MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Registration is open for three grain operations courses from the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) Distance Education Program. These online courses run from April 20-May 22, and registration closes Tuesday, April 14. Courses are open to anyone, even if they are not a GEAPS member or a student enrolled at KSU.

The first course focuses on facility design and planning. GEAPS 510: Grain Facilities Planning and Design I covers the key factors and information needed to build new facilities or modernize existing structures. Lectures cover facility types and capacities, storage structures, equipment, layouts and site selection. By the end of the course, participants will be asked to lay out a simple facility.

Another course focuses on managing grain quality. GEAPS 525: Management of Insect Pests in Stored Grain gives participants the skills to prevent and manage insect infestations using practical chemical and nonchemical methods. Lessons chronicle the most common types of insects associated with stored grain, pest management concepts including preventive and responsive tactics, and proper use of protectants and fumigants.

The final course covers grain entrapment. GEAPS 545: Grain Entrapment: Causes, Prevention and Rescue teaches participants how to identify problem areas, perform preventative maintenance and use equipment and systems to prevent entrapment. Lectures address government regulations, grain unloading and reclaiming, grain bin safety equipment and emergency preparedness.

GEAPS 510 is one of six courses required for the Credential in Grain Operations Management, and GEAPS 525 and GEAPS 545 are both required for Specialist Credentials. More information on the Credential Program, including the courses required for each Specialist Credential, is available on the GEAPS website.

Tuition for GEAPS/KSU continuing education courses is $640 for GEAPS members and $815 for non-members. For more information about the courses or the GEAPS/KSU Distance Education Program, visit the GEAPS website (www.geaps.com) or contact Laura Atchley at GEAPS by email at laura@geaps.com or call 1.952.928.4640.