News release: Feedmaster
Around mid-November, Feedmaster, Namibia’s leading animal feed producer, hosted a formal cocktail event for all board members, top management, and business partners. The event’s décor transformed the new DC at the Okapuka Factory into a stylish casino with dice, poker chips, and a captivating ambience. Guests were greeted with welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled and engaged in lively conversation. The Casino Royal theme was a nod to the company’s humble beginnings and willingness to take risks. In the early days, Feedmaster embarked on a gamble with a simple concept: to provide high-quality animal feed that would enhance the productivity of Namibian livestock farmers. With no clear path to success, the company took a leap of faith, just like a gambler betting on a long shot.
Group CEO Ian Collard also commended the dedication and hard work of Feedmaster’s employees, recognizing their contributions to the company’s success. He thanked Namibian farmers for their unwavering support, acknowledging their role as a guiding force in understanding the industry’s challenges and needs. “We are so proud of what we have achieved in the past 40 years,” said Collard.
The event concluded with a captivating performance by a local artist, Riaan Smith, creating an energetic atmosphere that entertained and inspired guests.
History
Feedmaster was founded in 1983 as a subsidiary of Namib Mills with the primary objective of maximizing the utilization of milling by-products. Initially, Feedmaster’s product range was limited to maize chop, and the first mixed feeds were manually produced on a cement platform. However, with Namib Mills’ investment in a wheat mill in 1986, a more comprehensive range of feed products was developed and manufactured using motorized mixing equipment.
A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
Feedmaster’s growth and innovation have been fueled by a dedication to ongoing research, a deep understanding of nutritional balance and animal digestion, and applying local and international research findings in product development. This commitment has enabled Feedmaster to formulate feed with the appropriate nutrients, ensuring optimal animal health and productivity.
Feedmaster has evolved into a company at the forefront of animal nutrition, consistently striving to enhance and add value to sustainable livestock production systems.
As Namibia’s top animal feed producer, Feedmaster is committed to providing technology-enabled livestock feed that enhances and adds value to sustainable livestock production systems. In pursuit of this goal, Feedmaster established a state-of-the-art monogastric animal feed mill on the farm Okapuka in November 2013.
In 2000, Feedmaster expanded its operations by acquiring Veekos, a South African feed mill specializing in lucerne-based feeds in Upington. This acquisition solidified Feedmaster’s position as a regional leader in animal feed production and further enhanced its product portfolio.
Feedmaster’s products, training, and extension services to animal producers are meticulously formulated based on scientifically proven principles specifically developed for Namibian farming conditions. This dedication to providing localized solutions has been instrumental in supporting the growth and success of Namibia’s livestock industry.
In 2017, Feedmaster unveiled a modern ruminant feed mill, a testament to its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement. This investment was driven by the constant growth in the ruminant feed market sector and advances in local precision farming practices, which require animal feeds to improve livestock production profitability.
Today, Feedmaster boasts an impressive annual production capacity of up to 210,000 tonnes across its three plants, significantly increasing from its initial output of 150 tonnes. This remarkable growth reflects the company’s unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, technology-driven feed solutions that meet the evolving needs of Namibia’s livestock producers.
In addition to its core feed production activities, Feedmaster also operates Namib Laboratories, a subsidiary entity established in 2018 to conduct all microbiological, serological, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) related diagnostic tests for the Namib Mills group of companies. The establishment of Namib Laboratories was driven by a desire to address the shortcomings of local veterinary laboratory services, particularly within the poultry industry.
Looking ahead, Feedmaster remains committed to further strengthening its position as a leader in animal feed production, continuously innovating and expanding its product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Namibia’s livestock producers. The company is unwavering in its dedication to supporting the growth and sustainability of Namibia’s agricultural sector, ensuring that Namibian farmers continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.