Farmer's Inside Track

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.