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.

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, 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.