Agricultural Engineering Podcast

Epizode

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  Insights from an Earth Dam Specialist - S2E4 23.07.2026 47min

  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 on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/belindaboer Email: belinda@dampro.co.za Send us Fan Mail 2026 ...
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  (Archive) A conversation with Prof. Venter, a founding member of the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers- S2E3 28.05.2026 34min

  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 conservation efforts and academic leadership at the University of Pretoria to overhauling tractor mechanisa...
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  AI That Grades: How Two Students Built an Automated Marking System - S2E2 19.05.2026 19min

  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 personalised student feedback with an impressive 95% accuracy rate. We also celebrate their incredible journey,...
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  A Journey of a Professional Irrigation Engineer - S2E1 15.04.2026 46min

  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 story is a masterclass in professional growth and technical leadership. You can find her on LinkedIn as ...
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  Perspectives on Agricultural Mechanisation During the Fourth Industrial Revolution - S1E10 31.01.2025 29min

  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.linkedin.com/in/charles-nicklin-bba7b63/?originalSubdomain=uk Send us Fan Mail 2026 South Afri...
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  The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Mechanising Smallholder Farmers - S1E9 27.01.2025 38min

  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 Mail 2026 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 Marriott in Upington, Northern Cape. Hosted by the SAIAE, the event theme is "Driving A...
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  The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Mechanization and Modernization of Agriculture - S1E8 22.01.2025 31min

  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 efforts to modernise agricultural practices. You can find Dr Srivasta on the MSU website: https://...
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  The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Aquaculture and Hydroponics Farming Fields - S1E7 20.11.2024 59min

  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 Mail 2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Sympos...
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  The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Energy for Agricultural Practices - S1E6 11.10.2024 52min

  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. Fundamentals of Energy Management Opportunities in Agriculture - https://saiae.co.za/cpd-courses-webinars...
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  Women in Engineering - S1E5 13.09.2024 1h 1min

  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 to pursue engineering careers, drawing from her own journey in overcoming obstacles in this profes...
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  The Role of Agricultural Engineers in Flood Prediction and Management - S1E4 02.08.2024 36min

  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 during his PhD journey, from navigating external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic to employ...
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  Role of Agricultural Engineers in Food Processing - S1E3 11.07.2024 49min

  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 Mail 2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium Announcement The 2026 SAIAE Biennial Symposium will take place from 21 to 23 October 2026 a...
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  An Overview of Agricultural Engineering - S1E2 20.06.2024 1h

  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 us Fan Mail 2026 South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers Symposium A...
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  Welcome to the Agricultural Engineering Podcast - S1E1 13.06.2024 1min

  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, precision agriculture, renewable energy, food packaging, soil conservation, hydrology and dams, ...