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South Africa’s feed industry is operating in a complex and rapidly changing environment. Global market volatility, evolving animal health challenges, rapid advances in technology, rising sustainability expectations and shifting consumer demands are reshaping how feed is produced, manufactured and utilised. At the same time, producers are under significant pressure to improve efficiency, strengthen resilience and produce safe, affordable food in a complex operating environment.
The animal feed industry plays an important role in addressing many of these challenges. It is the critical link between crop production and animal agriculture, supporting animal health, production efficiency, food safety and ultimately the affordability and security of the nation’s food supply. Yet, despite its strategic importance, the industry often operates behind the scenes, quietly enabling every other link in the agricultural value chain.
No single organisation, business or sector can address these challenges alone. The future competitiveness and sustainability of the industry will depend on collaboration, innovation, and informed decision-making. By uniting expertise from across the feed-to-food value chain to share knowledge, challenge conventional thinking, and develop practical solutions.
It is within this context that the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) Forum 2026, taking place from 8 to 10 September 2026 at Sun City, will once again convene industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, technology providers and the next generation of professionals under the theme, “The Feed Factor: The Chain That Feeds a Nation”.
More than just a conference
The AFMA Forum has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading platforms for strategic dialogue, scientific exchange and industry collaboration. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the issues shaping the future of feed manufacturing, livestock production and food security, while fostering collaboration across the feed-to-food value chain to help the industry navigate future opportunities and challenges.
Conversations the industry cannot afford to miss
The AFMA Forum 2026 programme reflects the extent and complexity of the issues currently influencing the feed and livestock industries. From antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and global market uncertainty to technological innovation, animal nutrition and future skills, the programme has been structured to connect international insight with the practical realities facing South African agriculture.
Advancing animal health through adequate nutrition
Animal health and feed safety remain fundamental to sustainable livestock production and food security. As global attention continues to focus on antimicrobial resistance, the feed industry has an important role to play in providing adequate nutrition that contributes to improved animal health, productivity and the responsible use of antimicrobials.
Recognising that antimicrobial resistance is a shared responsibility, the AFMA Forum will explore how collaboration can support responsible antimicrobial stewardship and sustainable livestock production. Bringing together experts from government, veterinary science, animal health and industry, this session will provide delegates with diverse perspectives on one of agriculture’s key priorities. By encouraging dialogue across disciplines, the Forum aims to strengthen understanding, share practical experiences and identify opportunities for continued collaboration in support of animal health and food security.
Global markets in an uncertain environment
Global market developments influence the operating environment of South Africa’s feed manufacturers and livestock producers. Changes in grain and oilseed markets, animal protein demand, international trade, exchange rates and geopolitical developments continue to shape input costs, market competitiveness and business confidence across the agricultural value chain.
The AFMA Forum will connect international market intelligence with the realities facing South African agriculture. International market expert Nan-Dirk Mulder from Rabobank will share insights into the trends shaping animal protein production, international trade, and feed markets, providing delegates with a broader understanding of the forces influencing both local and global agricultural systems.
Complementing these global perspectives, a producer-sector leadership panel will bring together the Chief Executive Officers of the South African Poultry Association (SAPA), the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO), the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO), the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) and Grain SA. Together, they will discuss the key challenges, opportunities and market realities facing their respective sectors, while exploring the interconnectedness of South Africa’s grain, feed and livestock industries.
By combining international expertise with local industry leadership, these discussions will provide delegates with valuable strategic insights into the opportunities and risks shaping the future of South African agriculture. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, understanding these market dynamics has become essential for informed decision-making across the entire feed-to-food value chain.
Utilizing technology to drive smarter feed manufacturing
Digitalisation, automation and artificial intelligence are changing how agricultural businesses collect information, manage production and make decisions. For feed manufacturers, these technologies offer opportunities to strengthen process control, improve efficiency, reduce waste and make theuse of production data more effective. Their value, however, depends on how effectively they are integrated into practical feed manufacturing operations.
The AFMA Forum will explore both the current and future role of artificial intelligence across the agri-food sector, while examining how digital technologies can be applied within feed manufacturing and livestock production systems. The programme will connect broader developments in AI and digital transformation with practical applications such as real-time monitoring, automated process adjustments, data-driven decision-making and greater precision in feed production.
At the same time, the discussions will recognise that technology is not a standalone solution. Reliable data, robust measurement systems, sound process control and human expertise remain essential to turning digital information into meaningful operational decisions.
Investing in the next generation of industry leaders
The future of South Africa’s feed industry depends not only on innovation and technology, but also on the people who will lead it. As the industry evolves, attracting, developing and retaining skilled professionals will be essential to ensuring its long-term competitiveness and resilience.
Recognising this, the AFMA Forum places a strong emphasis on developing future talent. This year will see the introduction of AFMA’s first Student Industry Case Competition, bringing together multidisciplinary teams from universities across South Africa to tackle a real-world industry challenge. The initiative will provide students with valuable exposure to the feed sector and encourage collaboration, critical thinking and practical problem-solving.
Beyond the competition itself, the initiative reflects AFMA’s broader commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of future leaders. By strengthening connections between academia and industry, the Forum helps to inspire the next generation of professionals who will contribute to the continued growth, innovation and success of South Africa’s feed industry.
Conclusion
The challenges facing South Africa’s feed industry are becoming more interconnected. Animal health, market volatility, technological innovation and skills development cannot be addressed in isolation. It requires informed dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthen the feed-to-food value chain.
The AFMA Forum provides one of South Africa’s leading platforms for these conversations, uniting industry leaders, technical specialists, policymakers, researchers and the next generation of professionals to exchange knowledge, share perspectives and explore practical solutions to the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
As the industry continues to evolve, the need for collaboration, innovation and informed leadership has never been more significant. By bringing together global expertise and local experience, the AFMA Forum continues to strengthen understanding, encourage meaningful collaboration and help shape a resilient, competitive and sustainable future for South Africa’s feed industry.
To explore the full programme, speaker line-up and registration information, visit www.afmaforum.co.za.
