Passion, perseverance, and excellence have earned University of the Free State (UFS) Animal Science student Elzané Liebenberg one of the highest honours in her field. She has been awarded the 2025 Koos van der Merwe/Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) Student of the Year Award – the top recognition in animal nutrition in South Africa. Presented during AFMA’s Annual General Meeting Gala Dinner in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, the award celebrates not only academic achievement but also research relevance, industry engagement, and social impact – all qualities that Liebenberg exemplifies.
This prestigious recognition makes Liebenberg the third UFS student in just four years to win the title, reaffirming the Department of Animal Science’s reputation as a leader in producing top graduates for the agricultural and animal nutrition industries. AFMA, which describes itself as “the dynamic animal feed thought leader influencing food security through partnerships with all stakeholders,” uses this award to encourage the next generation of professionals to make lasting contributions to the sector.
Balancing research with real-world relevance
For Liebenberg, the award is more than a milestone – it is validation from respected industry leaders. “Being named the winner of the 2025 Koos van der Merwe/AFMA Student of the Year Award is an incredible honour and deeply meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. It represents more than just academic achievement – it’s recognition from respected industry leaders in animal nutrition, which validates the hard work, long hours, and passion I’ve invested in this field,” she reflects.
She believes her postgraduate research played a central role in the judges’ decision. Her study, The effect of genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) grain on gut health and microbial diversity of finishing lambs, addressed issues of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, both priorities for the South African feed and livestock industry. “What made the project particularly impactful was how it combined laboratory-based nutritional analysis with practical field trials, ensuring the outcomes were not just theoretical, but applicable to real farming systems,” she explains.
In addition to her research, Liebenberg has actively engaged with the industry through research projects and congresses. Attending the AFMA AGM Gala Dinner was particularly meaningful, as it offered her the chance to connect with leaders in the field. “One of the key takeaways for me was the emphasis on sustainable and science-driven solutions in animal feed production. It was inspiring to see how collaboration between different stakeholders – from producers to researchers – is driving real progress.”
A foundation for excellence at the UFS
Liebenberg is quick to highlight the role her department played in preparing her for success. “I believe the University of the Free State, and specifically the Department of Animal Science, offers a unique combination of academic rigour, practical exposure, and strong mentorship that really prepares students for success in the industry,” she says. She describes a culture of excellence and accountability that fosters independence, critical thinking, and initiative – qualities that have helped three Kovsie students secure this national award in recent years.
Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges. Balancing the theoretical and practical demands of animal science required careful time management and discipline. “To overcome this, I developed strong time management and organisational skills early on. These challenges strengthened my resilience and taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and seeking help when needed.” She also credits her mentor, Dr Ockert Einkamerer, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, as a key source of inspiration and guidance along the way.
Looking ahead: building a sustainable future
As she looks to the future, Liebenberg is motivated to contribute meaningfully to both food security and environmental sustainability. “I see myself playing a role in driving innovation and knowledge transfer in the animal nutrition sector – whether through research, industry partnerships, or educational outreach – helping to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future,” she says. Her passion lies in advancing feeding strategies that not only improve animal health but also reduce environmental impact.
“Ultimately, I want my work to empower both small-scale and commercial farmers with knowledge and tools that drive innovation and sustainability, fostering economic growth and improving livelihoods,” she explains. AFMA’s Executive Director, Liesl Breytenbach, echoed this sentiment in her congratulatory letter, noting that the association believes the award will encourage Liebenberg to make a significant contribution to the animal nutrition field of practice in South Africa.