Farmer's Inside Track Food For Mzansi

This week, we unpack the aromatic world of South Africa’s essential oil industry on Farmer’s Inside Track. Learn about sustainable farming methods, fair trade initiatives, and biodiversity conservation efforts driving the industry forward. Join host Dawn Noemdoe and Elton Greeve, general manager of Inter Agri Oil, as they explore Mzansi’s vibrant essential oil industry.
 

Remember Ben Otukile, the farming and mining engineer who shared his secrets to success?
Well, we’re back with Part Two of his interview. In the previous episode, Ben gave us insights into his business, Otukile and Sons Farming, where he specializes in maize, soybeans, dry beans, sunflowers, Bonsmara cattle, and Kalahari Red goats.
 
In this episode, we delve deeper into his journey. We'll learn how he overcame some of his biggest challenges, why he believes people are his biggest assets in business, his masterful financial strategies, his goals for future exports, and much more.

Farmers are currently facing growing challenges in maintaining plant health and the productivity of their crops. Central to this challenge is the responsible use of agrochemicals, such as pesticides, biostimulants, and fertilisers.
Noelene Odendaal, Regulatory Affairs Manager at AECI Plant Health, delves into crucial considerations for farmers. She provides insights into best practices and regulations essential for maximising crop yields, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring consumer safety.

Bovine brucellosis affects the health and well-being of cattle and also poses a threat to human health.
In this episode, we explore the basics of this disease and its impact on cattle herds and human health, particularly through the consumption of unpasteurised milk. 

Dr Didi Claassen, general manager at Afrivet technical and training services, offers insights into the complexities of diagnosing, treating, and preventing bovine brucellosis.

The West Rand district in Gauteng is facing the imminent closure of regional gold mines, highlighting an urgent need for economic diversification and rehabilitation of post-mining environments.
 
Bokamoso Ba Rona was established by the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency (GIFA), Sibanye Stillwater, the Far West Rand Dolomitic Water Association, and the West Rand District Municipality in response to this pressing need.
 
This initiative aims to deploy more than 30 000 hectares of privately owned land in the West Rand for intensive agriculture development.
 
Noxolo Mthembu, project manager at GIFA, Jurgens Kühl, head of advisory and management at CAPIC, and Craig Murrell, head of rural development and advisory services at Agri SA Enterprises, share more details.
 

Afrivet plays a crucial role in South African agriculture by providing veterinary products and services essential for animal health and welfare. They also offer expertise and support to farmers in managing livestock health and productivity and much more.
 
Their dedicated team have had a busy start to the year, participating in some of the agricultural sector’s most prominent events.
 
In this episode we hear what they’ve been up to and key lessons learned.