In this episode, Mark Anderson, portfolio director for Propak Africa, gives us an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated exhibition set to take place from 11-14 March 2025 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. 

As one of the biggest events in the packaging, food processing, and printing industries, Propak Africa 2025 promises to bring together over 500 exhibitors, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and solutions.

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, we speak with attorney Lucinda Rhoodie about the legal and trade implications of bud rot (Phytophthora palmivora) in South Africa’s papaya industry.

With restrictions on the movement of host materials and potential penalties for non-compliance, farmers must understand their legal responsibilities to safeguard their crops and trade opportunities. Tune in as we unpack the key risks, regulatory requirements, and best practices to navigate this challenge.

n this episode, we explore the heart of sustainability in agriculture through the eyes of an influential advocate for change.

In this moving conversation, Food For Mzansi’s co-founder, Ivor Price, sits down with Andile Ngcobo, a passionate agricultural consultant and farmer from KwaZulu-Natal.

Andile was invited by Woolworths to witness their Farming for the Future initiative firsthand — an experience that has reshaped his perspective on sustainable farming and the future of agriculture.

Through this initiative, Andile gained invaluable insights into the importance of healthy soils, natural resource management, and the urgency of integrating sustainable practices into farming.

He shares his eye-opening visit to Mandalay Farm in the Western Cape, where he discovered that true sustainability lies in prevention, not just cure.

In this episode of the Farmers Insight Track podcast, Duncan Masiwa sits down with Lufuno Nethsikhudini, a passionate Limpopo-based farmer. Lufuno is making waves in the agricultural space, farming with Bonsmara cattle and a variety of cash crops, and he's now venturing into poultry with plans for a chicken hatchery. 

From his early exposure to agriculture through school visits to commercial farms, to overcoming significant challenges in funding and weather disruptions, Lufuno shares his journey, lessons learned, and the importance of patience and commitment in farming. 

He also discusses the crucial role of financial discipline and record-keeping in managing a diverse farming operation.

In this episode, we explore how livestock farmers can boost productivity and resilience by integrating conservation agriculture into their operations.

Agricultural Research Council’s (ARC) conservation researcher Patrick Rakau shares practical insights on rotational grazing, cover crops, and soil health, highlighting how these practices enhance forage quality, conserve water, and improve long-term sustainability.

Tune in to learn how adopting conservation principles can help farmers overcome challenges like drought and rising input costs while ensuring a thriving livestock business.

In this episode, we sit down with Fruit SA CEO, Fhumulani Ratshitanga to explore the vital role of South Africa's fresh fruit industry in driving sustainable, inclusive growth.

The conversation highlights key pillars such as market access, job creation, and transformation efforts aimed at achieving a fully transformed sector by 2038.

We also dive into the pressing challenges faced by the industry, including the need for stronger alignment with government, infrastructural hurdles, rising costs, and the impact of climate change. 

Learn how the sector is navigating unresolved international trade disputes, advocating for regulatory reforms, and adopting sustainable farming practices to remain competitive in the global market.

In this episode of Farmers Inside Track, we unpack the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations on the plant protection industry with Dr Gerhard Verdoon, Operations and Stewardship Manager at CropLife South Africa, and Quade Sing Jam, Compliance Specialist at CropLife South Africa.

From understanding the goals of the EPR regulations under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act to exploring the responsibilities of pesticide producers and the consequences of non-compliance, our experts provide clarity on this critical topic. 

We also dive into CropLife SA’s compliance journey and highlight their Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) successes for 2024.

In this episode of our Meet The Farming Mentor series, we introduce Tim Abaa, a visionary farmer and community leader dedicated to teaching people of all ages how to grow their own food and nourish their communities.

Rooted in agroecology, bio-intensive agriculture, and permaculture principles, Tim, who is based in Orange Farm, Gauteng, shares how he tackles the challenges of climate change while helping community gardens do the same.

In this episode, we delve into the world of cutworms, a troublesome pest that poses a serious threat to crops. Entomologist and PhD candidate Blessing Mphahlele shares valuable insights into understanding cutworm behaviour, monitoring their activity, and implementing effective control strategies to help farmers protect their crops. Tune in for expert tips to minimise losses and keep your harvests healthy.

In this episode of our Meet the Farmer Mentor Series, we’re joined by Dwayne Kaschula, whose innovative and diversified approach to farming has made him a standout in South Africa’s agricultural sector.

Dwayne operates a mixed farming enterprise that spans maize, potatoes, livestock, game, and egg production. Based in Maclear in the Eastern Cape, he and his fiancée, Kathy, manage Confluence Farming Enterprise, skillfully balancing risks and rewards across various commodities to maintain a steady income.

His dedication and forward-thinking earned him the prestigious 2024 Toyota Agri SA Young Farmer of the Year Award, along with a brand-new Toyota Hilux bakkie.