Farmer's Inside Track

Hosted by Food For Mzansi

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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. • Join the farmers' members club | www.farmersinsidetrack.co.za • Facebook | www.facebook.com/foodformzansi.co.za • Twitter & Instagram | @foodformzansi.co.za • Food For Mzansi's WhatsApp line | +27 81 889 9032

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 202619 min

Matjee Mokgoadi: How to overcome funding challenges in agriculture

In this episode, we speak to Matjee Mokgoadi, founder of Phuti Ya Mashilape Group and a youth agricultural leader, about empowering emerging farmers through mentorship, agribusiness support and cooperative development. He shares insights on overcoming funding and market access challenges, building sustainable farming systems and why young people should view agriculture as a viable business and career opportunity. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, collaboration and practical experience in driving rural economic development.

June 8, 20269 min

Smart forecasting: Using weather technology for on-farm success

In this episode, we speak to Absalom “AB” Mfumadi of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) about how farmers can use weather technology to strengthen climate resilience and improve on-farm decision-making. From real-time storm tracking and 10-day forecasts to livestock heat-stress monitoring and digital weather tools, Mfumadi unpacks how weather data can help producers plan operations, protect workers and livestock, and adapt to increasingly unpredictable climate conditions. We also explore accessible tools for smallholder farmers, advanced solutions for commercial operations, and the important role of blending modern forecasting with indigenous weather knowledge.

June 5, 202620 min

Bio360 Africa: Turning agricultural waste into a gold mine for local farmers

True sustainability in modern farming is about more than just food production; it is about building energy independence and financial resilience. Paul Stuart, Gordon Ayres, and Lusani Khubana join us to discuss bioenergy, innovation, and sustainability, exploring what the upcoming Bio360 Africa event means for the future of African agriculture.Stuart is the CEO and director of Bioenergy Events and Services (BEES); Ayres serves as the secretary general of SABIA; and Khubana is a projects officer at Madam Waste. Together, their work centres on driving collaborative, localised green energy solutions and helping agricultural producers valorise their residual waste.In this episode, they highlight why the modern African farmer must plug into bioenergy networks to diversify income streams, remediate depleted soils, and transition toward a self-sustaining circular economy.The panel explores how the BEES platform has adapted 20 years of international expertise to deliver an Africa-ready approach, moving away from reckless grant-heavy tick-box projects towards genuine local collaboration.

June 4, 202620 min

Climate-smart genetics: How to choose the right cattle breed

True sustainability in livestock farming begins with selecting animals that can thrive in their specific environment. Ndumiso Gule joins us to discuss the vital role of climate-smart genetics and breed selection as a primary defense against extreme weather conditions.Gule is the director of Gule Agri Consulting and works closely with the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) to deliver essential farmer training sessions and information days across the country.In this episode, he highlights why matching cattle genetics to geographic realities is crucial for low-input farming. Gule explains why indigenous breeds, such as Nguni and Afrikaner cattle, remain uniquely equipped to withstand Africa’s harsh, tropical conditions and continue to anchor the modern beef industry.

June 1, 202627 min

Thabo Phasha: Building a grain and agro-processing empire

In this episode of Farmer’s Insight Track, young Limpopo farmer and agribusiness entrepreneur Thabo Phasha shares his journey as a third-generation farmer building a grain and agro-processing business. He discusses treating farming as a business, the role of mentorship, collaboration and discipline, navigating growth challenges, and his passion for youth advocacy and agricultural policy. A practical conversation on entrepreneurship, resilience and the future of farming.

May 25, 202622 min

No cure, no compromise: Tackling Goss’s wilt

In this episode, plant pathologist Neo Hlongwane unpacks the growing concern around Goss’s wilt and what it means for South African grain producers. With no official cure or remedy available globally, farmers are being urged to focus on prevention and integrated disease management strategies. We discuss the importance of strict sanitation, disinfecting equipment and tools, managing infected crop residues, controlling weeds that may host the disease, and rotating with non-host crops such as soybeans, sunflowers, and lucerne. Tune in as we explore practical steps farmers can take to reduce the spread and protect crop health this season.

May 18, 202628 min

Farming that changes lives

In this Farmer Mentor episode, Zen Teitge, CEO of Manger Care Centre in XXX, shares how agriculture is helping transform lives. From supporting vulnerable communities through accredited training and commercial farming to empowering emerging farmers to build sustainable livelihoods, Teitge discusses the power of farming as a tool for rehabilitation, opportunity, and community development in South Africa.

May 14, 202633 min

Livestock health: Why biosecurity starts at the farm gate

True biosecurity is about more than just fences; it is about farmer-led resilience. Dr Stefan Steyn joins us to discuss the vital role of the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) in connecting rural communities with the state, ensuring that producers’ interests remain a priority in national policy.Steyn has spent the last 16 years refining his expertise in the veterinary field. As a technical manager for Afrivet Training Services, his work centres on the intricate relationship between viruses and the immune systems of poultry and livestock.In this episode, he highlights why the responsibility for animal health must begin with the individual farmer, and how the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) acts as a critical facilitator in shifting the narrative toward farmer-led resilience.Steyn explores the concept of fence-line biosecurity, advocating for a shift toward community-led defence. By adopting a neighbourhood watch model, communal and emerging farmers can form clusters to monitor animal movements and protect shared grazing areas, moving the focus from reactive treatments to sustainable, collective prevention.

May 11, 202617 min

Calf-rearing tips to build stronger herds

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, livestock specialist Junior Mkansi shares practical calf-rearing tips to help farmers build healthier, more productive herds. From the importance of colostrum and early nutrition to biosecurity, weaning, and disease prevention, he unpacks the key management practices that shape calf growth and long-term performance. It’s a practical introduction for cattle farmers looking to strengthen their calf-rearing systems and improve herd productivity.

May 4, 202614 min

How irrigation automation is changing modern farming

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, we speak with Jared Gouws from Netafim about how irrigation automation is helping farmers improve precision and efficiency. He explains how sensors, data and centralised control systems enable real-time irrigation decisions, reduce labour and optimise water and nutrient use.The discussion also explores how automation is becoming increasingly accessible to both large and small-scale farmers.