• What farmers should know about water quality
    Jul 19 2024

    Good quality irrigation water is crucial for the health of your crops and the longevity of irrigation equipment.

    In this episode, Dexter Neethling, product manager at Netafim South Africa, talks about declining water quality and the vital role of filtration and standards in agricultural irrigation.


    He also shares information on how water quality is classified and its impact on filter selection, what farmers should know about managing water quality and more.


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    9 mins
  • Oursula rose through vineyard ranks, crafting award-winning wines.
    Jul 16 2024

    In this episode, we meet Oursula Lenee, a dedicated Viticulturist at Laborie. Oursula joined KWV in December 2016 as an Assistant Viticulturist, but her ambition to work at KWV began during her student days at Stellenbosch University.

    While pursuing her BSc in Viticulture and Oenology, Lenee gained experience at KWV’s Wine Emporium as a tasting assistant and tour leader. It was during this time that her confidence and passion for wine flourished, solidifying her decision to pursue a career in the wine industry.

    She shares her inspiring journey, highlighting her roles and accomplishments within the wine sector. She delves into the reasons behind her choice to specialise in viticulture, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs she has encountered along the way.

    The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) was established to develop practitioners and support industry-related entities, ensuring social sustainability in the wine sector.

    DISCLAIMER:

    The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SAWIPB. The information provided in this episode is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.

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    12 mins
  • What is quality seed after all
    Jul 15 2024

    Many farmers believe that quality crops start with quality seeds. But what exactly makes a seed "quality"?

    In this episode, powered by the South African National Seed Organisation (Sansor), we delve into the essential characteristics of high-quality seeds and their significance in modern agriculture.


    We chat with Kobus van Huyssteen, technical manager at Sansor, who sheds light on the key attributes that determine seed quality and why it's crucial for farmers.


    Van Huyssteen shares his insights on South African farmers' access to quality seeds, how evolving consumer preferences shape the focus on seed quality, and what the future holds for our agricultural sector.



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    15 mins
  • Sizo Tshabalala’s success in poultry farming
    Jul 13 2024

    Sizo Tshabalala, a man of grand ambitions, is also a prominent farmer. As a first-generation poultry farmer on communal land in Elukwatini, Mpumalanga, he manages a flourishing enterprise known as Tshabalala Farming.

    In this episode, we hear from Tshabalala who operates on a 10-hectare farm, with his pride and joy being a layer house that can accommodate 15 000 birds. Starting with little more than determination and a clear vision, Tshabalala’s dedication has turned his humble beginnings into a substantial and thriving business.

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    24 mins
  • Rabies in livestock: What farmers should know
    Jul 12 2024

    In this episode, we speak with Dr Didi Claassen, the general manager of Afrivet Training and Technical Services. She provides crucial updates on the impact of rabies on production animals and shares valuable insights on how farmers can protect their livestock.

    Claassen discusses everything from the early symptoms of rabies in livestock and how farmers can identify them, to specific farm factors or conditions that increase the risk of rabies outbreaks, recommended vaccination schedules, and more.

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    15 mins
  • Veld fires: Guidelines to stay prepared
    Jul 10 2024

    In this episode, wildfire consultant manager from the Winelands Fire Protection Association, Dale Nortje, joins us to discuss practical measures farmers can implement to mitigate the risk of damage and loss due to veld fires.

    He covers topics such as the use of firebreaks, land legislation, protocols, infrastructure, and safe zones. Tune in as Nortje provides valuable insights for farmers following veld fire warnings in various parts of the country.

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    14 mins
  • Sandile Mkhwanazi: The educator behind SA’s future winemakers
    Jul 9 2024

    In this insightful episode, we sit down with winemaker and viticulturist Sandile Mkhwanazi. Sandile emphasises the importance of teamwork for the betterment of South Africa's wine industry. He is part of the primary production council in the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB), focusing on the raw material and viticultural side of the industry.

    His role in SAWIPB is to upskill the workforce, ensuring they obtain qualifications that are recognised throughout the wine industry.


    The South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) was established to develop practitioners and support industry-related entities, ensuring social sustainability in the wine sector.


    DISCLAIMER:



    The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SAWIPB. The information provided in this episode is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

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    26 mins
  • Netafim: The future of precision irrigation is already here
    Jul 5 2024

    As a leader in precision irrigation since 1992, Netafim's innovative technologies and services empower producers to boost productivity while minimising resource use. Discover how real-time data and automation optimise water use, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.

    In this episode, we delve into transformative advancements in tree crop irrigation with Charl van Reenen, Agronomy Manager at Netafim South Africa.

    He discusses the pivotal shift towards precision irrigation, emphasising the integration of real-time data and automation to optimise water use, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability in agriculture.


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    16 mins