Farmer's Inside Track

Behind every glass of locally produced milk lies a dedicated network of South African farmers, factory workers, and rural communities whose care shapes the nation’s health. Conny Sethaelo, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Director at Nestlé Nespray, joins us to discuss how the brand connects local sourcing with cutting-edge environmental practices to create a sustainable value chain from pasture to packaging.

In this episode, she invites consumers to “look beyond the glass” to understand the incredible journey of South African dairy. Sethaelo highlights how Nestlé Nespray draws 100% of its milk from over 96 farms across the Eastern and Western Cape.

Furthermore, she explains how regenerative agriculture and low-carbon practices have successfully achieved a 26% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 25% drop in methane emissions, proving that high-quality nutrition and environmental preservation can work hand in hand.

What does regenerative agriculture look like in practice, and why are more farmers paying attention? In this first episode of our special Nedbank series, Daneel Rossouw unpacks how regenerative farming can help farmers navigate rising costs, climate uncertainty and growing pressure to do more with less.

In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Gauteng farmer Simphiwe Hlubi shares how a childhood passion for agriculture grew into a diversified farming business focused on livestock, poultry and feedlotting. He discusses the challenges of market access, rising input costs and funding, while highlighting the importance of diversification, planning and mentorship. Hlubi also shares his vision of building a lasting agricultural legacy for future generations.

What role does growing media play in crop success? In this episode, we unpack the science behind specialised substrates such as coir, peat moss, perlite, and Hygromix, and their growing role in greenhouse, nursery, and intensive horticultural production.
Featuring insights from Dean Oellerman of Greenhouse Technologies, the conversation explores root development, water management, germination, nutrient monitoring, and the realities of adopting soilless growing systems in Southern Africa.

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.