MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. – Twenty-six individuals from across the U.S. and Canada involved in grain storage traveled to the International Grains Program (IGP) for the semi-annual Grain Elevator Managers course. This course took place from Jan. 7-11, and included presentations from experts within Kansas State University (KSU) and the grain industry.

"The purpose of this course was to supply grain-management information that is not available elsewhere and cannot be learned by on-the-job experiences, information that helps grain managers correctly interpret their experiences so they can avoid errors and become more efficient," said Carl Reed course coordinator and IGP grain storage specialist emeritus.

Included in the course were presentations from Reed and other professionals such as Wes Peterson, Custom Dryer Service LLC, classroom discussions and workshops. Topics covered included grain quality characteristics and grading, psychometrics relating to aeration, operating costs, equipment and fumigation plans. Reed says this course was especially good for new managers.

An operations manager from Odem, Texas, U.S., said he would recommend this course to anyone working with storing grain. The topics were relevant and very useful, Jason Lee, Planters Grains Coop, said.

"We wanted a better handle on aeration and how to become better managers," Lee said. "I have learned a lot about aeration and how different to do it in order to correct it and not lose so much to shrink."

Reed believes in using these opportunities as a way for participants to network with each other as well, and several participants took advantage of that experience. Steve Dehotal, operations manager for Maplehurst Farms, said that was one of his favorite aspects of the course along with learning about the Hal Ross Flour Mill.

"I’ve really enjoyed visiting with the people from different parts of the country and touring the school," Dehotal said. "The most interesting part was touring the flour mill, I’d never seen anything like it before."