Dr Michael Southwood, agricultural consultant and founder of the Agri Vision Foundation, explores why securing the future of agriculture demands a fundamental shift from chasing quick harvests to investing in soil health and seamless farm succession.

In this episode, he examines how closing the gap between lab research and field practices creates lasting stability for growers facing market volatility.

Grounded in over two decades of field experience, Southwood details practical strategies for managing biological, chemical, and physical soil balances, avoiding widespread agronomic pitfalls like nitrogen over-application, and managing pest resistance dynamically. He also shares advice on implementing precision diagnostics, such as sap testing and soil carbon tracking, and more.

Southwood highlights how attending the upcoming SADC Plant Nutrition Symposium on 19–20 November 2026 in Stellenbosch connects producers with actionable agronomic tools while supporting regional food security initiatives.