Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge

Lucentlands
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Welcome to the Lucentlands Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to agriculture. Our Agriculture podcast is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights on the agriculture industry from around the world. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, two passionate professionals with years of experience in the media production industry, the Lucentlands Agriculture Podcast is the perfect platform for anyone interested in learning about the latest developments in agriculture.

  1. 6d ago

    Can Farmers Use Fewer Chemicals Without Risking Their Crops? | Ep. 156

    Can farmers reduce their reliance on conventional chemicals without placing their crops at risk? Jean Kuiper, Director at RealIPM, joins Lucentlands Podcast hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie to explain how integrated pest management combines biological crop-protection products, carefully selected chemicals, beneficial organisms and effective monitoring. Jean shares how problems with chemical resistance in her commercial rose operation led her to explore biological alternatives. After seeing the results firsthand, she began helping farmers introduce fungi, bacteria and other biological solutions into practical commercial production systems. The conversation explores: •Why integrated pest management does not mean abandoning chemicals •How biological products can complement conventional crop-protection programmes •The importance of scouting and spraying only when necessary •How beneficial insects help control agricultural pests •Why biological crop protection is not necessarily more expensive •The role of cover crops, soil health and companion planting •How consumer demand for reduced residues is changing agriculture •Why growers must measure results and remain open to new approachesJean also shares a simple message for commercial growers: use these products, measure the benefits and allow the results to guide your decisions. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

    Can Farmers Use Fewer Chemicals Without Risking Their Crops? | Ep. 156

  2. Aug 31

    Why Entomology Matters | Ep. 155

    Episode 155 of the Lucentlands Podcast explores why entomological knowledge remains essential to the future of agriculture.Hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Dr Elleunorah Allsopp, an entomologist who spent more than four decades conducting agricultural research, primarily within South Africa’s grape and wine industries. Dr Allsopp reflects on entering agricultural research when women were first being admitted into research positions, earning the trust of growers and helping to advance equal opportunities within a traditionally male-dominated field. The conversation examines the commercial and phytosanitary risks posed by insect pests, including how a pest can destroy a crop shortly before harvest or threaten access to an entire export market. Dr Allsopp also explains why sustainable farming and integrated pest management require far more knowledge and decision-making than conventional spray programmes.

    Why Entomology Matters | Ep. 155

  3. Aug 26

    Building TIQI, a New Global Grape Brand | Ep. 154

    Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Jacobus van der Merwe, Business Development Manager of Fruitips, about the development and global launch of TIQI—a new premium table grape brand built around exceptional flavour, long shelf life and carefully controlled production. Developed through the partnership between Grapa Global and TopFruit International, TIQI brings two distinctive pink grape varieties together under one consumer brand. After a successful trial in 2025, the branded grapes are set to launch exclusively in Marks & Spencer stores in the United Kingdom on 26 August 2026. Jacobus explains why Fruitips aims to build a brand rather than simply sell grapevine material. This includes selecting growers, controlling the number of hectares planted, developing production and packing protocols, protecting consistent quality and coordinating supply between countries. The discussion also explores: •Why more than 20,000 UK consumers participated in the grape tasting •TIQI’s distinctive flavour, aroma and unusually long shelf life •The strategy of keeping supply controlled to protect value •Current plantings in California, Mexico, Brazil, China and Namibia •When commercial plantings could begin in South Africa •Why production protocols must be adapted for each country •The challenge of delivering consistent quality throughout the year •How the model could support premium returns for selected growers •Why agriculture needs to communicate its wider impact to young professionals Subscribe to the Lucentlands Podcast for conversations with the people shaping agriculture, horticulture and the international fresh-produce industry.

    Building TIQI, a New Global Grape Brand | Ep. 154

  4. Aug 24

    Tiny Worms, Big Impact: Soil Health & a South African Biopesticide | Ep. 153

    Lucentlands Podcast Episode 153 explores the largely unseen world beneath agricultural crops and why soil testing is becoming increasingly important for modern farming. Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Sheila Storey, Consultant to Nemlab & Soil Health Support Centre and Director at NemaBio.Sheila explains how microscopic nematodes can damage plant roots, restrict nutrient uptake and contribute to costly production losses. However, not all nematodes are harmful. Beneficial, free-living nematodes can serve as valuable biological indicators of soil health and help identify whether soil is degraded, enriched or biologically balanced. The conversation also explores Sheila’s journey from starting Nemlab in her home in 1987 to building a highly specialised agricultural laboratory serving producers, researchers and agricultural companies across Southern Africa. A major focus is the development of a South African entomopathogenic nematode-based biopesticide. The locally sourced biological product is intended to control the soil stages of certain insect pests. Sheila discusses its potential advantages, the lengthy research and registration process, and why South Africa should invest in developing biological solutions from its own biodiversity.

    Tiny Worms, Big Impact: Soil Health & a South African Biopesticide | Ep. 153

  5. Aug 18

    Biological Farming: Balancing Food Safety and Security | Ep. 152

    How can agriculture reduce its reliance on synthetic chemistry without compromising crop yields, farmer profitability or global food security? Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak to Michelle Lesur, CEO of Andermatt Madumbi, about the expanding role of biological solutions in modern farming and why successful adoption requires far more than simply replacing one product with another. Michelle explains why biologicals and conventional crop protection should not be treated as opposing systems. Instead, farmers need an integrated approach that balances soil health, plant vitality, pest and disease management, food safety and productivity. The conversation explores: •The story behind Madumbi and its partnership with the Swiss-based Andermatt Group •The difference between biocontrol products and biostimulants •Why export-market residue requirements are accelerating biological adoption •The importance of reliable products, technical advice and correct application •Regulatory challenges facing biological products in South Africa and internationally •Why Africa’s cold-chain infrastructure matters for living biological organisms •The role of biologicals in commercial, smallholder and row-crop farming •How AI could support pest and disease management without replacing human expertise •Why consumers need a better understanding of what food production involves Michelle also shares her journey from building an accounting business after a devastating farm fire to becoming CEO of a company working to change how food is produced. As she explains, biological farming is not an overnight switch. It is a journey that must meet farmers where they are while protecting productivity and profitability. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

    Biological Farming: Balancing Food Safety and Security | Ep. 152

  6. Aug 12

    How DNA Technology Is Transforming Agriculture | Ep. 151

    In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Dr Renee Prins, Founder and Director of CenGen (Pty) Ltd, about the role of molecular genetics and DNA technology in agriculture. Dr Prins explains how DNA markers allow plant breeders to identify desirable genes while plants are still seedlings. This helps breeding programmes focus their land, infrastructure and resources on the most promising material. Although DNA technology does not remove the need for years of field evaluation, it can make the breeding process considerably more efficient. The conversation explores CenGen’s growth from a small laboratory in Worcester into an agricultural genetics company serving clients across numerous crops and industries. Its work has expanded from wheat and barley into fruit, grapevines, groundnuts, indigenous plants, insects and biodiversity research. Dr Prins also discusses CenGen’s participation in the 1KSA initiative, which aims to sequence the genomes of 1,000 indigenous South African organisms. In the past 18 months alone, the CenGen team has sequenced more than 106 important plants, along with several insects.Another important focus is CenGen’s educational outreach. Since 2021, more than 1,000 learners have participated in its genetics workshops, where they experience real DNA extraction and learn how concepts from the school curriculum are applied in a working laboratory. The discussion covers: •How DNA markers support plant-breeding decisions •Why field evaluation remains essential •Genetics in fruit, grain and grapevine production •Identifying pollination compatibility in orchards •Genome sequencing of indigenous South African species •The role of molecular genetics in food production •Making genetics accessible to high-school learners •Creating opportunities for young people in science •The challenges of building a private agricultural laboratory •Why applied research must respond to producers’ immediate needs •Building a scientific team and a sustainable organisation Dr Prins also reflects on founding CenGen despite being warned that the business might not succeed. Her journey demonstrates what can be achieved through persistence, scientific curiosity and a determination to apply research to real agricultural challenges. Subscribe to the Lucentlands Podcast for conversations with the people shaping agriculture, fresh produce and food production. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo ⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

    How DNA Technology Is Transforming Agriculture | Ep. 151

  7. Aug 3

    Building Fruit Brands That Consumers Trust | Ep. 150

    This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/ This August, the Lucentlands Podcast celebrates Women’s Month with a special series featuring women making an impact across agriculture.In Episode 150, Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Liza Matthews, Marketing Manager at TopFruit (Pty) Ltd and incoming Managing Director of Greenhouse Creative Brand Studio. Liza shares the story behind the growth of Pink Lady® apples, explores the importance of quality, branding, packaging and consumer trust, and explains why marketing should form part of the journey from the very beginning. She also introduces Greenhouse Creative Brand Studio, a new TopFruit-affiliated marketing agency that will use its agricultural expertise to help businesses build and grow strong brands. Key insights from this episode•Why marketing should form part of the strategy for a new fruit variety from the beginning. •How a quality agricultural product becomes a trusted consumer brand. •Why tastings are valuable when introducing consumers to unfamiliar products. •How Pink Lady® developed strong consumer recognition in South •Africa and other African markets. •Why quality and brand consistency matter to informal fruit traders. •The relationship between Cripps Pink, approved mutations and the Pink Lady® trademark. •Why clear brand guidelines support long-term brand growth. •How packaging influences consumer attention and perceptions of value. •Why branded fresh-produce packaging has become increasingly important in supermarkets. •How specialist agricultural knowledge strengthens marketing strategy. •The services Greenhouse Creative Brand Studio will offer agricultural businesses. •The range of career opportunities available throughout the agricultural value chain. Connect with us: Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmedia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/ Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcast Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1

    Building Fruit Brands That Consumers Trust | Ep. 150

  8. Jul 30

    Can Fruit Growers Cut Chemical Use by 50%? | Ep. 149

    Can fruit growers use fewer chemicals without compromising crop protection? Dr Peter Triloff of the Lake Constance Fruit Cooperative joins Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie to explore how orchard design, sprayer selection and airflow management influence the effectiveness of spray applications. Drawing on decades of experience in European fruit production, Dr Triloff explains why more power does not necessarily produce better results. The real objective is to distribute droplets accurately across the target canopy while limiting losses to the ground, the air and neighbouring rows. The discussion covers: •Why sprayers must be matched to individual orchards •How tree height, canopy structure and row spacing affect spray drift •The importance of correct fan selection and airflow adjustment •Why excessive airflow can reduce application efficiency •The potential to reduce chemical dose rates in slim canopies •The opportunities and limitations associated with spray drones •How better application technology can save growers money •Why spray application is far more technical than it may appear Dr Triloff believes the industry should develop the best available application technology, align pesticide registrations with improved efficiency and help growers achieve the same crop-protection results with fewer chemical inputs. This conversation was recorded at the Hortgro Technical Symposium 2026.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lucentlandspodcastSupport this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1 This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠ Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/

    Can Fruit Growers Cut Chemical Use by 50%? | Ep. 149
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Welcome to the Lucentlands Podcast, your go-to source for all things related to agriculture. Our Agriculture podcast is dedicated to bringing you the latest news, trends, and insights on the agriculture industry from around the world. Hosted by Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie, two passionate professionals with years of experience in the media production industry, the Lucentlands Agriculture Podcast is the perfect platform for anyone interested in learning about the latest developments in agriculture.

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