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The annual Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) is holding its annual general meeting on 4 and 5 September at Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. The meeting was preceded by its very popular annual golf day, also held at Zimbali Lodge yesterday.
This year’s AGM celebrates a significant milestone in the AFMA story, its 80th year of operation. Milestones such as this don’t come along often and are usually accompanied by a few special activities. The first is the very special edition of AFMA Matrix, the organisation’s industry magazine which contains a special section featuring interesting articles on the history, achievements and evolution of the feed industry in South Africa.
The other special feature during this AGM is a gala event during which AFMA leaders and members from now and yesteryear are present. This gala event usually serves as an opportunity to bring honour to special achievers in the industry, and this year was no different.
AFMA person of the year
The AFMA person of the year award is presented annually to recognise a South African individual who has made an outstanding and impactful contribution to the animal feed or feed-related industry. The AFMA Person of the Year for 2025 is Wiana Louw, general manager of The South Africa Grain Laboratory (SAGL). She was nominated by Dr Erhard Briedenhann, SAGL chairman.
In his motivation, Dr Briedenhann pointed out that Wiana has made transformative contributions to the animal feed and grain sectors through her leadership at SAGL and active involvement across multiple industry platforms. She established and expanded the National Mycotoxin Monitoring Programme, providing essential data that informs regulatory standards and safeguards feed safety. Her pioneering work in analytical method development, laboratory accreditation, and technology adoption has elevated South Africa’s capability to meet international compliance benchmarks.
Beyond technical achievements, Wiana has been a driving force in capacity building, mentoring young scientists, fostering internships, and bridging academia with industry needs. Through her efforts, she has cultivated collaborative partnerships between government, research institutions, and industry stakeholders, creating lasting impact on both regulatory frameworks and the sustainability of the feed value chain. Through her visionary leadership, she continues to influence how the industry adapts to emerging challenges, ensuring long-term growth and innovation.
AFMA student of the year
At the same event, the AFMA student of the year award, presented annually in honour of Dr Koos van der Merwe, who significantly contributed to the development and scientific credibility of the animal feed industry in South Africa, was presented to Elzané Liebenberg, an MSc student in Animal Nutrition at the University of the Free State. She was nominated by Dr Ockert Einkamerer, senior lecturer in the same department.
Her study revolved around the effect of genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) grain on gut health and microbial diversity of finishing lambs. Her research advances animal nutrition by enhancing nutrient utilisation by possibly promoting sustainable feeding through GM maize, and exploring gut health impacts to improve efficiency and overall livestock productivity. – Izak Hofmeyr, Plaas Media
