In this inspiring episode of Farmers Inside Track, we travel to Vondo village in Limpopo’s Vhembe district, where we meet Matika Khathutshelo, the passionate force behind Matika Subcrop Farming. From humble beginnings to managing 10 hectares of macadamia, avocado, and litchi orchards, Matika shares how he turned his childhood love for farming into a thriving business.
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18:28
Selecting the right maize variety
In this episode, we delve into the crucial topic of selecting the right maize varieties for South Africa's diverse farming environments. Maize is not only a dietary staple but also a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy — and choosing the right variety can make or break a farming season.Siya Jabuza, marketing officer at Lake Agriculture, joins us to unpack why it’s essential for farmers to match maize varieties to their specific agro-ecological zones. From improving yield and disease resistance to enhancing climate resilience and profitability, Jabuza offers practical advice.
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22:40
Digitising outgrower schemes: How sproot is transforming contract farming in Africa
Many outgrower schemes across Africa still rely on outdated, paper-based systems that create inefficiencies and missed opportunities. But sproot, a groundbreaking digital platform, is changing the game.In this episode, we speak to Michael Bruderli, co-founder of sproot, about how the platform is reshaping the future of contract farming. Designed specifically for African agribusinesses and smallholder farmers, sproot enables everything from digital contracts and task management to yield forecasting—all delivered via WhatsApp.Bruderli unpacks how sproot is solving critical challenges in outgrower networks by offering real-time field visibility, structured workflows, and accessible tech for farmers.
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9:42
Carbon and sustainability: The future of agriculture
In an era of environmental awareness, Absa’s latest AgriTrends report explores the growing importance of carbon footprints in agriculture and what it means for farmers and the planet’s future.Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE
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16:50
Vegetables and market shifts: The road ahead
Ivor Price sits down with Absa’s agricultural economists to discuss major shifts in South Africa’s vegetable market, including the impact of Botswana’s import ban lift and the future of onion pricing.Download the Absa AgriTrends Autumn 2025 here: https://bit.ly/4cjfvwE
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.
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