Whole Grain

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In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, sits down with Dr. Gretchen Mosher, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. Dr. Mosher is a nationally recognized expert on grain quality, measurement systems, and safety management — and her research reveals why testing is one of the most powerful tools grain handlers have for protecting quality, reducing risk, and making informed operational decisions.

Key Takeaways

Testing is about information — not punishment.

Testing provides actionable data that helps grain handlers make better decisions about drying, storing, blending, and shipping products. It validates when quality is on target and identifies small issues before they become costly problems.

A strong testing strategy is essential risk management.

Most grain quality or safety failures start small. Routine sampling and testing catch issues early, protect millions of dollars in inventory, and support compliance with FSMA and other regulatory requirements.

Both incoming and outgoing testing matter.

Testing inbound grain establishes a baseline. Testing outbound grain provides documentation and leverage when customers question quality — proving the product met standards when it left the facility.

Consistency is king: garbage in, garbage out.

Valid sampling procedures are the foundation of trustworthy data. Inconsistent sampling or uncalibrated equipment create errors that distort results.

Composite sampling and two-tiered testing improve reliability.

Small samples collected over time create an accurate picture of quality. Simple rapid tests help flag samples needing deeper analysis.

Testing data only has value if you use it.

Data that’s collected but ignored is wasted investment. Facilities should use test results to guide blending, storage decisions, aeration, safety controls, and customer allocation.

Good testing protects export markets.

Documentation proves that grain marketed as non-GMO, food-grade, or identity-preserved was handled correctly.

Future technologies will enhance sampling — not replace judgment.

Machine vision, sensors, and automated systems are improving sampling accuracy, but the core purpose remains the same: better information for better decisions.

Pull Quotes

• “Testing gives you information — and people make better decisions when they have better data.”
• “Most big problems in grain start small. Testing helps you catch them early.”
• “Garbage in, garbage out. Consistent sampling is the key to reliable results.”
• “If you collect data and don’t use it, you might as well put a pile of money on the floor and light it on fire.”
• “You have total control over the quality of your data.”

Important Links & Related Episodes

• Iowa State University Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
• Introduction to Grain Quality Management (GEAPS Online Course)

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Temporary Storage – Is Your System Ready?

Temporary storage plays a critical role in grain operations—but it comes with unique challenges, risks, and costs that must be carefully managed. In this episode, 40-year industry veteran Bob Marlow shares hard-earned lessons, success strategies, technologies improving temporary storage, and a practical framework for evaluating whether this year's plan is truly ready.

From grain quality protection and site design to cost tracking and operational safety, Bob provides real-world examples every grain facility can learn from—plus one cautionary tale you won’t forget.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• When and why facilities rely on temporary storage—and how to distinguish emergency vs. true temporary storage
• The biggest advantages vs. drawbacks compared to permanent storage
• Essential steps to ensure your temporary storage system is ready before harvest
• How pad design, tarps, aeration, and fan management impact safety and grain quality
• Why grain quality issues escalate faster in piles and how to prevent loss
• The most commonly overlooked or “hidden” costs—and how to track them
• New tech and evolving best practices (CO₂ monitoring, wind-based fan control, improved tarps, cover-on-first systems)
• A practical readiness checklist based on Purdue’s SLAM method (Sanitize, Level, Aerate, Monitor)

Key Takeaways

• Temporary storage is not “cheap storage.” It has recurring costs and higher risk that demand intentional planning.
• Grain quality is the make-or-break factor. Moisture, temperature swings, and tarp failures can quickly turn #1 grain into sample grade.
• Don’t “set it and forget it.” Fan mismanagement can cause re-wetting, heating, mold, and insects.
• Track true costs annually. Labor, tarps, repairs, pest control, fuel/electricity, and reclaim losses add up.
• Technology is changing the game. CO₂ monitoring, wind-based fan controls, and cover-on-first designs are improving outcomes.

Bob’s Readiness Checklist (SLAM Method)

Before harvest, confirm:

S – Sanitize: Clean pad, remove old grain, treat for pests
L – Load Level/Core: Build and core the pile properly
A – Aerate: Have a plan to cool grain and manage fans correctly
M – Monitor/Maintain: Monitor CO₂, temp, tarp condition, equipment & safety

Red Flags That Require Immediate Action

• Off-odors around fans (sour, musty, fermented)
• CO₂ or temperature spikes
• Tarp loosening or wind-flapping
• Water pooling around the pad or under tarps
• Crusting or heating at surface or sidewalls

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

California is on the verge of legalizing E15 fuel for the first time after the legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), about how persistence, coalition-building, and strategy led to this milestone — and what it means for consumers, retailers, policymakers, and grain professionals. From lower costs and cleaner air to ripple effects across ethanol markets and grain demand, this conversation explores how one bill could reshape the renewable fuels landscape for decades.

Geoff Cooper is President and CEO of the RFA, the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry. Since joining RFA in 2008, he has driven market growth, shaped policy, and expanded global demand for ethanol and co-products. A former U.S. Army captain specializing in fuel logistics, Geoff has served on key advisory boards and testified before state and federal bodies. He is widely recognized as a leader in the bioeconomy and a strong advocate for sustainable fuels.

Key Takeaways

• AB30 passed unanimously — a historic first for ethanol legislation — and includes an urgency clause to make E15 legal immediately once signed.
•  Consumers could save ~$2.7 billion annually (about $200 per household) with E15, typically priced 10–30¢ per gallon lower than E10.
•  Environmental benefits include reduced smog-forming emissions, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and greenhouse gases.
•  Ethanol production is zero-waste: starch becomes fuel while protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed.
•  A broad coalition — retailers, farm groups, transport associations, chambers of commerce, veterans, and labor — made AB30 possible.
•  California’s decision accelerates federal momentum for year-round E15 and influences fuel policy worldwide.
•  Market impact: 600–700 million gallons of additional ethanol demand could require 200–250 million more bushels of corn, boosting grain handling and transport.

Pull Quotes

• “This is the first ethanol-friendly bill to move through the California legislature with unanimous support.” 
• “E15 delivers typical pump savings of 10–30 cents per gallon — and we’ve seen even larger discounts.” 
• “The ethanol process today is zero-waste — starch becomes fuel, and protein, fat, and fiber become livestock feed.” 
• “California’s move on E15 sends a signal nationwide and around the world.” 

Important Links & Related Episodes

• Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) — https://ethanolrfa.org/
• Fueling the Future: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Grain Industry with RFA's Robert White 
• E15, Ethanol and the Future of Agriculture with Emily Skor of Growth Energy
• Driving Change: The 45Z Tax Credit’s Impact on Biofuels and Beyond, with Eric McAfee of Aemetis
• GEAPS website

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

What does 50 years in the grain industry teach you about smarter equipment decisions? Today’s guest, Jeff Schwab, knows the answer firsthand.

Jeff began his career at just 15 years old, working night shifts at a local mill while finishing high school. After completing a Vo-Tech program in drafting and design, he spent decades shaping the grain industry—first as a draftsman, then in sales, troubleshooting, and ultimately as a trainer and Product Specialist for GSI/Intersystems. With more than 20 years at Schlagel and another 16 at GSI, Jeff built a reputation as a trusted expert and mentor.

In this episode, Jeff shares:

• How to avoid overspending, underspending, or overbuilding projects
• Why a modern maintenance mindset is critical for reliability and safety
• Common mistakes with bucket elevators, dual drives, and high horsepower systems
• Memorable field stories where smart choices—and costly mistakes—shaped outcomes
• His advice for young professionals entering the industry today

Jeff also reflects on his time teaching at GEAPS/K-State Hands-On Training (HOT) for the Operation and Maintenance of Conveying Equipment program at K-State and why knowledge-sharing is the lifeblood of this industry.

Whether you’re managing a facility, making equipment investments, or just starting your grain career, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can take back to your team.

Reflection Questions for Discussion

Use these prompts to guide personal reflection or spark a team conversation after listening:

• Where has your facility overspent or underspent on equipment in the past?
• Have you seen a project that was overbuilt or underbuilt? What was the impact?
• What kind of maintenance mindset does your team rely on—preventive, reactive, or somewhere in between?
• How does your workplace encourage knowledge-sharing between experienced employees and newer professionals?

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Scott Brittingham doesn't just recruit members to GEAPS—he builds community by forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. As the organization's top recruiter for six of the last seven years, his approach reveals profound insights about leadership, mentorship, and the future of the grain industry.

Starting his journey at just 14 years old sweeping floors at his father's grain facility, Scott has accumulated over five decades of experience that he's passionate about sharing with others. Now serving as Grain Systems and Inventory Control Manager at Mountaire Farms (the fourth largest poultry grower in the country), Scott approaches recruitment not as a sales pitch but as offering a valuable tool that transforms careers.

What makes his method so effective? Scott makes membership personal by asking about individual goals and challenges, then demonstrating how GEAPS provides solutions. He sends detailed information, follows up consistently, and even offers to submit applications for interested professionals. When faced with common objections like time constraints, he emphasizes flexibility. When cost concerns arise, he highlights facility memberships that allow multiple team members to benefit under one umbrella.

But Scott's impact extends far beyond recruitment numbers. He's a dedicated mentor who recognizes how the industry's evolution—with more leaders emerging from management trainee programs rather than decades of hands-on experience—creates knowledge gaps that professional communities help bridge. His commitment to lifelong learning is evidenced by earning the Master Credential in Grain Operations Management (MCGOM), becoming just the 12th person worldwide with this distinction at the time.

As the grain industry advances with new technologies and automation, Scott remains excited about the future and the role GEAPS plays in helping professionals stay ahead of the curve. His parting wisdom resonates with professionals at every career stage: "GEAPS is an outstanding organization and if you're a part of this industry and you're serious about growing, you definitely should belong. You'll get back tenfold anything that you put into it."

What step will you take today to grow your network and help someone else find their path in this field? Explore GEAPS' professional development resources, credentialing programs, and member community at geaps.com. 

Key GEAPS Links:

• Membership
• Local Chapters
• Credentialing Programs
• Online and On-Demand Courses

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Internships are more than just short-term work experiences—they’re the first step in building a future-ready workforce.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz and Betsy Polis, Sr. Director of Projects and Events, introduces GEAPS' NextGen Path—a free, flexible internship companion program designed to enrich intern experiences at grain facilities and supplier companies.

Learn how this plug-and-play toolkit helps interns build industry knowledge, gain confidence, and connect to long-term careers—all while saving time for busy supervisors. Plus, hear how to take your program further with GEAPS’ discounted, interactive course: Introduction to Grain Operations.

Whether you host interns today or plan to in the future, this episode is packed with tools to support your onboarding, training, and talent pipeline.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:

• What is the NextGen Path Intern Program?
• The 4 core components: onboarding, terminology, videos, and career podcasts
• Why it works for busy companies and supervisors
• Add-on: The $75 “Introduction to Grain Operations” course
• Who benefits from the program (interns, students, high school students, new hires, and non-ops staff)
• How to register and customize the experience

📌 Critical Links:

▶️ Register for NextGen Path:
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/nextgen-path/

📘 Learn about “Introduction to Grain Operations” Course:
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/courses/introduction-to-grain-operations/

🎓 GEAPS Student Membership Benefits:
https://www.geaps.com/membership/student-membership/

🎧 Browse More Whole Grain Podcast Episodes:
https://www.geaps.com/wholegrain

💬 Reflection Questions for Your Team:

1. How are we currently onboarding and educating our interns about the grain industry?
2. Which NextGen Path components would benefit our program the most?
3. Could tools like the glossary or video library help our full-time team as well?
4. How can we help interns envision a future in this industry?

📣 Share the Episode:

Know someone who runs an intern program? Forward this episode to a colleague, HR manager, or education director—and help us grow the next generation of grain professionals.

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions
Sponsored by AGI – Ag Growth International

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Training and Education at GEAPS, is joined by Justin Paterson of AGI (Ag Growth International) to dive into the modern-day challenges faced by grain port facilities — and how innovative equipment and systems from AGI are helping operators tackle these head-on.

With 20 years of experience in the grain industry across both North and South America, Justin brings a unique global perspective to the discussion. Before joining AGI in 2018 as Vice President of Global Engineering, he served as Director of Engineering for a major grain handler in Canada. He holds degrees in Civil Engineering and Agriculture, and is a registered Professional Engineer and Professional Agronomist. Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Justin is now based at AGI Brazil, just outside São Paulo, where he leads global engineering strategy for AGI’s commercial infrastructure.

From navigating logistical bottlenecks to enhancing throughput, safety, and operational efficiency, AGI offers scalable, smart solutions tailored to commercial grain operations. Justin shares insights from the field and explains how AGI collaborates with customers to design systems that meet the unique demands of port terminals.

Tune in to learn:

• What makes grain ports unique compared to inland facilities
• How AGI approaches problem-solving through integration and customization
• Trends shaping the future of commercial grain handling at scale

Whether you're new to the grain industry or a seasoned pro, this episode sheds light on the evolving needs of port operations and how forward-thinking companies like AGI are rising to the challenge.

Explore more about AGI
Website: https://www.aggrowth.com
Commercial Solutions Overview: AGI Commercial Landing Page
YouTube Channel: AGI on YouTube
LinkedIn: AGI 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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

In this episode of the Whole Grain podcast, we’re heading deep into bourbon country—to the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky — where time meets tradition, and grain quality isn’t just important... it’s everything. Today, we’re pouring a glass of something a little different. 

We bring in two outstanding guests inn to today’s show, both of Peterson Farms in Kentucky. We have Bernard Peterson, a partner at Peterson Farms, and Dane Gentry, Grain Facilities Manager. Peterson Farms is a family-run operation that supplies numerous famous distilleries. And when we say they’re picky about their grain... that’s an understatement.

We’ll explore why distillers reject grain for just a few cobs on a trailer, how geosmin—the earthy-smelling compound from rain and dust—can ruin a barrel worth $20,000, and why food safety and consistency are the name of the game in this niche but fast-growing segment of the industry. We also touch on a couple other specialties offered by Peterson Farms.

Whether you're a facility manager, a food safety specialist, just a curious grain professional, or love learning how grain gets from the bin to the barrel, this episode is for you.

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, joins Jim Lenz, Director of Education and Training at GEAPS, to share a powerful vision for expanding ethanol markets through permanent E15 access — and the tremendous impact it would have on the grain industry.

The recent EPA summer waiver for E15 marks a significant victory, but Emily explains why congressional action is essential to make year-round E15 sales permanent. Full E15 adoption could drive demand for 2 billion more bushels of corn annually and strengthen America’s rural economy. Key Takeaways:

• Growth Energy’s Reach
  Represents biofuel producers and the ethanol value chain across 16 states, purchasing 20% of U.S. corn annually.
• E15 Brings Real Benefits
  This 15% ethanol blend saves drivers 10–30 cents per gallon and more and offers improved engine performance.
• Economic Powerhouse
  Full E15 adoption could create 188,000 new U.S. jobs and deliver an enduring boost to rural economies.
• All-American Industry
  Ethanol is produced entirely on U.S. soil and employs more military veterans than any other energy sector.
• Policy Urgency
  Temporary summer waivers create market uncertainty. Only Congress can secure permanent, year-round E15 access. Bipartisan bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate.
• How You Can Help
  Grain professionals can contact their representatives using growthenergy.org/e15now to advocate for E15.
• Unity Makes an Impact
  Success will come when farmers, grain handlers and processers, and others in agriculture unite their voices and support legislation that builds ethanol demand.

Stable Markets in Uncertain Times
Ethanol provides a reliable domestic market for grain, especially when international trade is unstable. Resources & Links:

• Growth Energy Website
• Support Year-Round E15 – Take Action
• Growth Energy Policy Roadmap: Revitalizing Rural America
• Latest News from Growth Energy 

Reflection Questions for Listeners:

• What role does ethanol play in the grain supply chain where you work?
• How would permanent E15 legislation affect your business, co-op, or community?
• What actions can you or your organization take to support biofuels advocacy?

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.

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz welcomes Brent Hansen, Commercial Accounts Manager for Sukup Manufacturing Co., for a fascinating discussion on the evolution and future of grain storage. From the humble beginnings of smaller grain bins to today’s towering structures designed for massive operations, Brent shares expert insights on how innovation, efficiency, safety, and sustainability are driving the future of storage solutions.

Whether you’re managing a commercial grain facility or operating an on-farm system, this conversation delivers valuable knowledge and forward-looking trends to help you stay competitive and prepared for what’s ahead.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How grain bin sizes and technologies have evolved over the decades.
• The differences between commercial and on-farm grain storage needs.
• Cutting-edge innovations Sukup Manufacturing is leading to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
• How automation and smart technologies are reshaping grain storage management.
• Trends shaping the future of the grain industry — and what to expect next.
• Expert advice for facility managers and farmers looking to upgrade their storage systems.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Sukup's history and Brent Hansen’s journey in the grain storage industry.
• The increasing demand for larger, smarter, and safer grain storage solutions.
• Modern challenges in engineering massive commercial bins.
• Sustainability and efficiency as driving factors in today's grain storage design.
• What the future holds: Bigger bins, integrated systems, and the power of innovation.

Resources and Links:

• 🔗 Visit Sukup Manufacturing Co.: www.sukup.com
• 🔗 Sukup Manufacturing YouTube Channel: Sukup YouTube
• 🔗 Learn more about GEAPS and access all episodes of The Whole Grain Podcast: www.geaps.com/wholegrain

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Closing Thought:
"Keep learning, keep innovating, and keep moving the industry forward. Thanks for tuning in to The Whole Grain Podcast — your resource for professional growth and industry insight!"

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.