Getting to know Victam – Afma Forum’s event partner (Plaas TV / Farm TV, 31 July 2026)
31 July 2026 – With the Afma Forum just around the corner, it is a great time to get to know its main event partner, VICTAM International. In a recent interview with Plaas TV / Farm TV, Sebas van den Ende, General Manager of VICTAM International, shares more about the organisation and its involvement in the upcoming Forum.
Liesl Breytenbach: What to Expect at Afma Forum 2026 | Power Interview
8 September 2026 – Liesl Breytenbach, Executive Director of AFMA, shares what delegates can expect from this year’s programme, highlights the new additions and explains why the exhibition remains an essential part of the Forum experience. Watch the interview for a closer look at the thinking behind Afma Forum 2026.
Anina Hunter: Uniting the Feed Industry | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
8 September 2026 – The 12th Afma Forum has brought together a record number of attendees from across the feed production chain. AFMA Chairperson Anina Hunter reflects on how the Forum supports AFMA’s core focus areas, the importance of bringing different parts of the industry together and the key message she hopes delegates will take home from this year’s event.
Prof Henrik von Scheel: The Future of Feed Manufacturing | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
8 September 2026 – Growth alone will not secure the future of animal feed manufacturing. The industry will also need smarter operations, stronger skills and a far more connected value chain. Afma Forum 2026 keynote speaker Prof Henrik von Scheel, Industry 4.0 originator and strategic intelligence expert, identifies six strategic imperatives shaping the sector’s next decade – from feed performance and additives to AI-enabled operational excellence, integrated planning, bioeconomics, traceability and safety. He also explores AFMA’s evolving role as a central pillar for the industry: aligning best practices, supporting innovation, developing skills and representing the sector as it navigates an increasingly uncertain future.
Margaret Churchill: Turning AMR Stewardship into Action | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
9 September 2026 – Progress in antimicrobial stewardship will not happen overnight – or through the efforts of one part of the value chain alone. Following her facilitation of the Afma Forum 2026 panel discussion on antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa, Margaret Churchill reflects on the need for collaboration between government regulators, producer organisations, pharmaceutical companies, feed manufacturers and retailers. While South Africa can learn from international progress, she emphasises that its approach must account for local realities: protecting animal and human health while sustaining agriculture, safeguarding jobs and continuing to feed the nation.
Prof André Jooste: Building Agricultural Resilience Together | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
9 September 2026 – Resilience across South African agriculture depends on industry associations, role players and government working together to address shared challenges. Following the panel discussion he facilitated, Prof André Jooste reflects on perspectives from the grain, poultry, milk, pork and red-meat industries – sectors that collectively represent 61% of the gross value of agricultural production at primary level. From biosecurity and logistics to electricity, fuel and rising input costs, he explains why stronger collaboration and trusted public-private partnerships are essential to building profitable agricultural sectors – and keeping food affordable for consumers.
Cynthia Zhu: AI as Infrastructure for Agri-food | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
10 September 2026 – Cynthia Zhu describes AI as “the new electricity” – infrastructure that will increasingly support how industries operate. However, she emphasises that its purpose is to serve people, not replace them. Following her “AI in Agri-food” presentation, Cynthia explains how the sector is progressing from isolated point solutions towards connected, domain-specific systems. She also explores how AI could help the animal feed industry scale specialist knowledge, strengthen its services and create new value across the agri-food chain.
Dr Luis Romero: Biological Intelligence in Precision Poultry | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
10 September 2026 – Performance data can reveal a problem. Understanding what is happening inside the animal can help explain why. At Afma Forum 2026, Dr Luis Romero explains how transcriptomics – the measurement of gene expression – combined with AI can help identify biological limitations affecting animal health and performance. He explores how this ‘biological intelligence’ gives nutritionists, veterinarians and producers a new lens for decision-making – from refining diets and health programmes to tailoring feeding strategies to the specific challenges of different farms and environments.
Constance Cullman: Building Resilient Food Systems | Afma Forum 2026 Power Interview
10 September 2026 – Building resilience means knowing what we can manage, what we must adapt to and where we have the power to influence change. Following her presentation on resilient food systems and the feed industry’s next chapter, Constance Cullman explains why smarter regulation must remain flexible, reflect current science and keep pace with innovation. She also highlights the value of global dialogue in reducing regulatory divergence. With feed at the heart of the food system, the industry carries both a significant responsibility and a powerful opportunity to lead – shaping policy, advancing solutions and strengthening food security. Watch the full Power Interview for her perspective on building a more resilient future.