Agricultural Engineering Podcast
The Agricultural Engineering Podcast is produced by members of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers, with funding from the Royal Academy of Engineering. It features interviews and discussions on topics such as agricultural mechanization, precision agriculture, renewable energy, food packaging, soil conservation, hydrology, and dams. The show highlights the expertise of South African professionals, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate research experiences. New episodes are released monthly and are available on major podcast platforms.
Episodes
Insights from an Earth Dam Specialist - S2E4
Join us for an insightful conversation with Belinda Boer, an Earth Dam and DAMFIX specialist, as we explore practical solutions for reducing water loss and improving on-farm water conservation. From dam maintenance and sealing techniques to the future of agricultural water management. Belinda shares valuable experiences and advice for farmers looking to make every drop count.You can find Belinda o
(Archive) A conversation with Prof. Venter, a founding member of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers- S2E3
During the SAIAE symposium in 2024, Dr. Maharaj sat down with Professor Gert Venter for a remarkable interview. As one of South Africa's most experienced Agricultural Engineers and a founding member of SAIAE, Prof. Venter reflects on an extraordinary career spanning decades. Now at the age of 90, he shares insights from his professional journey, which includes everything from early soil conse
AI That Grades: How Two Students Built an Automated Marking System - S2E2
In this episode, we sit down with young South African innovators Gustav Heesen and Johan Vorster, along with their parents, Heinrich and Lianne, to discuss their remarkable invention, "Expobot". We dive into how they used N8N, Docker, and AI to build an accessible, fully automated test-marking system designed to help teachers in overcrowded classrooms get their time back, delivering pers
A Journey of a Professional Irrigation Engineer - S2E1
In this episode of the Agricultural Engineering Podcast, we explore the career of Isobel van der Stoep, a professionally registered Agricultural Engineer with over 25 years of experience. From her early days contributing to the Irrigation Design Manual and the National Water Act of 1998 to her current role managing tens of thousands of hectares of sugarcane estates across Africa. Isobel's sto
Perspectives on Agricultural Mechanisation During the Fourth Industrial Revolution - S1E10
This episode features a conversation between Dr Udhav Maharaj and Mr. Charles Nicklin, the CEO of the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE), United Kingdom. Their discussion revolves around the evolution of agricultural mechanization over time, exploring its advantages for consumers as well as its potential drawbacks.Mr Nicklin can be found on LinkedIn as Charles Nicklin: https://www.link
The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Mechanising Smallholder Farmers - S1E9
This episode feauters Dr Maharaj and Mr David Moore from Ireland. Mr Moore, who is the co-founder of Regerators, is currently based in Ethiopia to launch smallholder farmers mechanisation-based initiatives.Send us Fan Mail2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 at the Protea Hotel by
The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Mechanization and Modernization of Agriculture - S1E8
In our latest episode, Dr. Maharaj interviewed Professor Srivasta from the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University, United States of America. The professor shared his journey to becoming an Agricultural Engineer and discussed his current work in the field of mechanisation. This role has enabled him to engage in various projects across Africa, including ef
The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Aquaculture and Hydroponics Farming Fields - S1E7
We had a conversation with Tumiso Ngoepe, a certified professional engineer (ECSA) from Limpopo, about Aquaculture and Hydroponics. She shared information regarding various projects she has been involved in, including the Ntompi Seleka aquaculture initiative.You can find Tumiso on LinkeIn as : Tumiso Ngoepe (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tumiso-ngoepe-328793170/)Send us Fan Mail2026 South African In
The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Energy for Agricultural Practices - S1E6
This episode features Mr Louis Lagrange discussing agricultural engineers' involvement in the energy sector. He stresses the importance of continuous education for engineers to develop expertise in energy-related fields. Additionally, Mr Lagrange highlights circular economy as a key approach to enhancing energy efficiency in engineering designs.Courses mentioned during the interview:1. Fundam
Women in Engineering - S1E5
This episode features Ms Faith Mdhluli, the Director of Sustainable Resource Management at Mpumalanga Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, who discusses the role of women in Engineering. As a Mandela Washington fellow, Ms. Mdhluli offers valuable insights based on her extensive experience in a field traditionally dominated by men. She provides guidance and advice for women aspiring t
The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Flood Prediction and Management - S1E4
Ever wondered how agricultural engineers are revolutionizing the way we predict and manage floods? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Maharaj, an Agricultural Engineering PhD graduate specialising in hydrological engineering and Modelling as he walks us through his groundbreaking research on improving flood prediction accuracy. Explore the challenges and triumphs faced by Dr Maharaj d
Role of Agricultural Engineers in Food Processing - S1E3
Join us for an engaging dialogue with Jan-Paul Smit on the essential role of engineers in food processing.You can find Jan-Paul Smit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-paul-smit-370612113/For any questions related to the Agricultural Engineering podcast contact Senzo on senzo@saiae.co.za. Send us Fan Mail2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement The 2
An Overview of Agricultural Engineering - S1E2
Tune in for an insightful discussion providing an overview of the field of Agricultural Engineering, including an exclusive interview with Ms. Ipeleng Maroo-Maseko.You can find Ipeleng on LinkedIn as Keamogetsoe(Ipeleng): https://www.linkedin.com/in/keamogetsoe-ipeleng-maroo-maseko-01053914/For any questions related to the Agricultural Engineering podcast contact Senzo on senzo@saiae.co.za. Send
Welcome to the Agricultural Engineering Podcast - S1E1
Welcome to the Agricultural Engineering podcast! This podcast is brought to you by agricultural engineering professionals who are members of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers. The Royal Academy of Engineering funded the podcast to provide current and topical information and interviews on various subjects in the agricultural engineering field, such as agricultural mechanization,
