Farmer's Inside Track Food For Mzansi

Have you ever wondered who’s behind South Africa’s agricultural seed quality standards? Meet the South African National Seed Organisation (Sansor), the national designated authority for seeds in the country.
 
Sansor was established in 1989 and is dedicated to safeguarding, growing, and advancing South Africa’s seed industry.
 
In this episode, we chat with Dr Lukeshni Chetty, general manager of Sansor, who provides an in-depth look at how South Africa’s seed industry is structured, their organisation's mission, and its pivotal role in the seed industry.

Dr Karien O'Kennedy, a knowledge and transfer manager at South African Wine, holds a BSc in biochemistry and microbiology. In this episode of the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) series, we learn how she began her journey in the wine industry as a laboratory technician.
Over the years, her roles have evolved from technical consultant to communications, leading to her current position at South African Wine. Dr O'Kennedy shares valuable insights into the skills needed to pursue a career in the wine industry. With this ever-evolving field and emerging technologies, there are numerous opportunities for those looking to explore and grow within South Africa's 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.

Rotational grazing systems offer significant benefits for pasture health and livestock productivity. By allowing grass time to recover between grazing periods, these systems maintain robust plant growth and prevent soil degradation.
In this episode, we explore the benefits of rotational grazing systems and their impact on pasture health and livestock productivity. We also examine stocking rates, pasture recovery periods, and the overall sustainability of rotational grazing for different types of livestock.

Have you ever worried about your livestock eating something harmful? Dr Asive Luningo is a guardian angel for farmers everywhere.
As a clinical assistant toxicologist at the University of Pretoria's faculty of veterinary science, Luningo is at the forefront of protecting livestock from the hidden dangers in seemingly ordinary plants.

In this episode, she shares tips on how you can safeguard your livestock from poisonous plants, best practices for minimising handling mistakes and more.

 

The cannabis industry in South Africa is undergoing rapid growth, driven by substantial legislative changes and burgeoning investment opportunities.
The country has made significant strides in integrating cannabis into its economy, particularly in the medicinal sector.
Thapelo Machaba, an agricultural economist and policy analyst at Agbiz, joins us to delve deeper into these developments.

In another episode of the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) series, we meet Denzel Swartz, sales and brand executive at Zoetendal Vineyards and River Estate.
 
A passionate advocate for the wine industry and the youth involved in this sector, Swartz brings a unique dynamic to the SAWIPB team. From traveling the world promoting South African wine to helping young people develop their skills, his dedication knows no bounds. 
 
Inspired by his family's history of vineyard work at farmworker level, Swartz pursued a career in the wine industry, rising to senior and executive positions. In this episode, we explore his path from working with vines to his current role, highlighting the essential skills that drive success in the industry. 
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.