Groundbreaking Climate Intelligence: South African Innovation, Global Impact.
From university research to enterprise-scale solutions, TerraClim pioneers data-driven tools that grow with the land and the people who farm it.
Founded by Dr. Tara Southey and co-founder, Prof. Adrian van Niekerk (GeoSmart) in 2022, TerraClim now integrates over a decade of terrain‑climate research; from real‑time frost maps to crop suitability reports. Trusted by top agribusinesses, our platform empowers smarter, climate‑ready decisions.
• Founding & research roots: Flagship SU project → company spin‑out
• Innovation pipeline: High‑res climate database, terrain layers, 6‑month WebApp beta with chill/frost mapping
• Market traction: Beta users across agri sectors; partners include Heineken, KWV, Vinpro, Hortgro & more
Dr Tara Southey has combined her love for nature and research to support the agricultural industry in becoming more adaptable and sustainable in the face of climate change for the past 15 years.
Milestones of Innovation
TerraClim’s growth is rooted in South African research and shaped by innovation, collaboration and climate resilience.
2014–2019
Foundational data systems and terrain-climate layers are developed through research partnerships and pilot studies.
2022
TerraClim is launched as a commercial venture, focused on field-level climate intelligence for South African agriculture.
2023
Platform expands to 100+ farms across the Western Cape. Development and rollout of the TerraSuit suitability tool begins.
2024
Insights Hub is launched, enhancing long- and short-term agricultural planning with real-time analytics and visualisation tools.
2025
Strategic partnerships with public and private sector extend the platform’s reach. Rollout of hourly, field-level data support begins.
Today
More than 1,500 profiles supported, with 44+ terrain and climate variables powering adaptive, localised decision making.
High Resolution, Multi-Use Terrain Layers
Monthly, Daily and Hourly Automated Reports
Qualitative and Accurate data drawn from over 1450 weather stations
Meet The Team
Climate Resilience. Food Security. Data driven Solutions.
This is what makes the vibrant TerraClim team tick. More than 20 years of research and development, implementation and integration have brought us closer to our groundbreaking goals than ever before.
Dr. Tara Southey
Primary Researcher (15+ Years), Founder
Prof. Adriaan van Niekerk
Primary Researcher (25+ years), Co-Founder
Garth Stephenson
Researcher (15+ Years), Project Manager
Rozanne Vos
Business Development & Commerce Lead
James Kapp
Lead Geospatial & Data Scientist
Caley Higgs
Data Operations & Research Lead
Mila Toth
Product Operations Lead & Data Scientist
Charles Mudima
GIS Developer & Data Scientist
Sean Chater
Geospatial & Data Scientist
Jurgen Koegelenberg
Data Analyst
Michaela Nortje
Data Analyst
Zandré Nieuwoudt
Data Analyst
Build with Us: Smarter Systems for a Changing Climate
At TerraClim, we’re always interested in meeting thoughtful, motivated people who want to contribute to a more climate-resilient future.
Whether your strengths lie in development, data science, design, marketing, or operations… if you believe your skills could help us grow our platform or expand our impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Impact: Supports agriculture, sustainability and climate resilience
Culture: Small team, high autonomy, remote-first
Vision: Build the leading climate data platform for African agriculture
Tech: Modern stack, continuous learning, tight-knit dev culture
TerraClim News, Updates & More
Here we share our news, features, updates and articles. Check in for interesting development updates and valuable climate insights.
Hortgro Industry leadership programme | Dr Tara Southey
A graduate of the first Hortgro industry leadership programme talks about climate change and modelling and shares her reflections on the programme.
Blaine Jones kyk na tegnologie en klimaatsverandering.
TerraClim team member, Rozanne Vos, discussed: The Story behind TerraClim: How we're empowering the agricultural sector with data-driven insights.
Enterprise Africa: TerraClim, South Africa's Developed Climate Tool to Drive Agri Insight
Founder Dr Tara Southey tells Enterprise Africa more about the development and promise for this exciting South African innovation.
No Room to Hide: Climate Change in the Cape Winelands
A documentary produced by Food For Mzansi: The Cape Winelands is facing an existential threat from shifting weather conditions that create an uncertain future for some of the Southern Hemisphere’s leading wine areas.
South Africa Wine x TerraClim
A glimpse into the industry impact and a few examples of how the valuable relationship between TerraClim and key partner, South Africa Wine serves the wine industry of South Africa.
Klimaatsverandering en die Landbou - Article Read More
Dr. Tara Southey vertel vir Martelize Brink van klimaatsverandering en hoe dit vir landboudoeleindes gemonitor word. Soos uitgesaai op DrieSestig. Maandag tot Vrydag 13:00 - 14:45.
Contact Details
hello@terraclim.co.za
TerraClim provides information and insights based on models and data. Results may vary due to individual conditions and practices. For critical financial, risk management and farming decisions, consult agronomists, commodities brokers or other qualified professionals.
© TerraClim (Pty) Ltd | 2023 | All rights reserved