The first Congress was held in 1966 at the then University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

The Society returned to its roots in 2015, with the 50th Annual Congress hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Province at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg.

The Organising Committee focused on ensuring that the Congress will celebrate its 50th anniversary by having a historical thread throughout the programme while drawing attention to the future. Prof Scott Collins, University of New Mexico, delivered the Keynote Address at the Opening of the Congress on the evening of Monday 20 July 2015, followed by the Presidential Address by Dr Tony Palmer, Agricultural Research Council – Animal Production Institute. The Congress incorporated the highly acclaimed Research Skills Workshop held from 19 to 20 July 2015.