MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. — Grain elevator managers from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at Kansas State University’s IGP Institute Conference Center on Jan. 5-9 for the Grain Elevator Managers course. The course covered a variety of topics including personnel management, grain quality assessment, grain handling equipment, and grain receiving and shipping, among others.

“The purpose of this course is 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 Institute grain storage specialist emeritus.

Tony Martens, manager of United Farmers Co-op in Brownton, Minnesota, U.S., and course participant found this course especially helpful regarding aeration practices.

“I now have a better understanding of how air moves moisture through the bin,” Martens said.
“We will definitely be able to aerate grain more efficiently now and that is a big expense for us.”

The IGP Institute faculty and staff recognize the significance of interacting with and building relationships with industry professionals and encourages the networking opportunities that are available through the courses, IGP said.

“It’s always good to get somebody else’s perspective from not only the professor, but from the other guys in the class, too,” Martens said.