About us

Our team of nutritionists have vast experience in technical and commercial feed formulation, feed milling operations, feed mill quality control (QC), and research. All our nutritionists are registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), as required in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act (27 of 2003). Our team has a large global network and continuously communicates and interacts with other experts around the world.

Both Heiko Köster and David Brandt were chief technical offers or technical directors at major feed and poultry integration companies in South Africa. Heiko was also the procurement director at one of the biggest feed companies and later at one of the major food companies in the country. Both Heiko and David were responsible for managing feed mills and were involved in the design, construction, and successful start-up of no less than seven greenfield feed mill projects. Their experience does not stop there – they also recommission old feed mills.

Meet our team of nutritionists at feed HUB

The team of nutritionists at feed HUB are experts at developing least-cost formulations to ensure optimum performance for the lowest possible feed cost, as well as the evaluation and interpretation of raw analytical results. They also provide full-time support for traveling consultants, capture customer diets on the matrix, and are available for special projects, should the need arise.

David Brandt – Poultry Feed Pro with a Passion for Performance

Chief Executive Officer

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition  
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 400101/02

With over 25 years in animal nutrition and the last 10 years focused on poultry feed consulting, David is your expert in turning data into better results—both in the poultry house and on the balance sheet.

He brings science, strategy, and a love for performance modelling to every client relationship, always focused on helping producers thrive. David believes in building partnerships that last, with real, measurable value at the heart of everything he does.

David’s skills include:

  • Turning client data into clear, actionable insights
  • Maximizing margin over feed cost
  • Modelling growth performance for better decision-making
  • Fine-tuning feed specifications and formulations
  • Feed mill optimization
  • Leading research, field trials, and statistical analysis
  • Deep expertise in broiler, breeder, and layer management
  • Strong business and team leadership experience

Whether you’re looking to improve feed efficiency, boost bird performance, or simply work with someone who gets results—David’s the partner you want in your corner.

Heiko Köster – The Feed Ingredient Insider with a Nose for Value

Chief Commercial Officer

MSc(Agric) Animal science
Diploma in purchasing management
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 400139/07

With more than 35 years of experience in raw material procurement and a background in animal nutrition, Heiko is a rare combination of feed strategist and market expert. He brings a sharp eye for cost-saving opportunities and knows how to optimize feed rations without compromising performance.

Heiko doesn’t just watch the market—he understands it from the inside out. From hedging strategies on futures exchanges and physical procurement, he helps poultry integrators stay ahead of price volatility and secure the best value for every ingredient.

Heiko’s skills include:

  • Expert-level raw material sourcing and trading
  • Feed mill optimization with nutrition-backed strategies
  • Identifying and unlocking cost-saving opportunities
  • Deep insight into market trends and pricing strategies
  • Price hedging for stability and savings
  • Micro-ingredient and logistics advisory
  • Trusted procurement partner for poultry integrators across South Africa
  • Active contributor to global feed discussions as a consultant to the US Grains Council

If you’re looking for a steady hand in a fast-moving market, Heiko’s the partner who brings clarity, confidence, and results to your procurement game.

Roné Vermeulen – The Feed Formulation Whiz Driving Performance & Savings

Director: Poultry Nutrition

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition
Pr. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 013381

Roné is a passionate poultry nutritionist dedicated to making safe, affordable food accessible to a growing nation. Rone enjoys working across the entire feed chain, using her in depth knowledge of feed formulation and poultry nutrition to deliver feed solutions that maximize bird performance.  

With a sharp focus on cost-saving and business optimization, Roné understands how to apply enzymes and additives just right to get the most out of every meal. She’s hands-on with integrated broiler production and plays a key role in driving innovation through research and trials at Feed HUB.

Roné’s skills include:

  • Expertise in feed formulation principles for optimal nutrition
  • Expertise in applying enzymes and additives to maximize efficiency
  • Experience with integrated broiler production systems
  • Leading product development initiatives
  • Driving research and trial management for scientific research output
  • Data management skills to turn data into

If you want a nutritionist who’s as passionate about your business success as you are, Roné is ready to make it happen.

Dewald Steyl – Your Trusted Partner for Feed Efficiency Across Africa

Director: Poultry Nutrition & Africa

MSc(Agric) Animal nutrition
Pr. Sci. Nat Reg. No. : 116915

Dewald brings a wealth of experience consulting across multiple African countries, including Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Tanzania, and Eswatini. He understands the unique challenges African producers face and is passionate about helping them succeed.

Known for building long-term trust, Dewald focuses on reducing feed costs and improving efficiencies to drive stronger, more profitable operations. Whether it’s implementing good manufacturing practices or guiding new feed mills through commissioning, Dewald’s hands-on approach gets results. He also specializes in improving integrated poultry facilities and modelling broiler performance to help businesses thrive.

Dewald’s skills include:

  • Deep knowledge of feed challenges across various African markets
  • Building trusted, long-term client relationships
  • Cutting feed costs and boosting operational efficiency
  • Implementing GMP and quality control in feed mills
  • Supporting commissioning of new feed mills
  • Improving integrated poultry production and broiler performance modelling

If you want a partner who knows the African feed landscape inside and out—and will work alongside you for lasting success—Dewald’s got your back.

Anri Leeuw – Quality Control Champion with a Hands-On Approach

Technical nutritionist

BSc(Agric) Animal Science
Cand.Sci.Nat Reg. No. : 120211

Whether its data collected by a feed-mill quality system or data collected on-farm, Anri enjoys turning raw data into insights that are unique to each client’s individual circumstances. She is passionate about the benefits a well-managed quality system can achieve on operational efficiency and productivity and enjoys helping clients to reap those benefits by improving their quality systems.

Anri’s skills include:

  • Strong on-farm and feed mill operational experience
  • Expertise in quality control systems and standards
  • Implementing good manufacturing and management practices
  • Ensuring feed safety and compliance at every step
  • Experience in feed formulation
  • Converting raw data into meaningful outputs

If you want a quality control expert who combines practical experience with a passion for excellence, Anri is the one to call.

Gerhard Claassen – Technical Nutritionist at Feed HUB

Technical nutritionist

MSc Agric Animal Nutrition
Cand.Sci.Nat Reg. No. : 167975

Gerhard brings a strong scientific background and hands-on expertise to his role as Technical Nutritionist at Feed HUB. With a Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition and a passion for innovation, he focuses on developing nutrition strategies that boost poultry health, performance, and sustainability. Gerhard excels at turning complex science into practical solutions that help clients optimize feed efficiency and profitability.

Gerhard’s skills include:

  • Advanced poultry nutrition and feed formulation
  • Translating research into actionable nutrition strategies
  • Driving sustainable and profitable poultry production
  • Clear, client-focused communication

Carlien Dames – Detail-Driven Nutritionist Helping You Achieve Poultry Excellence

Technical nutritionist

B.Sc.Agric Animal Science & Agricultural Economics
Pri. Sci. Nat. Reg. No. : 117737

Based in Namibia, Carlien is a passionate poultry nutritionist dedicated to delivering precise, effective feed solutions. She has hands-on experience formulating nutrition plans for large poultry integrators and collaborating closely with breeders and broiler producers.

Known for her sharp attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, Carlien is always striving for continuous improvement. Her goal? Helping clients reach outstanding production results with practical, science-backed nutrition.

Carlien’s skills include:

  • Expertise in poultry feed formulation and nutrition
  • Experience working with both breeders and broilers
  • Strong focus on detail and accuracy in feed plans
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation
  • Helping clients achieve top-tier production performance

If you want a nutritionist who cares about the details that make a big difference, Carlien is the partner for you.

Felicity de Lange – Your Lab Professional Delivering Fast, Accurate results on time

Laboratory administrator

Felicity is a highly experienced quality lab professional with over three decades of hands-on work experience in the lab industry. She’s passionate about maintaining high standards in lab operations and combines a passion for customer service with a sharp analytical mind. With a solid background in chemical analysis and lab processes, she’s the reliable expert you want on your team when it comes to testing and data accuracy.

Felicity skills include:

Expertise in analytical analysis and laboratory processes

  • Commitment to fast, accurate results on time
  • Passion for delivering excellent customer service
  • Friendly, approachable support for all client enquiries
  • Ensuring quality and reliability in every report

If you want lab results, you can trust—and a friendly face to go with them—Felicity is your go-to.

Ophelia Gatsi – The Lab Whiz Keeping Your Feed Testing Quick and Accurate

Laboratory assistant

You’ll usually find Ophelia busy in the Feed HUB lab, expertly sorting samples and running NIR analyses with precision. With nine years of hands-on lab experience, she’s a reliable pro who takes pride in delivering accurate results fast.

Always ready to lend a helping hand and greet you with a smile, Ophelia ensures your samples are handled efficiently, so you get the information you need without delay.

Ophelia’s skills include:

  • Ten years of laboratory experience
  • Expertise in sample processing and NIR analysis
  • Delivering fast turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy
  • Friendly and helpful client support
  • Ensuring reliable and precise feed testing results

If you want someone dependable to keep your lab work running smoothly, Ophelia is your go-to expert.

Colleen Joubert – The Finance & Business Coordinator Keeping Feed HUB on Track

Finance

BCom Financial Management

Colleen brings solid financial expertise and sharp business coordination skills to Feed HUB. With a BCom in Financial Management, she ensures that operations run smoothly behind the scenes, balancing the books and supporting the team to deliver top-notch service.

Detail-oriented and organized, Colleen is the reliable backbone of the business—helping Feed HUB stay financially strong and focused on what matters most: supporting clients.

Colleen’s skills include:

  • Expert financial management and coordination
  • Strong organizational skills to keep operations seamless
  • Supporting business growth and efficiency
  • Keeping the team focused and financially sound

If you want a dependable professional making sure everything adds up, Colleen is the one to count on.