Feed & Grain Podcast

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger talks with Jordan Newton, president, and Taylor Andrews, director of operations at SonicAire, about their automated dust control fans for feed mills and grain elevators. They discuss how the fans use barrier air technology to prevent dust from accumulating on overhead surfaces and the three-year certification process required for Class 2 Division 1 approval. Newton and Andrews explain dust explosion risks, labor challenges in the industry and how the fans work in boot pits, scale floors and load-out areas.

Podcast host Steven Kilger talks with Andy Adams, senior solutions engineer at TransmetriQ discusses how the company aggregates rail data from across North America to improve estimated arrival times for grain shipments. The platform uses machine learning to predict ETAs 20 to 30% better than standard industry methods. Adams explains how cloud-based tracking helps grain elevators and feed manufacturers plan staffing and operations more efficiently. The system automatically finds and monitors rail cars and containers, replacing spreadsheet-based tracking methods common at smaller operations.

Tony Adams, chairman and president, Golden Waves Grain, and Steven Kilger, discuss the strategic thinking behind their $200 million vertically integrated grain mill and bakery in this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast. Adams talks through the market opportunity they identified in traditional bread supply chains and explains how their facility design creates competitive advantages that larger, established players struggle to match. The conversation covers the operational benefits of co-locating their 3,500 cwt/day mill with commercial bakery operations, and explains how their warehouse distribution approach delivers 35% cost savings that change the economics for retailers. Learn about the factors that secured strong backing from key investors and government partners, and discover how this facility will create 141 full-time jobs while serving as an economic catalyst for rural northwest Kansas communities.

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger talks with Jeff Frazier, market development manager at Scoular’s Goodland Crush Facility in Kansas, about the rapid expansion of canola production in the High Plains. They discuss how advances in seed genetics, weather resilience and a growing renewable diesel market have driven acreage from 15,000 to nearly 50,000 acres in Kansas and Oklahoma over three years. Frazier highlights the benefits of canola’s profitability, improved winter hardiness, pod shatter tolerance and the facility’s capacity to support up to 400,000 acres.

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger chats with Austin Therrell, executive director of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), about the association’s first graduate student poster presentation contest. Working with Kansas State University, AAFCO invites graduate students to present research applicable to regulatory authorities, focusing on protecting animal or human health. Ten selected students receive up to $1,000 travel assistance to AAFCO’s San Diego annual meeting, presenting to 500-plus industry professionals, regulators, and potential employers. Learn how AAFCO is creating pathways for students to understand regulatory work’s impact on animal food safety and builds tomorrow’s workforce.

When grain entrapment emergencies strike, every second matters. In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Jonathan Medemblik marketing manager at Walinga, to discusses how the 3510G Portable Emergency Bin Rescue unit addresses critical gaps in traditional rescue methods. Medemblik highlights the need for better grain rescue equipment and how feedback from emergency responders shaped the 3510G’s design. Learn about the operational advantages that set this unit apart, including its mobility, integration with EMS equipment and unique blower and airlock components. Medemblik also covers practical considerations like handling different grain types and environmental factors that affect rescue operations.

In this insightful episode of Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger sits down with Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), and Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, senior manager of Research at IFEEDER, to explore the organization’s recent growth and expanded research initiatives. They discuss key reports released over the past year, including feed ingredient consumption, pet food ingredients, and a strategic assessment of vitamin and amino acid supply chains, highlighting the critical impact of nutrient supplementation disruptions on animal productivity and industry sustainability. The conversation also covers IFEEDER’s new project submission guidelines designed to engage industry committees in shaping future research priorities, ongoing outreach and education efforts, and the important role IFEEDER plays in providing data-driven insights to support policy and industry decision-making. Listeners gain a comprehensive view of how IFEEDER is evolving to meet the needs of the feed industry while fostering collaboration and innovation.

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Leah Wilkinson, chief policy officer at the American Feed Industry Association. They discuss the evolving ingredient approval processes, including the four current pathways and their differences. Wilkinson also shares insights on FDA and state inspections, highlighting the increase in state-conducted inspections and the importance of being prepared and confident in food safety plans. The conversation covers industry challenges such as imposter inspectors and AFIA’s advocacy efforts on supply chain risks, regulatory modernization, and trade agreements.

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, Steven Kilger sits down with Aimee Andres, executive director of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT), to discuss a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding signed with the European Federation of Inland Ports. Together, they explore how this partnership aims to modernize inland waterway freight, expand commercial opportunities, and accelerate knowledge-sharing between the U.S. and Europe. From infrastructure innovations and marketing strategies to sustainability and cybersecurity, Aimee shares what the U.S. can learn from Europe, and vice versa, to strengthen our inland waterways and support the grain industry. Tune in to hear how these efforts could improve transportation efficiency, reduce congestion, and boost economic value for farmers, shippers and communities nationwide.

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews grant specialists who’ve secured over $500 million for industry clients. VAA's Brian Hinrichs and Miranda Braatz share insider knowledge on navigating the complex world of government funding, from PIDP grants to state-level opportunities. They reveal how to leverage public-private partnerships, avoid common application pitfalls, and strategically position projects for approval. Learn why proper timing, thorough preparation, and telling your project’s story effectively can make the difference between rejection and receiving millions in funding. Essential listening for any feed or grain operation considering facility upgrades, expansions or modernization projects.