Grain Supply Chain: Risk, Resiliency, and Why You Should Care

Join Jim Lenz, host of the Whole Grain Podcast and GEAPS’ director of training and education, as he delves into the world of grain silo maintenance innovations with Cheyenne Wohlford, CEO and president of Custom Concrete Specialists (CCS Group). In this episode, Jim and Cheyenne explore the groundbreaking use of drone inspection services in the grain industry.

Discover the breadth and depth of CCS Group’s services as Cheyenne provides insights into their projects and the role of drone technology in grain silo maintenance. Gain a deeper understanding of the drone inspection process, from tailoring inspections to post-inspection data extraction and report generation.

Explore how drone inspections have transformed the grain silo inspection process, emphasizing efficiency, effectiveness and safety. Learn about the collaboration and decision-making involved in addressing critical issues uncovered by drone inspections.

As the episode ends, find out how you can connect with CCS Group to learn more about advancements in grain silo maintenance and catch them at the upcoming GEAPS Exchange. Plus, hear Cheyenne’s perspective on what it means to be part of the GEAPS family.

Tune in to Whole Grain for an engaging discussion on the future of grain silo maintenance and the role of innovative technologies like drone inspections.

Links:

• CCS Group Website: https://www.ccsgrouponline.com/
• Read CCS Group’s blog on The Drone Inspection Process: From Desire to Data Deliverables
• CCS Group’s Facebook Page
• CCS Group’s LinkedIn Page
• CCS Group on X
• CCS Group on Instagram
• Jim Lenz, Host/Producer of Whole Grain and GEAPS’ director of training and education: LinkedIn Page

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Welcome to the latest episode of Whole Grain. In the show, we focus on GEAPS Exchange. We will dive deep into what you can expect at the upcoming GEAPS Exchange event taking place in Kansas City, MO, from February 24-27, 2024. We’ll explore the key aspects of the event, from registration to networking, education, and the bustling trade show floor.

Join us as GEAPS staff and other special guests will provide valuable insights and tips for both seasoned attendees and those considering registering for the first time. We discuss the seamless onsite registration process, the layout of the show floor, and the abundance of educational sessions available to attendees.

Discover firsthand experiences of past Exchange attendees and learn about their favorite parts of the event. Gain valuable advice on what to bring to maximize your Exchange experience and how to make the most of networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Explore the various activities designed to foster connections within the grain industry, including the cornhole tournament, mixers, and the Get Acquainted Party. Learn about the different communication channels available to stay connected before, during, and after Exchange, including daily emails, the mobile conference app, and the onsite conference handbook.

Delve into the trade show floor, where attendees can connect with a myriad of vendors and suppliers in the grain handling and processing industry. Get insights into the vastness of the exhibitor hall, the record number of exhibitors participating this year, and the benefits of attending Exchange.

Discover the educational highlights of Exchange, including the Sunday morning education kick-off with keynote speaker Sandy Gennaro, and the unique opportunity provided by the Idea Exchange. Learn about the 45 hours of education offered and the diverse content tracks available to attendees.

Plus, don't miss out on the Grain Entrapment Rescue Demonstration, where Oklahoma State University showcases life-saving techniques with daily demonstrations.

Join us as we prepare for an enriching and dynamic experience at GEAPS Exchange 2024, the premier event for the grain handling and processing industry. Stay tuned for insights, advice, and excitement in this special episode of the Whole Grain Podcast.

Links:

www.geaps.com/exchange

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

• Highlights of his first 4 weeks on the job
• Background and experience
• Motivation to join GEAPS
• What makes the grain industry so exciting
• Perception of the current state of the grain handling and processing industry
• How he anticipates engaging with the international membership base and greater grain industry
• Underlying theme why so many are attracted towards GEAPS
• GEAPS Exchange

• GEAPS website
• Connect with executive director, John Caupert, on LinkedIn
• Connect with host and director of education, Jim Lenz, on LinkedIn

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Unlock the hidden potential of your grain handling operations with insights from Joe Altenhofen, a conveyor belt virtuoso from IBT Industrial Solutions. In our latest conversation, Joe doesn't just spotlight the nuances of conveyor belt selection for grain efficiency; he digs deep into the very fabric that keeps the grain industry's heart beating. With a blend of technical wisdom and a knack for OSHA compliance, he shares his perspective on how tailored conveyor belts aren't just about movement—they're an essential part of grain quality preservation and the safety of the entire operation. 


Join us as we discuss grain handling with a guide who has more than three decades of experience under his belt—quite literally. As the operations manager and grain products specialist for IBT Industrial Solutions’ grain division, Joe Altenhofen walks us through the critical checkpoints of maintenance practices, the profound impact of choosing the right belt features and the strategic support IBT Industrial Solutions provides to the grain sector, from custom engineering to on-the-spot product training.  

 
This episode is loaded with professional anecdotes and actionable advice. It promises to elevate your understanding of the conveyor systems—the lifeblood of grain handling efficiency. 

Links:

• IBT Industrial Solutions
• IBT Industrial Solutions Grain Division
• Article: How to Select the Right Grain Conveyor Belt
• Article: Grain Conveyor and Elevator Belting
• A Helpful Guide to Drag Chain Conveyors
• IBT Industrial Solutions on Facebook 
• IBT Industrial Solutions on LinkedIn
• Jim Lenz's LinkedIn Page and Host and Producer of Whole Grain

IBT Industrial Solutions supports the GEAPS Partner Program (premiere partner). If your organization would like to learn more and be involved in the GEAPS Partner program, please reach out to sales@geaps.com. IBT Industrial Solutions is also a Platinum Sponsor for GEAPS Exchange. 

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

GEAPS teamed up with Kansas State University and the IGP Institute to offer Hands-On Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment.  

This episode takes listeners behind the scenes of the grain industry, exploring the nuances of Hands-On Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment. This is an exclusive look into a two-and-a-half-day GEAPS program hosted by the IGP Institute at Kansas State University, where industry experts, instructors and participants converged to share knowledge, insights and experiences. 

Unlock the mechanics of grain conveying equipment and join the conversation with industry veterans Marcus Neal, Greg Lehmann, Tim Erkenbrock and Jeff Schwab as they share the inside track on operation and maintenance. This episode is a goldmine of seasoned expertise where safety takes center stage along with practical troubleshooting tips that can avert costly repairs. Hear firsthand experiences from student professionals like Sean Skorbohach, Oren Goetz and Mike Ames who illuminate the profound benefits of continuous learning and hands-on insights in the grain industry. 

Hear insights from Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and the IGP Institute at Kansas State University. Mike Ames testifies to the enduring educational value of their programs, while Carlos Campabadal presents an overview of the diverse range of offerings that cater to both industry greenhorns and seasoned pros. This episode not only showcases the dedication powering the global grain industry but also serves up a hearty portion of practical wisdom, perfect for anyone aiming to hone their skills and make an impact in their line of work. This episode is the perfect resource to share with your team members. 

GEAPS Hands-on Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment 

Module 1: Distributors 

Module 2: Screw Conveyors and Bin Sweeps 

Module 3: Chain (Drag) Conveyors 

Module 4: Belt Conveyors 

Module 5: Bucket elevators 

Link to Learn More and Register 

https://www.geaps.com/events-meetings/conveyor-training/ 

 GEAPS was happy to work with Kansas State University to offer Hands-On Training for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment. We hope to offer this in-person training on a regular basis. Email GEAPS’ Director of Training and Education, James Lenz at james@geaps.com to be notified about future availability and to communicate your ideas and preferences for in-person training. 

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

In this compelling episode, our director of education and host of Whole Grain, Jim Lenz welcomes Dr. Carol Jones, a distinguished figure in production agriculture and materials handling design.

Dr. Jones shares her professional journey, including her role at GEAPS Exchange and the Fire Service Training Grain Entrapment Rescue program prior to the discussion on grain dust management.

Overview of Grain Dust Management:
Dr. Jones provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of grain dust in the context of grain elevators, addressing potential hazards and environmental concerns.

Evolution of Dust Management Practices:
Delving into her vast experience, Dr. Jones discusses the changing landscape of dust management practices over the course of her career.

Safety Considerations:
Emphasizing the importance of safety, Dr. Jones explores key safety considerations related to grain dust in grain elevators, including the risks of combustible dust.

Regulatory Landscape:
Dr. Jones sheds light on the regulatory framework surrounding grain dust management, discussing how regulations have evolved and impacted grain elevator operations.

Technologies and Innovations:
Exploring technological advancements, Dr. Jones shares insights into monitoring systems, ventilation, and other innovations for effective dust control.

Education Initiatives:
Highlighting the crucial role of education and training, Dr. Jones describes initiatives she's been part of and offers recommendations for industry professionals.

Future Outlook:
Dr. Jones speculates on the future of grain dust management, discussing emerging technologies and trends that may shape the industry.

About the guest:
Dr. Carol Jones, PE joined the Biosystems and Ag Engineering Department Faculty at Oklahoma State University in 2002 after a long career in production agriculture and materials handling design.  She is also an OSU alum with all of her degrees from OSU. She recently retired from her full-time professorship to work as an instructor with OSU’s Fire Service Training Grain Entrapment Rescue program. Dr. Jones owns CL Jones Consulting LLC which provides grain handling and storage engineering, training and forensic services.

Links:

• For a poignant real-life story related to grain entrapment rescue, revisit Episode 13: "Bring Them Home Safe: The Dawn Chisholm Story."
• Witness Dr. Jones facilitating a confined space rescue at GEAPS Exchange
• Learn more about Dr. Carol Jones and her consultative services by visiting her LinkedIn page

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Navigating the intricacies of the grain industry requires dedication, expertise, and a passion for safety. Our latest podcast guest, Wayne Bauer, embodies all these traits and more. Bauer, a seasoned industry veteran, shares his journey from leadership roles to his enduring commitment post-retirement.

Wayne's entry into the grain handling and processing industry was marked by his roles in various companies. His diverse career saw him transitioning from an agronomist to managing a small feed mill, supervising the construction of grain terminals, and eventually venturing into safety and security. His involvement with GEAPS, an organization dedicated to the grain industry, spanned decades and included a term as the international president.

He discussed the deep-rooted connections he formed because of his participation with GEAPS. He openly discussed his experiences within the industry, including memorable moments like saving an employee's life and collaborating with steel bin manufacturers to promote safer designs.

Wayne's influence extended beyond local grain handling. He recounted his educational trip to Argentina, where he educated industry professionals about grain entrapment prevention. The profound impact of his knowledge became evident when he learned that a company used his techniques to save a life.

Strategic planning and engagement also played a pivotal role in Wayne's career. He stressed the importance of strategic thinking and planning, as well as collaboration within the industry. He shared his insights on succession planning within GEAPS chapters and the importance of preparing for future leadership roles.

Post-retirement, Wayne continues to dedicate his time to safety improvements within the industry. He connects with his community, teaching local fire departments how to handle farm-related emergencies, and shares insights on strategic planning and industry engagement. He also addresses the challenges of employee retention and the importance of grooming high school students as the future vanguards of agriculture.

As we navigate the evolving grain industry, Wayne Bauer's journey serves as a beacon, illuminating the importance of safety, collaboration, and continuous learning. His enduring contribution underscores the significance of the grain industry and its crucial role in society.

Wayne discusses:

•          Wayne’s career in the grain industry

•          Connections and impact in the grain industry

•          Safety Improvements 

•          Post-retirement activities

•          Strategic planning and engagement for GEAPS chapters

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

Ever pondered the power of genuine recognition in your workplace? Tune in as we dig into a riveting dialogue with Erin Mies, co-founder of People Spark Consulting, who casts a brilliant light on the pivotal role intentional recognition plays in boosting employee engagement. Erin's mantra, "having light, we pass it on to others," beautifully encapsulates her approach as she shares her rich experience from the agriculture industry. We navigate the terrain of employee engagement, exploring how data can be a handy tool in identifying behaviors that foster increased engagement.

Meanwhile, the second part of our discourse ventures into the fascinating world of behavior recognition and its potential impact on workplace dynamics. Erin guides us through the nuances of providing precise recognition, dissecting the merits and drawbacks of recognition programs. She also uncovers the connection between such programs and coaching and feedback techniques. Curious about how to develop effective leadership programs and align people strategies with business objectives? You're in for a treat as Erin unearths compelling insights on these topics. Join us for this transformative conversation that's bound to inspire change in your workplace!

About the guest:
Erin Mies helps small and mid-sized businesses in agriculture and food grow their margins and improve their business through straightforward, practical HR solutions. She is the co-founder of People Spark Consulting.

Episode Topics:
·      Defining intentional recognition
·      The role of engagement surveys
·      Patterns and trends observed in engagement survey data
·      How organizations can use engagement survey data to identify specific behaviors that lead to improved engagement
·      Behaviors that organizations commonly seek to recognize
·      Examples of how recognizing these behaviors positively impacts employee morale and engagement
·      Strategies for effective communication
·      Pros and cons of recognition programs

To dive deeper on the content and learn more from Erin and the team at People Spark Consulting, visit this link.

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

With a focus on serving our members and partnering with our network of global grain professionals, GEAPS partnered with Victam International to host our first ever event in South America! The event took place October 3-5, 2023, in São Paulo, Brazil.  

Victam LatAm offered top tier networking and conferencing held by GEAPS and other relevant partners in feed and grain processing/handling industries. This was the very first Victam event in Latin America. In addition to the expansive trade show floor, GEAPS offered 2 days of education. 

Jim Lenz sat down with Carlos Campabadal. He was one of the featured speakers of the GEAPS educational sessions VICTAM.  Carlos shares his experiences and observations along with inquiries about maintaining grain quality in tropical environments.  

About the guest: 

Carlos Campabadal is a faculty member of the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University.  An outreach specialist at the International Grains Program Institute (IGP), his work focuses on grain storage, quality and processing, U.S. grain grading and export systems and feed manufacturing.  He also leads the Stored Product Protection Research group and is part of the Feed Technology group of the Department of Grain Science and Industry where he also serves as the State Extension Leader. 

He is very active in international development with several projects with USAID in Guatemala and Honduras for the Reduction of Postharvest Loss Innovation Lab in Ethiopia for the Appropriate Scale Mechanization Consortium of the Sustainable Intensification Innovation Lab, and with USDA in Ghana for a Food for Progress project focusing the redeveloping of the poultry industry. He was born and raised in Costa Rica, Central America. 

Carlos obtained his doctoral degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Purdue University. His research topic was focused on non-chemical alternatives for stored product protection. At Purdue University, he was part of the Post-Harvest Education and Research Center (PHERC). He earned a master’s degree in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois.  

Before, his graduate studies, he worked at his family feed mill as a process and maintenance engineer. He has previous experience in animal farm management in beef cattle and swine farms. 

He has traveled throughout Latin America, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe as a technical consultant, translator and speaker about grain storage. He has presented his research at several scientific and professional conferences and in scientific journals. He is involved in his family feed manufacturing and farm operation business. 

Episode Topics: 

• Overview of the Victam LatAm event 
• Content of Q&A from his GEAPS educational session on maintaining grain quality in tropical environments 

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.

GEAPS took a step toward fulfilling our mission to champion, connect and serve the global grain industry and our members recently with VICTAM/LatAm. We partnered with VICTAM International to host our first ever event in South America! The event took place October 3-5, 2023, in São Paulo, Brazil.  

VICTAM hosts conferences and expos in Europe, Asia and the Middle East with a large network of companies in the feed and milling industries. The conference was co-located with GRAPAS LatAm. This was the first VICTAM event in Latin America.  

Victam LatAm offered top tier networking and conferencing held by GEAPS and other relevant partners in feed and grain processing/handling industries. GEAPS organized two days of educational speakers and many exhibitors chose to exhibit in GEAPS Pavilion on the expo show floor. The educational sessions were well attended and people were engaged. Attendees were able to wear headsets to hear the program translated.  

GEAPS’ Vice President Austin Carpenter, a member of the Hoosier chapter and sales manager at Clear Creek and Associates, traveled to Brazil for the conference. While he was there, Carpenter sat down with Jim Lenz.  

In an on-the ground report. Austin shares his experiences and observations from the event, highlighting the global representation with attendees from around 30 countries, the quality of the trade show floor with a focus on high-capacity processing and storage solutions, and the importance of networking and education within the grain industry. The episode offers a firsthand look at the grain industry and the global connections it fosters. 

About the guest: 

Austin Carpenter is sales manager at Clear Creek & Associates Inc, Crown Point, Indiana. CCA is an engineering firm that designs grain elevators, export and transloading facilities and utilizes 3D scanning technology to layout new mill expansions or reworks. CCA performs field inspections on aging facilities with questionable structures and, if repairable, supplies drawings for the repair or modification. 

Carpenter has been a GEAPS member since 2010 and was elected in 2018 as an Associates Board director and representative to the GEAPS Board of Directors.  He was elected second vice president of GEAPS Board of Directors in 2022 and became First Vice President in 2023. He is active in the Hoosier Chapter and the Great Lakes Regional Conference planning committee and serves on the Exchange Futures Committee.  

Episode Topics: 

• First impressions of Victam LatAm 
• What it means to be a part of the GEAPS family and how it was exemplified here at Victam LatAm 
• Overall description of the event 
• Global representation 
• Education and Networking 
• Themes and trends discovered on the trade show floor 

Grain Elevator and Processing Society champions, connects and serves the global grain industry and its members. Be sure to visit GEAPS’ website to learn how you can grow your network, support your personal professional development, and advance your career. Thank you for listening to another episode of GEAPS’ Whole Grain podcast.