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

Guest: Shail Khiyara, CEO of SWARM Engineering
Host: Jim Lenz | GEAPS Whole Grain Podcast

What if one of the biggest challenges facing a grain operation isn't a lack of data — but the gap between having information and knowing what to do with it?

Every day, grain professionals make decisions that affect safety, grain quality, throughput, efficiency, and profitability. At the same time, facilities are generating more information, experienced employees are retiring, operations are being asked to do more with less, and technologies such as artificial intelligence are rapidly changing what's possible.

But more technology doesn't automatically lead to better decisions.

In this episode of the GEAPS Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz talks with Shail Khiyara, CEO of SWARM Engineering, about what happens when artificial intelligence, optimization, operational knowledge, and human decision-making come together.

Rather than focusing on artificial intelligence as technology for technology's sake, the conversation explores a much more practical question:

How can we make better decisions?

Shail shares insights into how organizations can move beyond simply collecting more data and begin using that information to address complex operational challenges. The conversation also examines the growing opportunity to capture and extend the knowledge of experienced employees, evaluate possibilities that may otherwise be difficult to see, and help people make better-informed decisions.

In This Episode

Jim and Shail explore:

• The “decision gap” between having information and knowing what action to take
• Why more data doesn't necessarily create more clarity
• How artificial intelligence can support — rather than replace — human decision-making
• The role of optimization in solving complex operational problems
• The importance of capturing and extending the knowledge of experienced operators
• How organizations can move beyond dashboards and turn information into action
• The potential implications for grain quality, throughput, efficiency, maintenance, safety, and profitability
• Why successful adoption of new technology ultimately needs to connect back to real operational problems and decisions

A Question Worth Taking Back to Your Facility

Artificial intelligence continues to generate enormous attention across nearly every industry. But perhaps the most useful place for grain professionals to begin isn't by asking:

“What can artificial intelligence do?”

Instead, ask:

“What decisions could we make better?”

That question shifts the conversation away from technology itself and toward the people, processes, challenges, and opportunities inside the operation.

And that may be where some of the greatest opportunities begin.

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 happens after a railcar leaves your facility?

For most of us, it's easy to think our responsibility ends once the paperwork is complete, the railcar is loaded, and it's released onto the track.

But that's really where the journey begins.

That railcar may travel hundreds of miles across the country, passing through neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and communities before reaching its destination. Every switch that's thrown, every inspection that's performed, every wheel that's checked, and every decision that's made at your facility contributes to the safety of everyone along that route.

It's a responsibility the grain industry carries every single day.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training for GEAPS, sits down with two respected railroad professionals from Northern Plains Rail Companies—Steven Fry, Assistant Director of Safety, Training & Operating Practices, and Noel Christensen, Superintendent of Training & Operating Practices. Together, they bring more than seven decades of railroad experience to an engaging conversation about the critical role grain facilities play in rail safety.

Rather than focusing solely on regulations, this discussion explores the why behind rail safety. You'll hear why routine track inspections matter, what effective track protection really means, where facilities most commonly fall short, and how strong operating practices can prevent incidents before they happen.

The conversation also examines how the commodities being shipped can influence regulatory expectations, why understanding railroad operating rules is just as important as knowing your facility's procedures, and how ongoing employee training builds a stronger culture of safety.

Whether you're responsible for operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, environmental compliance, transportation, or facility management, you'll leave this episode with practical ideas you can put to work immediately.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why every railcar leaving your facility carries a responsibility beyond your property
• What effective track inspection should include—and what facilities often overlook
• The purpose and importance of track protection
• Common rail safety risks found during facility inspections
• How different commodities can change regulatory expectations
• Why employee training and operating practices are essential to safe rail operations
• The habits that distinguish high-performing facilities
• Practical "Start, Stop, and Continue" recommendations to strengthen your rail safety program

Rail safety isn't simply about compliance.

It's about protecting employees.

Protecting equipment.

Protecting your operation.

And protecting every community a railcar passes through after it leaves your facility.

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 if you could uncover hidden risks, assess facility conditions more accurately, and make smarter maintenance decisions—without disrupting operations?

In an industry where safety, reliability, and uptime are critical, understanding the true condition of your facility can be challenging. Many grain facilities contain hard-to-access areas, aging infrastructure, and hidden structural conditions that are difficult to evaluate through traditional inspection methods alone. Yet waiting until problems become visible can lead to increased repair costs, unplanned downtime, and greater operational risk.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training for the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), sits down with Hayes Guillot, Inspection and Technology Specialist with Custom Concrete Specialists, to explore how modern inspection technologies are transforming the way grain facilities evaluate, maintain, and protect their assets.

Drawing on his background in precision agriculture, drone technology, and facility inspections, Hayes explains how today's tools are providing facility owners and operators with unprecedented visibility into the condition of their structures. From interior and exterior drone inspections to ground penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging, and LiDAR technology, these solutions allow organizations to safely inspect areas that were once difficult, time-consuming, or costly to assess.

Throughout the conversation, Hayes shares how technology is helping facilities identify potential issues earlier, reduce the need for confined-space entry, improve documentation, support data-driven decision-making, and establish a proactive approach to maintenance and capital planning. He also discusses how detailed reports, high-resolution imagery, video documentation, and advanced scanning technologies are helping maintenance teams, managers, engineers, and boards make more informed decisions with greater confidence.

Whether you're responsible for operations, maintenance, engineering, safety, asset management, or strategic planning, this episode offers practical insights into how modern inspection technology is helping organizations move beyond reactive repairs and toward a safer, smarter, and more proactive future.

Important Links

Custom Concrete Specialists
https://www.ccsgrouponline.com/

Previous Whole Grain Podcast Episode Featuring Cheyenne Wohlford, CEO & President of Custom Concrete Specialists
Innovations in Grain Silo Maintenance: Drone Inspection Services
https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/innovations-in-grain-silo-maintenance-drone-inspection-services-2/

GEAPS Website
https://www.geaps.com/

GEAPS Credentialing Program
https://www.geaps.com/training-education/credentials/

Whole Grain Podcast
https://www.geaps.com/wholegrain

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.

Hosted by Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast explores how military experience translates into meaningful careers in the grain handling and processing industry.

A lot of veterans don’t struggle with work ethic—they struggle with direction. When the uniform comes off, the mission and the built-in team can disappear overnight. That’s why this conversation resonates so strongly.

Jim sits down with veteran Bishop Chamberlin of The DeLong Co., Inc. to discuss how the grain industry can turn “I just need a job” into a career built around community, growth, leadership, and real public impact.

Together, they explore the practical reasons veterans fit grain operations so well: high standards, safety-first thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and constant problem solving when equipment, logistics, or plans suddenly change. Bishop shares how his military background in construction, logistics, and leadership translates directly into agricultural exports and terminal operations.

The conversation also dives into veteran advocacy and support systems that truly make a difference. Bishop explains the creation of The DeLong Company’s Military Veterans Resource Group and why veterans often need a “team within a team” as they transition into civilian careers. The discussion also highlights how small improvements in recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and mentorship can improve retention and long-term success for veterans, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Finally, the episode shares the origin story behind the new GEAPS Military Discount Program, which provides 50% off GEAPS online learning opportunities for veterans and active-duty military personnel. The group discusses how reducing financial barriers can help veterans pursue credentials like the CGOM and stand out in a rapidly evolving industry.

If you care about workforce development, veteran careers, leadership, and the future of agriculture logistics, this is a conversation worth sharing.

Subscribe to the Whole Grain Podcast, share this episode with a veteran or hiring manager, and leave a review to help more people discover opportunities in the grain industry.

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.

Designing a grain facility is one of the most critical—and infrequent—decisions in grain handling and processing operations. The choices made during planning, layout, and construction can impact efficiency, safety, and long-term performance for decades.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, is joined by Chris Schaudt, Vice President of Sales at Mid-States Companies, to explore what it takes to design grain facilities that truly stand the test of time. Chris brings extensive experience supporting grain facility design, construction, expansion, and material handling systems for a wide range of operations, including cooperatives, processors, ethanol plants, and food-grade facilities.

Chris shares practical insights into grain facility design, material handling systems, and the decisions that separate successful projects from costly mistakes.

Whether you're planning a new grain facility, upgrading existing infrastructure, or evaluating your current operation, this episode provides actionable guidance to help you build smarter, safer, and more efficient systems.

What You’ll Learn

• Key considerations when designing a grain facility for long-term performance
• Common mistakes made during grain facility planning and construction
• How grain flow and layout impact operational efficiency
• What it means to design for future expansion and scalability
• Lessons learned from real grain facility projects across the U.S.
• How to avoid costly mistakes during construction and upgrades
• Trends shaping the future of grain handling and storage systems

Key Links & Resources

• Learn more about Mid-States Companies:
  https://midstatescompanies.com/
• Chris Schaudt, VP Sales, Mid-States Companies
  • Phone: 515-509-3011
  • Email: chris.schaudt@midstatescompanies.com
• Explore educational solutions and membership information at the Grain Elevator and Processing Society:
  https://www.geaps.com

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.

Across the grain industry, facility leaders are navigating a level of uncertainty we haven’t seen in years. Volatile commodity markets. Weather extremes. Labor shortages. Tighter margins. Rising expectations around safety, uptime, and quality.

In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Matt Koch, Chief Marketing Officer at Sukup Manufacturing Co., to explore what it really takes to operate a modern grain facility in today’s unpredictable environment.

From macro market pressures and geopolitical shifts to storage strategy, grain conditioning risk, and practical automation, this conversation moves beyond equipment to systems thinking. Matt shares a global perspective from working with producers, commercial elevators, terminals, and processors across more than 100 countries.

The takeaway? Long-term success isn’t just about buying low and selling high. It’s about reducing loss, designing resilient systems, and operating dependably—year after year.

• Why many operators are shifting from short-term optimization to 3–7 year strategic planning
• How global trade, energy markets, and geopolitics are shaping grain infrastructure decisions
• Why storage is becoming a strategic lever—not just capacity
• The hidden risks of large-bin consolidation and long-term storage
• How under-designed aeration systems quietly erode margins
• Why CO₂ monitoring often detects grain issues before temperature spikes
• What meaningful automation actually looks like in commercial facilities
• How modular OEM automation systems can improve safety and consistency
• Why preventing loss often matters more than market timing

Storage as Strategy

Well-designed storage allows operators to create market flexibility, improve throughput, standardize multi-site operations, and reduce management complexity. Scale has changed the game—and infrastructure must evolve with it.

Grain Conditioning Risk

As bins grow larger, risk grows with them. Consolidated storage requires tighter monitoring. CO₂ levels, moisture control, proper fan management, and active oversight are critical to protecting grain value over long-term storage cycles.

Automation for Real-World Operations

Automation isn’t about flashy control rooms. It’s about preventing operator error at 2:00 a.m., improving safety, supporting lean teams, and ensuring consistent procedures across facilities.

Loss Prevention Over Speculation

While commodity markets drive headlines, operational discipline drives profitability. Reducing spoilage, minimizing downtime, and designing dependable systems may be the most powerful competitive advantage.

Learn more at:
www.sukup.com

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.

GEAPS Exchange 2026: What to Expect — and How to Get the Most Value

Every year, there’s one time when the global grain community gathers in one place to learn, connect, and solve real-world challenges together. In this special episode, Jim Lenz is joined by Bob Horvat, current GEAPS Board President, to spotlight GEAPS Exchange 2026—the premier event in the grain and grain processing industries.

Bob shares why Exchange exists, why it still matters, and how both first-time and returning attendees can get maximum value—from education and Innovation Stations to the Expo Hall, special events, and the relationships that continue long after the show ends.

With 319,950 square feet of Expo Hall, 400+ exhibitors, Innovation Stations, and 45+ hours of education across five tracks (Processing, Maintenance, Grain Operations, Safety, and Employee Development/Leadership), Exchange is designed to bring practical learning and problem-solving to every role in the industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why GEAPS Exchange exists—and how it supports the GEAPS mission to champion, connect, and serve the global grain industry
• The value of Exchange for operations, maintenance, safety, processing, and leadership roles
• What “real-world education” looks like at Exchange (sessions, demonstrations, and interactive learning)
• How to approach the Expo Hall like a pro—especially with 400+ exhibitors
• The community-building events that make Exchange feel like your extended grain industry family
• Who should attend (hint: everyone) and how to plan for maximum return on time and investment
• Key event details, pricing context, and practical tips to attend with your team

Highlights discussed

• Education formats: classroom sessions, Innovation Stations demos, and interactive learning (including safety-focused experiences)
• Five education tracks: Processing, Maintenance, Grain Operations, Safety, Employee Development (Leadership)
• Networking & special events: First-Timer/International events, Get Acquainted Party, Welcome Reception, Fun Run/Walk, Cornhole Tournament, Grain Merchandisers Networking Event, and Music Bingo
• Why Exchange energizes people and sends them home with:
  1. renewed enthusiasm,
  2. new ideas,
  3. knowledge to apply, and
  4. new connections—people to call when you need help

Key details to remember

• GEAPS Exchange 2026 Website
• February 21–24, 2026
• Kansas City Convention Center
• 400+ exhibitors
• 45+ hours of education
• Innovation Stations and live demonstrations
• One of the biggest values of Exchange: the people you meet—and the problems you solve together

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, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Kyle Dixon, Vice President of Sales at IBT Industrial Solutions, about how grain facilities can do more with less—while improving reliability, uptime, and long-term value.

Kyle brings a rare perspective, having served as an IBT sales rep, regional manager, and now VP of Sales. He shares practical insights on proactive maintenance, simplifying storerooms, using technology wisely, and supporting a changing workforce. The focus is on real-world solutions grain professionals can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways (Condensed)

• Doing more with less means maximizing capability—not cutting corners
• Proactive maintenance reduces downtime and risk
• Simple changes can deliver big operational wins
• Technology works best alongside hands-on observation
• Education and supplier partnerships strengthen today’s workforce
• Suppliers can act as an extension of customer teams

Featured Partner

IBT Industrial Solutions is a GEAPS Premier Partner supporting grain operations with engineering expertise and responsive MRO solutions.

• IBT Industrial Solutions: https://www.ibtinc.com/
• IBT Grain Industry Solutions: https://www.ibtinc.com/industries/grain/

Past Whole Grain Podcast Episodes Featuring IBT Guests

• Keeping Grain Moving: Preventative Maintenance and Supplier Tips
  • https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/keeping-grain-moving-preventative-maintenance-and-supplier-tips/
• Everything from Conveyor Belting to Buckets with a 30-Year Grain Pro
  • https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/everything-from-conveyor-belting-to-buckets-with-a-30-year-grain-pro/
• Pillars of the Grain Industry
  • https://www.geaps.com/news-publications/whole-grain-podcast/pillars-of-the-grain-industry/

GEAPS Education & Events

• GEAPS Conveyor Training (Hands-On Programs):
  • https://www.geaps.com/events-meetings/conveyor-training/
• GEAPS Online Learning:
  • https://www.geaps.com/training-education/online-learning/
• GEAPS Exchange:
  • https://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.