6 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2025 Australia’s feed industry is undergoing a transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to quality. At the forefront of this evolution is the Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia (SFMCA)—the national body representing over 90% of the country’s compound feed manufacturers. A UNIFIED INDUSTRY VOICE With more than 185 manufacturing sites producing over 10 million tonnes of feed annually, SFMCA plays a critical role in supporting sectors ranging from poultry and dairy to aquaculture and equine nutrition. Its structure—comprising state branches and a Federal Council— enables coordinated action on national priorities such as ingredient supply, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. Membership in SFMCA requires adherence to FeedSafe®, the industry’s integrity accreditation program, which enforces rigorous standards in manufacturing, sourcing, and delivery. Advancing Milling & Nutrition: A New Benchmark In May 2025, SFMCA co-hosted the inaugural Advancing Milling & Nutrition (AMN) Conference in Melbourne. The event attracted 330 delegates from 11 countries and featured over 100 technical presentations across four streams: Milling & nutrition, animal nutrition, equine science, and flour milling. Keynote speakers, including Professor Robert van Barneveld and Dr. Geoffrey Annison, addressed emerging trends in protein production, gut health, and consumer-driven nutrition. The conference also introduced the AMN Innovation Award, celebrating practical, non-commercial innovations in feed manufacturing. Sustainability in Action SFMCA is actively developing a Sustainability Framework to guide the industry’s environmental and ethical practices. Initiatives include: • bagMUSTER Stewardship Program for responsible packaging disposal, • Sustainable and deforest free soybean standards, • Collaboration with the Feed Ingredients and Additives Association of Australia (FIAAA) to reduce antimicrobial resistance through a targeted stewardship program. These efforts reflect the Council’s commitment to aligning feed production with broader agricultural and environmental goals. FEEDSAFE®: RAISING THE BAR The FeedSafe® program, endorsed by the Agricultural Ministers’ Forum, remains central to SFMCA’s quality assurance strategy. It mandates annual third-party audits and compliance with a Code of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), covering everything from raw material sourcing to customer complaint resolution. LOOKING AHEAD With feed demand surpassing 10 million tonnes in 2024 and the poultry sector leading growth, SFMCA’s role in ensuring quality, safety, and innovation is more critical than ever. As the industry navigates challenges such as labour shortages and climate variability, the Council’s collaborative approach with government and industry partners will be key to sustaining momentum DRIVING INNOVATION AND INTEGRITY IN AUSTRALIA’S FEED INDUSTRY David Bray Chairman Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia LEAD ARTICLE
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