilient and shares her story of bouncing back from agricultural challenges one day at a time. She also reveals that farmers nationwide seek her agricultural advice, prompting her to establish her own consulting enterprise in the field.

Enhance your farming practices with insights on climate-smart beef production in this edition of Farmer’s Inside Track. Join host Dawn Noemdoe and expert Motshabi Mokolobate-Chadyiwa as they unpack strategies for adapting to climate change and maximising efficiency with tips on climate-smart beef production.

Currently, AECI Plant Health provides a range of nutrient-rich and crop protection products, such as biofertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Their approach to development is centred on innovation, blending pre-existing solutions and creating fresh ones to satisfy particular requirements.  The technical manager of AECI Plant Health, David Hendricks, discusses how their company prioritises sustainability in this episode. They do this by developing solutions that have a low environmental impact and by encouraging plant health to lessen the need for interventions. 

Are you a farmer in South Africa trying to maximise the productivity of your pastures?  The managing director of Healing Hoove, Roland Kroon, delves deeply into the topic of high-intensity grazing in this episode. This innovative method of managing pastures can improve soil health, raise animal productivity, and even save you money.

Food For Mzansi's assistant editor, Duncan Masiwa, recently chaired an insightful discussion on food security with the African Agri Council.In this dialogue, he helmed the inaugural Food Security Strategy Meeting, where industry leaders delved into the latest developments, future prospects, and essential requirements in food and agriculture.This podcast offers a glimpse into that discussion, featuring insights from Gilles Mettetal, Chairman of the advisory board of the African Agri Council, Nhlanhla Nene, board member of the African Agri Council and former finance minister, and Frank Braeken, African Agri Council board member and advisor for major agro and food firms in Africa.

Ready to revolutionise your livestock rural farming game?Join us for an enlightening discussion with Kenneth Malatji, an Animal Health Technician at Afrivet Technical and Training Service, where we uncover the keys to success in rural farming.From small-scale to commercial ventures, Kenneth's insights will inspire and inform you on how to overcome obstacles, boost productivity, and succeed in the market.

The South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) is inviting you to its International Symposium happening on 13 to 15 November 2024 at the picturesque Houw Hoek Hotel, Grabouw in the Western Cape.This year’s edition will be in partnership with the Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering, (PASAE), and promises to be a dynamic gathering focused on agricultural engineering advancements and global collaboration. Senzo Masikane, SAIAE Business Manager, provides further insights.

In this episode, Dr Gilbert Pule, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Animal Production, unpacks factors essential to designing effective grazing systems, and explores how these elements differ based on cattle type and grazing terrain characteristics.The episode also provides expert insights on determining the optimal stocking rate for specific grazing areas and touches on methods for accurately assessing carrying capacity.

In this episode, Craig Murrell, head of advisory services at Agri SA Enterprises, and Medupi Shabangu, executive manager of learning programmes & projects at AgriSETA, delve into the impactful collaborations and initiatives of the two organisations aimed at rural development and transformation within the agricultural sector.They share insights on lessons learned from past projects, Agri SA Enterprises' ongoing prioritisation of rural development, and AgriSETA's alignment with rural community needs. Challenges in collaborative rural development projects and strategies for overcoming them are also explored.

In this episode, we unpack the crucial aspects of pasture management, by selecting the most suitable grass species. We’ll explore various factors such as climate, soil type, and the type of livestock being raised, and how they influence the choice of grass. From the characteristics and nutritional value of different grass species to their resilience to grazing, we’ll provide valuable insights to help you optimise your pasture management practices.

Selecting heifers with desirable physical characteristics can lead to genetic improvement in the herd. This includes traits such as growth rate, feed efficiency, carcass quality, and maternal abilities. In this episode, Ernest Makua, a beef industry expert at the Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED), unpacks why well-selected heifers are more likely to be productive throughout their lives, leading to increased calf crops, better weaning weights, and improved overall profitability for the producer. 

Seed 2 Harvest is spreading hope to people, one community garden at a time. Shaun Cairns, the founder, is dedicated to establishing a food garden in as many communities as possible with his Organic Garden In A Box-Starter Pack.But at Seed 2 Harvest, we're about more than just agriculture. We're committed to building sustainable communities and empowering the next generation through agricultural skills development programmes. Join us as we sow the seeds of change and cultivate a brighter future for all.

South Africa's forestry industry is a significant contributor to employment and rural development, offering numerous career opportunities.In this episode, Norman Dlamini, Business Development Director at Forestry South Africa, delves into the current production levels, market trends, and overall performance of the forestry sector.The episode also showcases inspiring success stories of individual growers and forestry companies in South Africa, highlighting the key factors that have contributed to their success.

Ratlale “Bush” Masiu farms on a 700-hectare farm near Bloemfontein in the Free State. With a focus on cattle, sheep, goats, maize, and sunflowers, Ratlale shares his journey into farming, starting from his initial career aspirations in law to becoming a dedicated agriculturalist.In this insightful discussion, Ratlale discloses his effective farm management strategies, financial management, and budgeting techniques for running a successful farming operation.

Thinking of building a chicken coop for your farm? In this episode, Brian Nyakudanga, the CEO of Tamuka Oasis Farm, shares some essential tips to get you started.It is all about choosing the right location, the right materials, and not forgetting about ventilation and security.

When it comes to ensuring robust plant growth, it's imperative to consider the essential macroand micro-nutrients crucial for a farm's soil structure.Join us i n delving into the intricacies of soil science with Dr André Cilliers, the marketing manager at AECI Plant Health. He shares the characteristics necessary to create the ideal environment for plants to flourish and much more.

Ready to sell your farm produce directly to retail stores? This episode explores key considerations for farmers when supplying to the retail market.Farmers should be prepared to meet strict quality, consistency, and delivery standards. Local retail stores also look for proper storage facilities and good production practices.In this episode, Western Cape fruit grower Trevor Abrahams shares essential tips and advice on how to successfully pitch to nearby retailers, basic requirements, and guidelines.

South Africa’s wine industry is being hampered by logistical issues at ports, policy uncertainty, a lack of action against the illicit alcohol trade, rolling blackouts and disruptions due to geopolitical issues. What needs to be done to get this vital industry back on track?In this episode, Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, provides an in-depth look into South Africa’s wine industry.

In this episode, Leona Archary, the CEO of the Agricultural Development Agency (Agda), shares the primary models used to bolster agricultural development, shedding light on innovative approaches transforming the sector. Archary elaborates on Agda's unique approach to area-based farmer development, and discusses how they identify target areas and effectively engage with local farmers to ensure sustainable growth and community involvement. She also delves into the intricacies of commercial transactions within the sector, successful collaborations and partnerships, and her heartfelt wish for agricultural development in South Africa.

Agriculture technician and farmer Gary Patience sheds light on the integration of precision-farming equipment. He shares best practices for cleaning and storing farm equipment during periods of non-use to prevent deterioration and ensure readiness for the next season to ensure optimal tractor performance. 

Farmers face a multitude of challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns and resource constraints to fluctuating market demands. But what if they could see the invisible and make informed decisions based on real-time data? In this episode, Wade Breytenbach, the product manager at Farmers Friend, unveils how their app's satellite monitoring system revolutionises farming. This innovation empowers farmers to detect crop stress well in advance, enabling them to take proactive measures in irrigation and soil management, thereby making decisions with greater certainty and efficacy.

Are you getting ready to raise happy and healthy pigs but feeling uncertain about how to begin with constructing their ideal habitat?Whether you're an experienced farmer or setting out on your journey into pig breeding, this episode offers a wealth of valuable advice and perspectives to guarantee your pigs flourish in a secure and hygienic environment.Dr Doreatha Mostert, managing member at CS Vet, joins us to share insights into the essential steps involved in crafting a functional and safe pig pen.

Portia Mdhlovu, the dynamic leader at the helm of Laughing Waterfall, a commercial venture under a communal property association (CPA) located in Mpumalanga, has accomplished what many only dare to dream of. Under her guidance, the CPA has transformed into one of the top-performing CPA’s in South Africa. With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, Mdhlovu has propelled Laughing Waterfall into a thriving enterprise, specialising in the cultivation of sugarcane, mangoes, litchis, and bananas. Despite the inherent obstacles faced by communal property associations, the company has flourished under her leadership, employing 172 permanent staff members and approximately 600 seasonal workers annually.

Tactical and strategic parasite management for livestock, particularly in autumn, is important.In this episode, Dr Rudél Zowitsky, technical veterinarian at Afrivet Technical and Training Services, explains the differences between strategic and tactical management approaches. She warns against the misconception that parasite loads decrease during this time, common mistakes in livestock parasite management and more.