Farmer's Inside Track

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.

In this episode, we speak to Absalom “AB” Mfumadi of the South African Weather Service (SAWS) about how farmers can use weather technology to strengthen climate resilience and improve on-farm decision-making.

From real-time storm tracking and 10-day forecasts to livestock heat-stress monitoring and digital weather tools, Mfumadi unpacks how weather data can help producers plan operations, protect workers and livestock, and adapt to increasingly unpredictable climate conditions.

We also explore accessible tools for smallholder farmers, advanced solutions for commercial operations, and the important role of blending modern forecasting with indigenous weather knowledge.

True sustainability in modern farming is about more than just food production; it is about building energy independence and financial resilience. Paul Stuart, Gordon Ayres, and Lusani Khubana join us to discuss bioenergy, innovation, and sustainability, exploring what the upcoming Bio360 Africa event means for the future of African agriculture.

Stuart is the CEO and director of Bioenergy Events and Services (BEES); Ayres serves as the secretary general of SABIA; and Khubana is a projects officer at Madam Waste. Together, their work centres on driving collaborative, localised green energy solutions and helping agricultural producers valorise their residual waste.

In this episode, they highlight why the modern African farmer must plug into bioenergy networks to diversify income streams, remediate depleted soils, and transition toward a self-sustaining circular economy.

The panel explores how the BEES platform has adapted 20 years of international expertise to deliver an Africa-ready approach, moving away from reckless grant-heavy tick-box projects towards genuine local collaboration.

True sustainability in livestock farming begins with selecting animals that can thrive in their specific environment. Ndumiso Gule joins us to discuss the vital role of climate-smart genetics and breed selection as a primary defense against extreme weather conditions.

Gule is the director of Gule Agri Consulting and works closely with the Red Meat Producers' Organisation (RPO) to deliver essential farmer training sessions and information days across the country.

In this episode, he highlights why matching cattle genetics to geographic realities is crucial for low-input farming. Gule explains why indigenous breeds, such as Nguni and Afrikaner cattle, remain uniquely equipped to withstand Africa’s harsh, tropical conditions and continue to anchor the modern beef industry.