Farmer's Inside Track

South African farmers must comply with the Hazardous Substances Act of 1973 when using pesticides, especially Group 1 Category B products.

In this article, we explore the details of Group 1 Category A and Group 1 Category B hazardous substances, focusing specifically on agricultural remedies and how they are regulated under Act No. 15 of 1973.

Hiresh Ramanand, a stewardship specialist at CropLife South Africa, and Quade Sing Jam, a compliance specialist at CropLife South Africa, provide clarity on the practical implications of this legislation for farmers.

In this episode, we highlight the "Opportunities for Youth" initiative by ALL4YOUTH and Nestlé, exploring how it helps guide the youth in agriculture to make informed career decisions.

We also introduce the launch of their Eguide, designed to support young professionals in the industry.

Joining us are Comfort Tshisikule, youth and learning & development lead at Nestlé, and Masego More, CEO of Vermi Village and agribusiness entrepreneur from Bloemfontein. They share insights into the opportunities and support available for young people in the agricultural sector.

In this episode, Jurie Giliomee, a fourth-generation farmer from the Bredasdorp area in the Western Cape, shares the story of his family farm and how it has evolved over the decades.

We delve into the key decisions that have shaped their success in cash cropping—specifically canola, wheat, barley, and oats—and discuss their innovative crop rotation strategies that leverage farming data to enhance productivity.

Jurie sheds light on the unique climate challenges and advantages of farming near the sea, as well as how they manage rising input costs without compromising quality through data-driven approaches.

In addition to cash crops, we also explore how Jurie and his father have adapted their sheep and cattle production to meet changing market demands.

Pig farming can be a profitable venture when approached with careful planning and knowledge, particularly in the areas of breeding and genetics.

In this episode, seasoned pig farmer and fynbos producer Roland Trout discusses the importance of investing in quality genetics, ensuring proper nutrition, and implementing health management strategies to enhance growth rates and meat quality.

Roland also touches on the benefits of artificial insemination and explains how farmers can optimise their operations by timing sales to achieve better market prices. His practical advice offers valuable guidance for pig farmers seeking to boost their profitability.

In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of farmer health and the challenges facing farming communities in South Africa. Joining us is grain farmer Jurie Giliomee from Bredasdorp who shares the realities on the ground, discussing mental health, community support, and the challenges facing local farmers.

André Weavers, a licensed clinical social worker, brings his expertise to the table, addressing the mental health struggles common among farmers and how we can break the stigma surrounding mental well-being in rural communities.

Daneel Rossouw, Head of Sales: Agriculture at Nedbank, offers insights into the financial hurdles farmers face and how banks can provide vital support during uncertain times.

In this episode, recorded live at Nampo Cape 2024, we’re joined by leaders from Land Bank. We hear from Themba Rikhotso, CEO of Land Bank, as he reflects on the bank’s journey out of a four-year default, discussing key strategies for recovery, priorities for restoring stakeholder confidence, and the impact on agricultural financing, especially for small-scale and emerging farmers.

Craig Harrison, Provincial Head of Land Bank in the Western Cape, will address the challenges facing new-era farmers in a competitive market and share insights on successful initiatives supporting agricultural innovation.

Finally, Mzi Shabangu will delve into how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are enhancing Land Bank’s decision-making processes and identifying new opportunities for investment and development in the agricultural sector.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sandra Ndlovu, regional communication officer for Southern Africa at Fairtrade Africa.

Sandra recently sat down with Food For Mzansi co-founder, Ivor Price, at the 17th Fair Trade Cities and Towns International Conference, hosted by Drakenstein Municipality.

She’ll explore how Fairtrade certification unlocks new market opportunities, boosts financial growth, and promotes sustainability for local farmers.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rico Basson, chief executive officer of South Africa Wine whose mission it is to enable the wine industry to become more robust, transformed, agile and competitive.

Part of that is to emphasise inclusivity and sustainability in its operations. Rico has been leading SA Wine since June 2023, following an impressive tenure as the executive director of Vinpro, the representative organisation for wine producers in South Africa.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SAWIPB. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

Production planning is essential to optimise resource use, minimise waste, and ensure consistent yields. It helps farmers align their farming practices with market demands and seasonal variations, leading to improved profitability.

Additionally, proper planning aids in managing risks like climate change and fluctuating input costs, ensuring sustainability in operations.

In this episode, Nqaba Mfaxa, the junior production manager at Saratoga Fruit Estate, discusses the importance of market research, natural resource management, the technologies available for production planning and more. 

In this episode, we highlight Mogamat Abrahams, a chilli farmer from the Western Cape, as we explore the world of chilli production and the benefits of agro-processing.

Discover how farmers like Mogamat are maximising their yields by creating a diverse range of chilli-based products, from fresh and dried chillies to sauces, relishes, and even medicinal goods.