Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
The September 2026 edition of AFMA Matrix is a special one! As the official AFMA Forum 2026 publication, it is distributed to leaders from across the feed-to-food value chain at the Forum. This exciting issue includes the official AFMA Forum programme, sponsor pages, speaker profiles and articles from some of the Forum’s speakers. Readers can also look forward to industry-focussed content on, among others, Act 36, mycotoxins, methane inhibitors, NDF digestibility, feed manufacturing innovation, and much more!
Following Salmonella through the feed mill
When salmonellosis makes headlines, the attention usually turns to eggs, poultry meat, or food-processing facilities. Yet the bacterium’s journey can begin much earlier. Cilé-Mari Bredenkamp of AFMA unpacks Salmonella’s journey into the feed mill, from contaminated feed ingredients to where it can move into feed, animals, and the wider food production system.
Why rail reform matters
Grain and other raw materials constitute a substantial portion of feed mills’ production costs. The efficiency of the logistics chain used to transport these inputs therefore directly affects the efficiency and competitiveness of feed mills. Reliable, cost-effective logistics are consequently essential. Dr Charl van der Merwe of Agbiz Grain examines the crucial period South Africa is entering as the country undertakes a fundamental transformation of its freight logistics system.
The role of heat stress in poultry physiology
Poultry products remain the most affordable and among the most widely consumed sources of animal protein globally. Global warming has led to increased prevalence of heat stress in flocks, which in turn reduces efficiency and increases production costs. Caitlin Vosloo of Phileo by Lesaffre discusses heat stress and how it affects birds at the physiological and behavioural levels, including its impact on production parameters such as feed conversion ratio, weight gain, egg production, and egg quality.
The September 2026 issue of AMFA Matrix is available as an interactive flipbook at https://digimags.agriorbit.com/books/AFMA-Matrix-Sept-2026-6aWy/ or download the PDF version here. To subscribe, call Rochelle George on 074 153 8380 or SMS ‘Subscribe’ and your phone number to 064 890 6941.
