MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. – The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) will launch a Grain Elevator Managers Course (GEM) next May.

The course is a further development of the existing grain elevator managers course that the KSU IGP Institute has historically offered. It is being developed and produced jointly with GEAPS and KSU to expand their combined portfolio of professional development programs.

 “The Kansas State grain science faculty have enjoyed a great working relationship with GEAPS for more than 10 years and this is a logical progression of that professional partnership,” said Gordon Smith, director of the IGP Institute and head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry.

Robert Taylor, president of GEAPS International, said it is another new experiential learning opportunity that leverages the experience of GEAPS members and the academic expertise of K-State.

 “We are constantly monitoring the needs of the grain handling and processing operations industry, and looking for ways to deliver on our promise as the knowledge resource,” Taylor said. “We have had very positive feedback on our existing portfolio with K-State, and we look forward to delivering an outstanding course for new and future elevator managers.”

The four-day course focuses on best practices for grain handling facility operations and grain quality management. It also explains the science behind the processes.

It provides new managers the information they need to correctly interpret the experiences they will have managing grain quality, and the insight they will need to evaluate and optimize established operations practices including:

 • Operations Safety and Workforce Management

• Grain Handling Systems Design and Equipment Maintenance

• Grain Quality Characteristics and Supply Chain Value Considerations

• Drying and Aeration Optimization

• Stored Grain Pest Management

• Temporary Storage Options and Management

The course will take place at the KSU IGP Institute Conference Center in Manhattan, Kansas, U.S. The registration fee for the joint course will be $1,000, the same as the currently-offered course, but discounted to $670 for GEAPS members. Registration for the GEAPS-KSU Grain Elevator Managers course will open early next year.