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The Animal Feed Manufacturers Association’s (AFMA) monthly animal feed report provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of feed production trends across South Africa. Based on monthly submissions by feed manufacturers, this report tracks the volumes of different feed types produced for various sectors, including poultry, dairy, beef, and swine.
Read the complete report here.
This data serves as a critical benchmark for industry stakeholders, helping identify seasonal shifts in demand and monitor sector growth. Updated monthly, the report is a trusted reference for understanding where the industry stands and where it is heading.
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Positive numbers all round
The latest animal feed production data reflects a positive year-end performance, with both monthly and annual comparisons showing encouraging growth. Month-on-month (Nov to Dec 2025) production increased from 593 820 tonnes in November to 603 190 tonnes in December, a rise of 9 370 tonnes (+1,6%).
Year-on-year (Dec 2024 to Dec 2025) production improved from 591 464 tonnes in December 2024 to 603 190 tonnes in December 2025, an increase of 11 726 tonnes (+2,0%).
The December 2025 report provides a detailed overview of animal feed production trends in South Africa, based on AFMA member data, offering insight into production dynamics across key livestock sectors. The analysis reflects performance both month-on-month (December 2025 compared to November 2025) and year-on-year (December 2025 compared to December 2024).
- 2023: 6 949 060 tonnes.
- 2024: 6 903 410 tonnes (down 0,7% from 2023).
- 2025: 7 149 902 tonnes (up 3,7% from 2024).
While 2025 reflects a recovery from the marginal decline observed in 2024, total production remains only modestly above 2023 levels, indicating stabilisation rather than a strong expansion phase. Growth was primarily supported by the poultry sector, particularly broiler and layer feed, with smaller contributions from other segments.
Growth trajectory explained
The growth trajectory in AFMA members’ feed production is reflected in both month-on-month and year-on-year comparisons, indicating a gradual recovery in production levels month-on-month (Oct to Nov 2025) and year-on-year (Nov 2024 to Nov 2025).
- November 2025: 593 820 tonnes – December 2024: 591 464 tonnes.
- December 2025: 603 190 tonnes – December 2025: 603 190 tonnes.
- Change: 9 370 tonnes, 1,6% increase – change: 11 726 tonnes, 2% increase.
Total feed production reached 603 190 tonnes in December 2025. This reflects a 1,6% month-on-month increase (9 370 tonnes) and a 2% year-on-year increase (11 726 tonnes). The total month-on-month gain of 9 370 tonnes is primarily driven by increases in layer feed (9 751 tonnes), broiler feed (3 984 tonnes), and breeder feed (3 983 tonnes), which collectively outweigh declines in beef and sheep feed (9 202 tonnes) and other categories.
On a year-on-year basis, the total increase of 11 726 tonnes is predominantly driven by poultry, particularly broiler feed (10 139 tonnes) and layer feed (9 126 tonnes), offsetting significant declines in beef and sheep feed (9 316 tonnes) and ostrich feed (729 tonnes).
AFMA feed production data is published with a three-month delay in compliance with the Competition Commission’s recommendation. This ensures aggregated statistics are released only once a quarter has passed, safeguarding fair competition and equal access to information. – Dr Lucius Phaleng, AFMA
