Farmer's Inside Track

In this episode, we explore how precision drip irrigation is transforming sugarcane production across Africa. Gary Francis from Netafim shares insights from his extensive experience in greenhouse farming and large-scale sugar estates, unpacking why land, water and energy efficiency are now critical to profitability.
He explains subsurface drip systems, fertigation, yield optimisation, and the growing role of automation through tools like GrowSphere, which allow farm managers to monitor and control irrigation remotely. We also discuss operational efficiencies, ongoing technical support, and what the future holds for sustainable sugarcane production.

Pneumonia is one of the most costly and dangerous diseases in livestock, especially for young, stressed, or newly managed animals. In this episode, animal health technician Kenneth Malatji explains how early detection, daily observation, and swift, informed action can mean the difference between recovery and loss.
He shares practical tips on recognising early warning signs, administering antibiotics correctly, providing supportive care, and implementing farm management practices to prevent pneumonia. This episode equips farmers with the knowledge to protect their herds, save time and money, and improve animal welfare.

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of award-winning commercial farmer Meshack Ndongeni. From his early days on a small family plot in the Eastern Cape to running a diversified commercial farm, Ndongeni shares the lessons, challenges, and mindset that shaped his success.
Learn how he transitioned from contracting to owning his own farm, the importance of treating farming as a business, and practical strategies for managing risk, climate variability, and profitability. Ndongeni also offers invaluable advice on how mentorship and hands-on experience can build a lasting legacy in agriculture.

Carbon credits are gaining traction across various industries, but they are also emerging as a new opportunity within agriculture. In this episode, we explore what carbon credits are, how they work, and why they are becoming increasingly relevant for South African farmers. Matthew Kensett, manager of the Carbon Smart programme at UPL Africa, joins the conversation to answer frequently asked questions from farmers and unpack what carbon credit farming could mean for the future of sustainable agriculture.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, award-winning pomegranate producer Debbie Theunissen, owner and managing director of Bovenvlei Farm in the Western Cape, unpacks her journey from food technologist to commercial fruit farmer. Theunissen explores the realities of entering agriculture without a farming background, building an export-focused pomegranate business, navigating water licensing, drought and long production cycles, and using technology to drive quality, sustainability and long-term farm viability.