MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) offer courses on training on grain quality management, inspection, materials handling and equipment management in January.

The courses run from Jan. 4 through Feb. 5, 2016, and registration closes Dec. 15.

GEAPS 520: Grain Quality Management course is a resource for anyone responsible for grain quality, including those who work with storing and conditioning, aerating, drying, pest control or mycotoxin management. Participants learn about quality control and measurement methods, and international grain-grading standards.

GEAPS 522: FGIS Grain Inspection Orientation course was developed by the USDA’s Federal Grain Inspection Service in conjunction with GEAPS and K-State. It introduces the basics of grain inspections, provides a history of inspection and an overview of general techniques.

GEAPS 550: Materials Handling I course is the first in a three-part series and focuses on the properties and flow characteristics of grains and other dry bulk materials. Students will be able to determine various material characteristics and their effect on the selection and sizing of bins, spouting and screw conveyors.

GEAPS 554: Equipment Maintenance I course teaches safe function, monitoring, adjustments, maintenance and repair of equipment used in grain facility operations. Lectures cover the parts, components and troubleshooting of common elevator equipment. They also address maintenance methodology, dust suppression and collection, power drive transmissions, screw conveyors and bin sweeps.

GEAPS 520 and GEAPS 550 are two of six courses required for the Credential in Grain Operations Management and the Credential in Grain Processing Management. All six courses for both credentials will be available in 2016. For more information on the credentials, visit the GEAPS credential website.

Courses cost $670 for GEAPS members and $850 for non-members. Companies can save on blocks of registrations with the volume discounts program, which locks in the price for three years. Volume discounts purchased before Dec. 31, 2015, save on the 2015 GEAPS member price of $640 per course.

For more information about the courses or the GEAPS/K-State Distance Education Program, visit the GEAPS website or contact Chuck House at chuck@geaps.com or call (763) 999-4300.