InteliGro partners with NWU Business School to support crop advisors as business partners

The role of Crop Advisors in agriculture today extends far beyond supplying products or offering technical advice. The right profile of advisor plays a strategic role as a business partner, working with producers to manage risk, implement solutions and improve profitability. 

InteliGro has partnered with the North-West University (NWU) Business School to launch a tailored three-year training programme for Crop Advisors. A pilot project began in May 2025 with ten young InteliGro advisors receiving business skills training to complement the company’s strong technical approach on farm level.

According to Janet Lawless, Marketing Manager at InteliGro, this practice-oriented training is essential to support Crop Advisors with the unique skill set the role demands. Participants who complete the programme will earn a formal qualification to enhance their credibility and career development.

“The difference lies in the quality of Crop Advisors,” says Lawless. “Knowledge alone is no longer enough. Climate change, shifting markets and regulations demand critical thinking and strong business insight. That’s why our programme focuses on key skills such as self-development, operational management, strategic entrepreneurship, future readiness, financial resource management, effective communication and practical application in agriculture.”

OVER 90 ADVISORS DEVELOP THROUGH CCA-TRAINING

More than five years ago, InteliGro laid the foundation for a focused, relevant development path for its Crop Advisors through its internal Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) programme. 

Today, over 90 advisors across South Africa are involved in the formal initiative. Each follows a personalised development programme including technical training, mentorship and career planning.

“Advisors must not only give advice. They need to listen, apply business insight and offer customised solutions to complex farming challenges,” says Lawless. “Beyond strong product and crop knowledge, they must be technologically capable, apply basic business principles and interpret data to support decision-making.”

The CCA programme ensures that all advisors meet the required standards through ongoing evaluation and training in technical, business and soft skills. Courses are continually developed based on current research and field experience. Topics include crop physiology, nutrition and protection, irrigation, application technology and soil fertility.

“The CCA programme provides valuable tools to help me offer solutions to clients,” says Stephan Venter, Trainee Crop Advisor from Wolmaransstad in North West. “The new business course has broadened my perspective. It shows how important each person’s role, focus and discipline is. I believe this course will help me grow and manage my business better.”

BRIDGING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND PRACTICAL IMPACT

Lawless says that working with universities adds not only academic value but also helps address the sector’s specific needs. “This partnership with NWU, and our parent company WinField United SA’s involvement with Stellenbosch University, contributes to research, technological progress and access to the latest knowledge for on-farm application.”

“As a provider of integrated crop solutions built on expertise and advice, InteliGro is setting a new standard. Producers know they are getting skilled support,” she says. “We focus on developing each Crop Advisor into a reliable partner who helps ensure producer success.”

“What sets our advisors apart is not just their technical skill, but their ability to plan ahead,” says Niel Kruger, Executive Manager: Primary Business Channel at InteliGro. “They need to understand current needs and also plan for the future in areas such as crop rotation, resistance management, biological solutions, technology tools, alternative control methods and market access requirements.”

Kruger says InteliGro supports producers through targeted training, technical backing, mentorship, a crop-specialist model and crop working groups. This approach helps producers manage risk proactively and build sustainable businesses.

“The ability to identify future trends and develop strategies aligned with them means our advisors are well positioned to navigate farm-level challenges.”

TRUST IS THE CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS

According to Kruger, a combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, technological skills and the right people makes the InteliGro team stand out. “This approach supports long-term sector success and gives producers the peace of mind that they have a business partner by their side to help tackle challenges and unlock opportunities.”

“Trust is the foundation of productive producer-advisor relationships,” he says. “Producers must rely on their advisor as a trusted partner in making complex decisions. These relationships are built on ongoing open communication, experience, expertise and proven results.”

“Trust is critical in managing risk and investment. The CCA programme serves as our own trust index. We know it starts on the farm, and that is where we make the difference.”