GEAPS Exchange Education

The Exchange kicks off on a deep dive into a high-profile industry topic presented by a panel of experts. Hear industry leaders and safety professionals give a first-hand account of real life safety situations and the methods that they have implemented to correct hazards and prevent injuries. This engaging panel shares the lessons they have learned through their years of experience to help others create a vibrant safety culture. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in case studies and ask questions of the panel.

Presented By:

• Kevin Danner, Regulatory Compliance Director, Landus Cooperative
• Brad Bousquet, VP Safety, CVA Cooperative
• Eric Grundke, Corporate Safety Director, Kiewit

Thank you Opening Workshop sponsors!

B&E Construction Inc, Cargill Inc, C-TEC Ag, PMI Nebraska LLC, Schlagel Inc, Todd & Sargent Inc, Vigen Construction, and West Side Salvage Inc

The Idea Exchange features a variety of participants delivering short presentations with a goal of giving you the latest in what’s new in the industry. Here’s what you will see at Idea Exchange 2020:

What’s New?

• The Edge Sweep – Sioux Steel Company
• Barge Stowage Exam Camera System – Seedburo
• Self-Learning Custom Stroke Electric Actuator – LINAK
• TSS2 – Anderson Engineering
• SureTrack PRO – Intellifarms
• Barge Cover Handle – Wellman Solutions, LLC
• Guardian Positioning System – JMI Covers, LLC

Small Changes…Big Impact!

• Uses of 3D Laser Scanning Technologies for Project Cost Savings – Louis Dreyfus
• Chain Advancer for Changing Paddles on Box Conveyor Chain – Michigan Agricultural Commodities
• Tarps: Tricks on Bunkers – Skyland Grain
• Tarp Trick to Use on All Piles – River Valley Coop
• Pulling on Grain Pile Tarps: Making Something Hard, Easy! – Michigan Agricultural Commodities

Thank you Idea Exchange sponsors!

AGI Hi-Roller, Brock Grain, Cargill Inc, Comco Controls, Linak US Inc, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, and Schlagel Inc

Construction and operation of complex and large grain facilities cannot be undertaken without risk. As the grain industry continues to leverage larger, heavier structures, there needs to be an understanding of the geotechnical risks associated with the latest geotechnical construction techniques. In the grain industry, uneducated practitioners can be associated with catastrophic risks as a result of not understanding geotechnical conditions. This session will discuss what things can go wrong geotechnically, alternative techniques for lifting settled structures and large area loads and how they affect settlement.

Presented by Raymond Franz, Vice President, Hayward Baker

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Downtime is often blamed on poor maintenance or lack of maintenance. Undoubtedly, proper maintenance is important in keeping your conveyor in uptime and not downtime. However, there are several operators with exceptional maintenance that struggle with downtime. A contributing and often overlooked cause of downtime is the conveyor’s gearing and bearing selection and proper maintenance for the application.

Presented by:

• Brad Droegmiller, Senior Territory Manager, ABB
• Shelley Gager, Product Manager, ABB

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Achieving world-class status in safety isn’t just about an injury rate below a certain threshold. While numbers and hard data are important, they are only a reflection of a critically few characteristics that shape an organization’s safety results. A low injury rate is one outcome that results from creating the conditions that qualify an organization for world-class status. In this session, we will discuss the pillars of a good safety foundation and how they distinguish the best safety companies from all the other organizations.

Presented by Donald Groover, Sr. Vice President, DEKRA

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Every elevator faces the same challenge: optimizing production at the lowest possible cost. The key to optimizing production with no additional capital investment is a digital infrastructure that enables self-service access to operational data. You will learn, with the help of real-time data from all your plant assets and control systems, how users can optimize performance from every level and make critical changes that prevent production losses, increase output and preserve equipment health — all without complex technical knowledge of the data technology behind it.

Presented by Petter Mörée, Industry Principal, OSIsoft

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Lean is a business philosophy focused on maximizing customer value by eliminating waste. While these ideas originated in automotive manufacturing, they have been successfully applied to multiple industries, including agriculture. This session will introduce the basics of Lean Thinking with emphasis on examples of its application to the Grain Industry. Learn how Lean is being applied to the business of storing, moving and processing grain in the largest agriculture coop in the US.

Presented by:

• Heidi St. Clair; Director of Operational Excellence, Processing; CHS
• Ron Quintero; Director of Operational Excellence, Grain Marketing; CHS

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

In this panel discussion, construction and operation of complex and large grain facilities will be examined and discussed. As the grain industry continues to leverage larger, heavier structures, there needs to be an understanding of risks and most recent construction techniques. Experts in the grain industry will discuss real questions about the remediation of existing structures and geotechnical conditions. This session will give the audience an opportunity to ask questions and benefit from the knowledge of others in the industry.

Presented by:

• Michael Blough, Project Engineer, Clear Creek & Associates
• Joel Herald, Director, Corporate Engineering, The Andersons, Inc
• Kyle Brown, Project Engineer, The Andersons, Inc

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Federal Grain Inspection Advisor Committee is an important resource to all grain handlers. The committee advises FGIS on the programs, policies and services it delivers under the U.S. Grain Standards Act and the Agricultural Marketing Act. This session will help participants understand the resources they have available to them in a dynamic and changing marketplace to solve industry issues, help facilitate more trade and promote new markets and ideas.

Presented by Linsey Tobin, Quality Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Much has occurred in the last 2 years since the 2018 Food Safety Modernization Act. This session will help participants be more prepared and aware as auditors are diving deeper into facilities records, traceability is becoming a hotter topic, and the media continues to be that of the consumers. This session will focus on FDA visits vs FSMA Compliance, Grain Elevator Exemptions, and Foreign Supplier Verification.

Presented by Perry Nettles, Central Region Manager SPS, Ecolab

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

OSHA defines a confined space as being made up of 3 main parts:

1. Being large enough for an employee to enter and perform work;
2. Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and
3. Is not designed for continuous occupancy.

This session describes many kinds of areas a worker can encounter on a daily basis. It will illustrate what would be considered a non-permit required confined space and what would be considered a permit required confined space.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

This session will provide an overview of OSHA regulations and standards for Confined Spaces and how they apply to the grain industry. It will cover regulation and employer requirements for entering confined spaces, including permits, grain bin entry, training and labeling.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

This session will review grain quality management practices, which are critical to bin entry safety, which is critical keeping a workplace safe. It will cover grain temperature monitoring, pest control management, bin treatment, sanitation and aeration.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

OSHA lists 14 required pieces of information that need to be on every entry permit. This session will review the information OSHA requires on each permit and will discuss these requirements including:

• Supervisory and employee responsibilities
• Training procedures
• Management of change
• Periodic reviews
• Coordination of information with other parties needing access to the space

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

Before a permit-required confined space can be entered, the atmosphere must be tested using the steps identified on the permit. Verification testing is done to make sure that the chemical hazards that may be present are below the levels necessary for safe entry, and that they meet the conditions identified on the permit. This session will discuss the requirements for testing, monitoring and how to properly calibrate and maintain monitors to ensure safe operation.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

There are several basic rules recommended for persons entering the bin to prevent grain entrapment: Never enter the bin unless you believe there is no other way to solve the storage or unloading problem, always shut off all filling and discharge augers and conveyors, never enter the bin by yourself and use a “bin entry kit”.

This session will introduce the bin entry kit with the new grain entrapment prevention anchor points that North American bin manufacturers are starting to provide their customers for installation in new or existing grain storage bins.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

Grain entrapment rescue tubes are designed to act as a barrier to allow the pressure of the grain from being exerted on a trapped person. Once the tube is assembled around an entrant, the grain is removed from inside the tube, allowing the entrant to be gradually unburied.

This session will discuss the various types of rescue tubes available on the market, with hands-on training on how to rescue individuals trapped in grain bins using these tubes.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

OSHA has specific requirements for confined space entry and the equipment needed for safety entry in its 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Space Standard. This session will outline the “practices and procedures” required “to protect employees” from the risks of confined space entry. The equipment discussed will include tripod rescue systems, manhole equipment, rescue baskets, signage required and other equipment intended to keep employees safe while in a confined space.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Silos are fundamentally necessary for grain handling. Silos and other structures require maintenance just like mechanical systems. Routine inspection can help to keep facilities operating properly and keep personnel safe. This presentation will discuss common issues observed, what to seek on site, and possible solutions.

Presented by Gerard Lynskey, Principal, SSI Consulting

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Explosible dust clouds are regularly formed inside the powder storage, handling and processing equipment. Additionally, explosible dust clouds can form inside processing buildings under poor housekeeping conditions. This presentation discusses the practical measures that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of dust explosions and control their effects. Focus will be given to the requirements of the newly revised NFPA 652 Standard on the Fundamentals of Combustible Dust, 2019 Edition and NPA 61 Standard: Prevention of Fires and Dust Explosions in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities.

Presented by Vahib Ebadat, CEO, Stonehouse Process Safety

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Properly working conveyors are one of the best productivity-enhancing tools available. But entrapment in nip points, abrasions, burns and pinch zones can create damage by shearing and crushing that cause injuries. The right training, preparation and safety precautions can help. This highly interactive presentation offers five strategies to keep workers safe around belt conveyors. Learn the likelihood and the cost of accidents. Examine case studies and real-life examples of conveyor injuries, and discuss how they can be avoided.

Presented by Jerad Heitzler, Training Manager, Martin Engineering

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

U.S. agriculture has relied upon significant growth in trade over the past few decades, moving from very limited ag trade in the 1970s to over $130 billion of ag trade in the past few years. In this session, we will discuss the factors and reasons behind the various trade disputes impacting agriculture, focusing mainly on the U.S.-China trade war. We will also examine recently constructed trade deals (USMCA) and potential trade agreements (Japan, EU and the UK).

Presented by Chad Hart, Associate Professor, Iowa State University

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Motors need regular maintenance in order to avoid failure and prolong their lifespan. This session will provide an overview of how electric motors work, different voltages and the types of motors in the ag processing world. Learn about motor efficiency and how it affects the power factor, and what “premium efficient” means today. Motor maintenance, including lubrication frequency and keeping fans and cooling fins clean, will be discussed.

Presented by Nick Hastings, Business Development Manager – Agribusiness, WEG Electric Corp

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

This session will be an open discussion on dust collection systems, the different types and cost savings. Included in the panel are a variety of perspectives on grain dust systems, including insights on designing the system, different types and new designs, and practical use and the end user experience. Efficiency as a cost savings measure will also be discussed. The panel will also take questions from the audience.

Presented by:

• Mike Phillips, Perdue Agribusiness
• Andrew Lewman, AGI AIRLANCO
• Jack Osborn, Airdusco

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

This presentation will provide an update on emerging regulatory issues within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Topics will include OSHA’s and EPA’s policies, rule-makings and interpretations on such issues as continued enforcement within the grain handling industry; injury and illness record keeping; combustible dust; walking working surfaces and temporary storage.

Presented by Jess McCluer, VP of Safety & Regulatory Affairs, NGFA

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Human Resource is a critical and necessary part of any organization. Join us for a panel focused on current HR concerns. Several scenarios will be discussed by a panel of industry experts and human resource professionals. Issues of concern include: fostering a strong corporate culture; staffing and recruiting; and developing employees and managers. You will learn how solving HR issues can play an important role in the growth of your business.

Presented by:

• Paul Steinlage, Operations Manager, General Mills
• Casey Jones, Project Manager, CGB Enterprises, Inc
• Justin Myers, Senior Project Manager, The Andersons, Inc
• Chris Case, Senior Operations Manager, Bunge

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

SILO is the First Ever Feature Film about a Grain Entrapment

Inspired by true events, SILO follows a harrowing day in an American farm town. Disaster strikes when teenager Cody Rose is entrapped in a 50-foot-tall grain bin. When the corn turns to quicksand, family, neighbors and first responders must put aside their differences to rescue Cody from drowning in the crop that has sustained their community for generations.

The screening includes:

• Scheduled meet-and-greet with star Jim Parrack
• Grain tube giveaways for emergency responders
• Panel discussion on how themes from the film apply in real life

Speaking on the panel are Dr. Carol Jones, Oklahoma State University; Jess McCluer, NGFA; and Butch Hendrix, safety director at Kokomo Grain.

The event is open to all GEAPS members, and Exchange 2020 attendees and their guests. There is no cost for the screening.

Held in partnership with the NGFA Foundation.

NC-213 researchers address critical, continuing issues in post-harvest grain quality. This presentation will outline and summarize innovations in grain handling and processing from a research perspective. New ideas are proposed on how grain can be processed and handled with lower energy, less waste, greater efficiency and greater profit margin. Improvements on the horizon and in the next 50 years in grain handling and processing will be discussed.

Presented by:

• Guy Roger Aby, Research Assistant, Iowa State University
• R.P. Kingsly Ambrose, Associate Professor, Purdue University

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Are organic and non-GMO programs right for you? This session provides insight into organic and non-GMO trends as well as the challenges and requirements to satisfy these standards. Learn the differences and similarities between organic and non-GMO standards. Gain a better understanding of marketing dynamics and drivers of growth as well as implementation process, timing and challenges. Misconceptions of organic and non-GMO programs will be examined and discussed.

Presented by Jamie Welch, Market Segment Leader, EnviroLogix

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Onboarding new employees presents a unique set of challenges, including low reading and comprehension levels, time constraints and language barriers, to name just a few. This session will provide you with strategies for providing employees with the safety information they need to keep themselves safe while maintaining compliance with workplace safety standards. Strategies presented in this session include managing the hiring process, the use of instructor led and online training, hands-on training, job shadowing programs and routine reinforcement training.

Presented by Joe Mlynek, Partner, Safety Made Simple, Inc

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

All sorts of aggression can take place in the workplace both from external customers and internal employees and their relatives. A certified ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) instructor discusses how to protect your company from an active aggressor, how to prepare your company for a violent act, and how to enable employees to react properly. An OSHA Alliance company, they also discuss the requirements for a separate emergency response plan to react to all potential hazards in the workplace.

Presented by Terry Lively, Safety & Compliance Manager, Marsh McLennan Agency, LLC

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Industrial professionals are being bombarded with marketing messaging around Internet of things, Industry 4.0 and cloud technology. With all this marketing, it is hard to differentiate between what are solutions that can provide real value to your business and those that are purely technology buzzwords. This presentation will help professionals in the grain industry understand the technology, identify opportunities for Industrial IOT to benefit their business and see how others in the industry are using this technology.

Presented by David Marek, Business Development Manager, Donaldson

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

What do your control panels look like? Are you seeing things you shouldn’t inside? Taking the time to inspect for issues such as hot spots and smoke residue can help avoid accidents and costly issues. This session will dive inside control panels, including the importance of preventative maintenance and safety practices. The importance of good labeling, schematics, including prints for PLC and VFDs will be discussed.

Presented by Shawn Cadman, Outside Sales Representative, Kasa Industrial Controls

Thank you sponsors!   McCormick Construction Co, MKC, PCL Construction, PMI Nebraska LLC, VAA LLC and WL Port-Land Systems

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

Confined spaces may seem as if they are big enough for a worker to enter. However, these are dangerous to work in since they have limited entryways and exits, and can be life threatening if not taken seriously.

This session will cover the OSHA required confined space safety training requirements for the employer and all affected employees.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

It is mandatory that all of the employees who work with permit-required confined spaces are fully trained before performing assigned duties. Employees must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performing their assigned tasks and have the necessary understanding, knowledge, and skills to safely perform their duties.

Paragraphs (h), (i), and (j) of the standard specify the duties of authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors. This session will cover the roles and accountability for these positions.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

Grain entrapment rescue tubes are designed to act as a barrier to allow the pressure of the grain from being exerted on a trapped person. Once the tube is assembled around an entrant, the grain is removed from inside the tube, allowing the entrant to be gradually unburied.

This session will discuss the various types of rescue tubes available on the market, with hands-on training on how to rescue individuals trapped in grain bins using these tubes.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Designed for small groups and hosted in the Expo Hall, these interactive presentations feature equipment demonstrations, hands-on time and an opportunity for questions and answers.

OSHA has specific requirements for confined space entry and the equipment needed for safety entry in its 1910.146 Permit Required Confined Space Standard. This session will outline the “practices and procedures” required “to protect employees” from the risks of confined space entry. The equipment discussed will include tripod rescue systems, manhole equipment, rescue baskets, signage required and other equipment intended to keep employees safe while in a confined space.

Thank you Expo Pod sponsors!  Cleveland Vibrator Co, Feed & Grain Magazine, Grain Journal and Viterra

Project problems can cost organizations time and money.  This session examines some case studies of devastating project disasters and probable root causes.  Consideration will be given to what transpires after the disaster and the relationship between the owner and the contractor.  This will include discussion on how to prepare for lawyers and insurance companies, and the heavy involvement between the owner and project stakeholders.  Takeaways will also include ideas for alternatives to potentially unsafe conditions and considerable time and expense in a courtroom.

Presented By: Jim Gales, Capital Project Consultant, CHS