NEWS | Latest news articles


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep8/nic2.jpg

Nation in Conversation at NAMPO 2019

  • 27 May 2019
  •  
  •  1873

Nation in conversation aired the first of a two-part special highlighting the most thought-provoking excerpts of the Nation in Conversation panel discussions which took place in front of a live audience at this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day from 14 – 17 May 2019.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep8/nic.jpg

Nation in Conversation - Focus on NAMPO 2019

  • 23 May 2019
  •  
  •  1708

This week’s Nation in Conversation is the first of two special episodes dedicated to bringing you all the highlights from the 2019 edition of agriculture's biggest calendar event of the year, NAMPO Harvest Day.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep7/nic2.jpg

Nation in Conversation - Forestry forms an integral part of Agriculture

  • 17 May 2019
  •  
  •  3501

Forestry was the buzz-word of the latest episode of Nation in Conversation. The program took a road trip down to the Eastern Cape and got acquainted with the small villages of Ugie and Maclear, situated at the foothills of the Drakensburg.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day4_session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation concludes with a look into the future

  • 17 May 2019
  •  
  •  2436

Friday 17 May 2019, Session 1: Nation in Conversation concluded on a very positive note on the final day of the NAMPO Harvest Day 2019, with “A glance into the future – Opportunities in agriculture”. The session, anchored by Theo Vorster of Galileo Capital, stood apart from the rest of the week’s sessions, in that 80% of the audience was school learners and university students.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day3_session2.jpg

Water: A Critical Commodity

  • 16 May 2019
  •  
  •  2357

Thursday 16 May 2019, Session 2: Thursday’s second session of Nation in Conversation focused on water as a critical commodity. The discussion was live-streamed from the third day of the biggest agriculture show of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Nampo Harvest Day near Bothaville in the Free State.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day3_session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation asks: ‘How do we revive the platteland?’

  • 16 May 2019
  •  
  •  2235

Thursday 16 May, Session : The Landbouweekblad Editor-in-Chief, Chris Burgess hosted the first session of Nation in Conversation on the third day of the NAMPO Harvest Day outside Bothaville in the Free State, asking how the platteland can be revived.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day2_session3.jpg

NIC Spotlight on the Role of Communal Land in Agricultural Development

  • 15 May 2019
  •  
  •  2335

Wednesday 15 May 2019, Session 3: The third session of Nation in Conversation on the second day of NAMPO Harvest Day outside Bothaville in the Free State saw Christo van der Rheede of Agri SA anchor a discussion which attempted to unlock the somewhat hazy issue around land ownership by traditional leaders and communal land governance.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day2_session2.jpg

NIC Takes Aim at Technology and Funding

  • 15 May 2019
  •  
  •  2402

As the midday autumn temperature at Nampo Harvest Day 2019 hovered around 25°C, so too the temperature got nice and toasty during the second session of Nation in Conversation which centred around Technology and Funding.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day2_session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation asks if the ADA is worth waiting for

  • 15 May 2019
  •  
  •  2480

Wednesday 15 May 2019, Session 1: The first session of Nation in Conversation on the second day of NAMPO Harvest Day 2019 saw a distinguished panel discuss the composition of the proposed Agricultural Development Agency (ADA). The ADA will be established to assist the entire agri-sector to be more inclusive and more productive.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep7/nic.jpg

Nation in Conversation is going deep into the forest

  • 15 May 2019
  •  
  •  1594

This week Nation in Conversation visits the foothills of the Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape where we learn more about the forestry industry. The programme visits some plantations and a chipboard factory.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day1_session2.jpg

Nation in Conversation looks at Post Election Political Perspectives

  • 14 May 2019
  •  
  •  2354

Tuesday 14 May 2019: Session 2: The second session of Nation in Conversation on the first day of the Nampo Harvest Day in Bothaville in the Freestate, was a definite not-to-be-missed affair. Go visit the NIC website at www.nationinconversation.co.za website to watch the live-streamed recording.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/nampo_discussions/day1_session1.jpg

All roads lead to Nampo and Nation in Conversation 2019

  • 14 May 2019
  •  
  •  2610

Tuesday 14 May 2019: Session 1- The second session of Nation in Conversation at NAMPO 2019 kicked off at 10:00, 14 May 2019 at the first day of the country’s biggest agricultural event, near Bothaville in the western Free State.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep6/nic2.jpg

A closer look at the wheat industry

  • 13 May 2019
  •  
  •  4164

In episode 6, we go through the wheat value chain and the influence it has on the world’s food security. Wheat, rice and maize are the biggest grain types in the world and South Africa produces 2,3 million tons of wheat per year.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/news/afgri.jpg

AFGRI at NAMPO 2019 to talk about positive changes and new service offerings

  • 10 May 2019
  •  
  •  1630

Leading agribusiness scales up significantly in past 12 months

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/news/nedbank4.jpg

Nedbank eager to drive NAMPO agri-sector dialogue through Nation in Conversation

  • 10 May 2019
  •  
  •  1458

Klerksdorp, Monday, 13 May 2019 – Nedbank is once again proud to add its voice to the premier Nampo 2019 event showcasing innovation and highlighting challenges, as well as prospective solutions, in the agri-sector.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep6/nic.jpg

Nation in Conversation takes a look at the wheat industry

  • 09 May 2019
  •  
  •  1553

Many people refer to wheat as the staple food of the world. In this episode, leading wheat farmer in the Bloemfontein area, Frikkie van der Merwe takes us through the process of wheat farming. We also visit FG La Pasta, a sophisticated pasta factory in Gauteng.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep5/nic2.jpg

Nurseries under the magnifying glass on Nation in Conversation

  • 06 May 2019
  •  
  •  4093

We put nurseries under the magnifying glass in episode 5 of Nation in Conversation, and citrus takes centre stage. The program takes a trip to Limpopo where we discover the picturesque Letsitele region.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep5/nic.jpg

Exploring citrus with Nation in Conversation

  • 02 May 2019
  •  
  •  1510

The South African citrus industry has seen a huge turnaround in the past couple of years and Nation in Conversation this week sets off to find out how. We travel to the Letsitele region in Limpopo, home of Du Roi, the biggest citrus nursery in Southern Africa and we discover a host of other hidden treasures.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep4/nic2.jpg

Conversation centers around livestock

  • 29 April 2019
  •  
  •  3788

Conversation zones-in on livestock farming in the fourth episode of the new Nation in Conversation series this week. The program takes viewers on a tour through Potchefstroom to become better acquainted with the town’s most popular attractions. We are introduced to pioneering cattle farmer Gideon Oosthuizen and we delve deeper into showcasing exactly what high pressure grazing entails.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep4/nic.jpg

Nation in Conversation comes alive this week

  • 24 April 2019
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  1526

Livestock is the topic at hand in this week’s episode of Nation in Conversation. We take a closer look at the livestock industry which makes up a major part of our food intake. This will be the fourth offering of the new series of Nation in Conversation broadcast on kykNET on Thursday, 25 April at 18:00.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep3/nic2.jpg

The world of onions in episode 3 of Nation in Conversation

  • 22 April 2019
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  4536

There are different onion types eaten around the world, but this vegetable remains a favourite due to its versatility and ability to add flavour to any dish. In episode three, Nation in Conversation zooms into where most of South African’s onions are produced.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep3/nic.jpg

Hard to peel, but full of flavour in episode 3 of Nation in Conversation

  • 18 April 2019
  •  
  •  1509

Known for its nature of making you shed a tear while chopping or peeling it, onions are perfect for adding flavour to any dish. Episode 3 looks into farming with onions.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep2/nic3.jpg

Raisins take the spotlight

  • 15 April 2019
  •  
  •  4136

Thought raisin's market consists only of packets of raisins sold in chain stores? Think again. The episode, which centered on raisins brought up some interesting facts that will make you sit upright and pay attention.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/nationinconversation/2019/promo_videos/ep2/nic.jpg

Raisins take centre stage in the second episode of the new season of the Nation in Conversation series

  • 10 April 2019
  •  
  •  1544

While they might look like wrinkled old grapes, raisins are actually an incredibly healthy and nutritious snack. Not only are they deliciously decadent, but they are also chock-full of goodness. Thursday 11 April at 6pm on kykNET, viewers get a front row seat to find out more on this.

Read More


https://www.nasieingesprek.co.za/media/2035/ep1b.jpg

Nation in Conversation takes us through the wonderful world of maize

  • 09 April 2019
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  4130

If you thought you knew all there is to know about the grain maize and starch industries, the first episode of the brand new Nation in Conversation season would have been a welcome eye-opener. It was so interesting; it was like reading the maize encyclopedia.

Read More


/media/2034/ep1.jpg

Nation in Conversation is back with a brand new series

  • 03 April 2019
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  1717

The exciting 2019 Nation in Conversation series kicks off this Thursday, 4 April 2019 with the opening program focusing on maize and more specifically, the starch industry.

Read More


https://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/NasieInGesprek/nampo_cape/day3.jpg

Nation in Conversation signs-off with a youth focus on last day of first Nampo Cape

  • 14 September 2018
  •  
  •  2103

Nation in Conversation concluded its live recordings at the inaugural Nampo Cape with a focus on the youth in agriculture.

Read More


http://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/NasieInGesprek/nampo_cape/day2_session2.jpg

Nation in Conversation looks at Training and training institutions in Agriculture

  • 13 September 2018
  •  
  •  1858

The fourth episode of the Nation Conversation recordings at the inaugural Nampo Cape festival in Bredasdorp looked at training and training institutions in Agriculture on Thursday 13 September 2018.

Read More


http://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/NasieInGesprek/nampo_cape/day2_session1.jpg

The Big Barley Discussion on Nation in Conversation at Nampo Cape

  • 13 September 2018
  •  
  •  2018

Day two of the inaugural Nampo Cape got underway at Bredasdorp Park in the Overberg today, 13 September 2018, when the Nation in Conversation Agri-talkshow kicked off with an in-depth discussion about Barley.

Read More


http://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/NasieInGesprek/nampo_cape/day1_session2.jpg

Sustainable Meat Production on Nation in Conversation at Nampo Cape

  • 12 September 2018
  •  
  •  1996

The second session of Nation in Conversation at the inaugural Nampo Cape agri-expo shone the spotlight on sustainable intensive meat (sheep) production with show host Theo Voster facilitating a panel of speakers which included Dr Karin Wessels of Mamre Intensive Sheep Farms, Izak Hofmeyr of Plaas Media; Veterinarian Dr D’Wall Hauptfleisch; and Charné Josling a lecturer at the University of the Free State, specialising in animal feed.

Read More


http://www.senwes.co.za/media/global/images/NasieInGesprek/nampo_cape/day1_session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation part of first ever Nampo Cape

  • 12 September 2018
  •  
  •  2253

Nation in Conversation, South Africa’s premiere Agri-talk show, is proud to be part of the first-ever Nampo Cape, which got underway today at Bredasdorp Park in the Overberg. Nampo Cape is the sister event of the Nampo Harvest Day, held annually near Bothaville in the Free State. The agri-festival is considered the biggest event on the SA Agri-calendar attracting over 80 000 people this year. GrainSA, the organisers of the show hopes the Cape version of the festival attracts similar numbers.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/news24/7/johan_bezuidenhout.jpg

South Africa depends on resilient maize farmers

  • 26 July 2018
  •  
  •  1671

Johan Bezuidenhout of NWK, a company that provides a range of services to maize farmers, speaks to Nation in Conversation about how farmers are managing their businesses within the challenging environment.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/6/mbali_nwoko.jpg

Female farmer of the future

  • 26 July 2018
  •  
  •  2333

This psychology graduate gave up the corporate life for a career in agriculture and she’s not looking back.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/5/thulo_mahlatsi.jpg

From farm worker to award-winning farmer

  • 19 July 2018
  •  
  •  1767

Thulo realised his lifelong dream of becoming a farmer and being his own boss – he shares some of his secrets to success

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/news24/5/wandile_sihlobo.png

Trends in agriculture

  • 12 July 2018
  •  
  •  1757

Earlier this year, I came across an interesting article by the U.S. agricultural economist, Jason Lusk, highlighting the disruptive trends in food and agriculture.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/4/de_fynne_nursery2.png

Growing a business and flourishing in farming

  • 12 July 2018
  •  
  •  1699

This self-proclaimed “rural girl” from Abbotsdale and her partner, Elton, are gaining ground in the agricultural sector.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/news24/4/kobus_steenkamp.jpg

Land reform must help emerging farmers to catch up with latest agri-trends

  • 05 July 2018
  •  
  •  1567

For centuries, technological advancement – or lack thereof – has been one of the factors that determined the progress or regress of nations. Those that have been astute enough to innovate have enjoyed the fruit of being the early beneficiaries of efficient and highly productive technologies.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/3/youtube_interview.jpg

Farming for a sustainable future

  • 05 July 2018
  •  
  •  1631

Badge’s passion for farming helped him grow and carve a successful career in agriculture.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/2/youtube_interview.jpg

A fruitful family legacy

  • 28 June 2018
  •  
  •  1709

From hawkers to farm owners with burgeoning orchards, this young farmer and his family are making their mark in agriculture.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/news24/3/john_hudson.jpg

Don’t bank on land reform panic, policy menu is diverse

  • 28 June 2018
  •  
  •  1700

When controversial public policy proposals are put on the table, it is easy to choose with an “either… or” mentality, ignoring the rich menu of options. This is particularly the case when emotions trump rationality.

Read More


/media/1117/screen-shot-2018-06-29-at-150817-copy.png

Dates Bring NIC to a Close for 2018

  • 28 June 2018
  •  
  •  1882

Make a date not to miss the final episode of the current season of Nation in Conversation which draws to a close with episode 13, focusing on Medjool date cultivation and production in South Africa.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/Drum/1/youtube_interview.jpg

Planting a seed of success

  • 21 June 2018
  •  
  •  1677

This small-town man’s heart-warming story proves that through hard work and sheer determination dreams can become reality.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/News24/2/tinus_prinsloo.jpg

Political risk in agriculture needs calm heads

  • 21 June 2018
  •  
  •  1664

There are many things that a good business person would find strange. Market volatility is certainly not one of them. However, whenever market volatility strikes, it causes pain for some and a boon for others, depending on whether they are beneficiaries of the up- or downswing.

Read More


/media/1116/screen-shot-2018-06-22-at-085458.jpg

Nation in Conversation goes nuts

  • 21 June 2018
  •  
  •  1845

In this episode we take a look nuts, where and how it’s grown and what to do with it. As usual the show kicks-off with a look at tourist attractions and this time the cameras go to the famous route 62, the longest wine route in the world. It is of-course situated in the Western Cape.

Read More


/media/1115/screen-shot-2018-06-19-at-123901.png

Nation in Conversation looks at the Wheat Industry

  • 15 June 2018
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  1945

This week Nation in Conversation shines the spotlight on the wheat industry and we follow the process of how wheat becomes flour and then bread, which as we all know is a staple food the world over.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/documents/pdf/NasieinGesprek/2018/News24/1/francois_strydom.jpg

Land reform – from emotions to rationality

  • 14 June 2018
  •  
  •  1688

At the ANC’s 54th elective conference in December 2017, two seemingly incompatible positions emerged on the issue of land reform.

Read More


/media/1114/avo.jpg

Episode 10 of Nation in Conversation takes a look at the Avocado Industry

  • 07 June 2018
  •  
  •  1784

“There’s nothing quite as delicious as a freshly toasted slice of bread with Avo on it, and what’s more it’s packed with good fats and vitamins.” This is how the show kicks-off with Rozanne’s comment.

Read More


/media/1113/wednesday-150.jpg

Nation in Conversation – 2nd Part of Nampo Highlights

  • 31 May 2018
  •  
  •  1993

Show host Rozanne McKenzie continues her tour of Nampo 2018 and continues to be astounded by the sheer scale of it all and how much there is to do!

Read More


/media/1112/nampo.jpg

Nation in Conversation at Nampo 2018

  • 24 May 2018
  •  
  •  1941

Episode 8 of Nation in Conversation shines the spotlight on the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest agricultural event, the Nampo Harvest Day festival which is held near Bothaville each year.

Read More


/media/1111/day4session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation at Nampo ends with Our youth, our future

  • 18 May 2018
  •  
  •  2079

Nation in Conversation ended on an upbeat with a lively discussion about the role of the youth in agriculture.

Read More


/media/1105/day3session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation takes aim at The Importance of Economy of Scale: Big vs small

  • 17 May 2018
  •  
  •  1986

Day 3 of Nation in Conversation at Nampo 2018 got underway with a robust discussion about the importance of economy of scale with Theo Vorster hosting the conversation with a panel comprised of Senwes Group CEO Francois Strydom, Agriculture Economist Wandile Sihlobo, BFAP’s Ferdi Meyer and GrainSA CEO Jannie de Villiers.

Read More


/media/1106/day3session2.jpg

Nation in Conversation looks into the future to 2035

  • 17 May 2018
  •  
  •  2247

The final session of Day 3 of Nation in Conversation at the Nampo Harvest Day festival saw a panel discussion taking a peak at what agriculture could look like in 2035.

Read More


/media/1102/day2session2.jpg

Inspirational Women in Business on Nation in Conversation

  • 17 May 2018
  •  
  •  2137

The final session of Day 2’s edition of Nation in Conversation at Nampo dissected the importance of female leadership in agricultural structures posing the question “Why is it still difficult for women to land leadership roles in agriculture”.

Read More


/media/1101/day2session1.jpg

The Conversation about Family Businesses

  • 17 May 2018
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  2311

The panel discussion was hosted by Roelf Meyer and consisted of Agbiz CEO John Purchase, Daan Kriek, President of AgriSA; Johan Willemse, a retired professor of agriculture; Malcolm Ferguson, a former diplomat now representing a massive maize producing company in Mexico; and Pitso Sekhoto a Free State Producer and Agri-activist with AFASA.

Read More


/media/1100/nampo.jpg

Sunflower and Soya Bean on Nation in Conversation

  • 17 May 2018
  •  
  •  1762

Episode 7 of the current season of Nation in Conversation takes the viewer on a journey into the fascinating world of sunflower and soya bean farming and processing.

Read More


/media/1099/day1session1.jpg

Nation in Conversation 2018 Kicks-Off with Policy Matters and Scenarios

  • 15 May 2018
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  2005

Day one of the country’s premier agri-talkshow, Nation in Conversation, got underway at 11:00 this morning (15 May 2018) at the agri-calandar’s premier event, the Nampo Harvest Day festival near Bothaville. The proceedings, attended by a full studio audience comprised of media and agri-stakeholders, saw the panel discussing “Policy Matters and Scenarios”

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/images/nasieingesprek/nampo/2018/day1/Day1Session2.jpg

Heated Conversation at 2nd session of Nation in Conversation

  • 15 May 2018
  •  Nation in Conversation
  •  2054

Nation in Conversation asked the question: “How can threats to food security be overcome to ensure a prosperous future and healthy agricultural sector?”

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/images/nasieingesprek/nampo/2018/nedbank_1.jpg

Nedbank agri-specialists committed to using their ‘financial expertise to do good’

  • 11 May 2018
  •  
  •  2007

Nedbank’s relationship with the agricultural sector has evolved beyond just offering finance and now entails the provision of holistic solutions for everyday, seasonal and future growth requirements. These holistic solutions cater for the whole agricultural value chain, ranging from primary producers to listed agribusinesses.

Read More


http://www.nationinconversation.co.za/media/global/images/nasieingesprek/nampo/2018/afgri_1.jpg

AFGRI - Your agricultural partner for generations

  • 11 May 2018
  •  
  •  2263

AFGRI is a leading agricultural services company with core competencies to enhance, support and guide the growth of agricultural enterprises. With a core focus on grain commodities and a vision of driving food security across Africa, AFGRI provides services across the entire grain production and storage cycle, offering financial support and solutions as well as inputs and hi-tech equipment through the John Deere brand supported by a large retail footprint.

Read More


/media/1096/kersies.jpg

The Cherry on Top

  • 10 May 2018
  •  
  •  2068

Who doesn’t love a tasty cherry, weather its part of your roast garnish, your cocktail or your favourite cupcake, it’s always a hit.

Read More