The indicators used in the SWAN system:
Meet the Trace & Save team:
Phillip Terblanche
Phillip is the owner of Trace & Save and he created the Trace & Save and SWAN systems for measuring agricultural sustainability. He has been an agricultural consultant in the dairy industry for over 25 years.
Qualification:
Masters in Sustainable Agriculture (University of the Free State)
Research interests:
Sustainable agriculture; cow nutrition; soil fertility and health; nutrient flow; profitability indicators on dairy pasture farms.
Current studies:
PhD in Sustainable Agriculture (University of the Free State)
Marlene Terblanche
Marlene is the glue that holds the team together. She is responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the team and the projects which Trace & Save is involved with.
Qualification:
BCom (Honours) (University of the Free State)
Post-graduate Tax Diploma
Portia Phohlo
Portia is passionate about everything soil and joined the team in 2013.
Qualification:
MSc in Agriculture Soil Science (University of the Free State)
Research interests:
Soil quality and health; soil microbiology; soil nutrient management; site-specific crop management; carbon sequestration; environmental impact of agriculture.
Prospective studies:
PhD in Agronomy (Stellenbosch University)
Craig Galloway
Craig is interested in environmental stewardship and the sustainable use of natural resources and joined the team in 2013.
Qualification:
PhD in Conservation Ecology (Stellenbosch University)
Research interests:
Farmers’ perceptions of sustainable agriculture; soil health; nutrient balancing and accounting; farm carbon footprint; carbon sequestration; whole farm productivity; environmental impact of agriculture; biodiversity conservation.
Marno Fourie
Marno is passionate about farm nutrient use efficiency and joined the team in 2013.
Qualification:
MSc in Conservation Ecology (Stellenbosch University)
Research interests:
Bio-geochemical nutrient cycling; farmer engagement in sustainable farming practices; environmental and sustainability education; greenhouse gas emissions.
Current studies:
PhD in Conservation Ecology (Stellenbosch University)
Francois Searle
Francois is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Trace & Save application and website.
Qualification:
BTech in Information Technology (Port Elizabeth Technikon)