Farmer's Inside Track

Ready to take your farm to the next level? Join us for a lively panel discussion where we’ll explore how South African farmers, both seasoned pros and newcomers, can use smart financing and precision agriculture to build more profitable, sustainable businesses.​Our panel of experts will break down how to access the right funding at every stage of your farming journey, manage cash flow like a pro, and navigate common challenges around lending and getting the equipment you need.​We’ll also dive into the exciting ways technology is reshaping agriculture, from boosting efficiency to unlocking better financial results for farms of all sizes.​Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this conversation offers practical insights to help you grow smarter and succeed sustainably.

In this episode, we sit down with Mosa Balesamang,  an animal scientist, livestock consultant, and passionate sheep farmer making waves both in the field and on TikTok.Mosa shares her journey from earning her degree in Animal Science in 2017 to serving in Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture, and how her work in cattle insemination and livestock consulting is helping reshape the future of farming in the region.We also dive into her growing influence on social media, where she educates and empowers aspiring farmers through her popular sheep farming content.

If you think farming has nothing to do with your dinner plate, think again.In this episode, we’re crossing over to our sister publication, Food For Mzansi’s Farmer’s Inside Track podcast for a special feature that dives into sustainability and the red meat on your plate.Frik van Rooyen from the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) joins the conversation with a powerful message about sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, but the future of farming.From smarter water use and healthier grazing to cutting back on chemicals and working with nature, he breaks down what it really takes to keep meat not just delicious but affordable and available for all South Africans.

After 44 years in agriculture and over two decades in the wine industry, Rydal Jeftha, managing director of Koopmanskloof Wines, knows that the future of South African wine lies in its people.In this episode, Jeftha shares his journey from navigating the industry without a mentor to becoming one of its most passionate champions of skills development and knowledge transfer.We dive deep into his philosophy on mentorship, the critical role of organisations like the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB), and why careers in wine go far beyond the cellar. 

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked threats to crop production, free water or gravitational water, and how it affects South African farmers across different provinces. Soil scientist Peter Mudau breaks down what free water is, how to identify it, and why proper management is crucial for healthy soils and productive yields. From recognising signs of waterlogging to choosing the right crops and improving drainage, this episode offers practical advice for farmers working with varied soil types and unpredictable rainfall.

In this episode, we sit down with legal expert Pearl Gibbs, an attorney, conveyancer, and notary public, who unpacks the most pressing legal challenges facing South Africa’s new-generation farmers.From contract negotiations with powerful agricultural companies to navigating the complexities of long-term land lease agreements, our guest shares crucial legal strategies to level the playing field. Learn how to mitigate risks of price volatility, weather impacts, and non-compliance from buyers through smart contract clauses and legal protections.We also explore key steps farmers can take to build a robust legal foundation for their operations, ensuring resilience against unfair trade practices, payment disputes, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

In this episode, we chat to Kevin Pieterse, an experienced farm manager and Kyron Agri representative, who unpacks practical strategies for controlling and managing endoparasites in livestock. From understanding different types of internal parasites to choosing the right dewormers and implementing effective treatment timelines, Pieterse offers valuable insights every farmer should know. Whether you're dealing with wireworm, liver fluke, or tapeworms, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help protect your herd and improve overall animal health.  

From laying bricks to paving his own path to success, Anton Saunderson’s story is one of vision and transformation.In this episode, we meet a man who began with a modest construction crew and followed his heart all the way to the cattle kraal.Today he passion has evolved into a high-functioning feedlot where 180 cattle are managed with sharp precision. Behind it all is a businessman who runs on grit, grace, and what he calls “love of the game.”

One bad seed can ruin everything. In this episode, part of a special SANSOR campaign, we unpack why seed certification matters more than you might think. Across Africa, many farmers unknowingly plant uncertified or poor-quality seed—jeopardising their harvests, their incomes, and their futures.Thabiso Ntsele, certification technician at the South African National Seed Organisation (SANSOR), joins us to explain how farmers can spot the difference between certified and uncertified seed. He breaks down the certification process, why it’s a legal safeguard for seed quality, and how choosing the right seed could be the most important farming decision you make this season.

In this episode, we dive into sustainable farming with MJ Nunes, founder of Sable Creek Farms. From system design and crop selection to fish stocking, water management, and market strategies, Nunes shares practical insights for anyone looking to thrive in aquaponics. Whether you're an aspiring aquaponics farmer or a curious eco-enthusiast, this is your essential guide to farming smarter, not harder.